The health benefits of a clean mattress: how it affects sleep

Humans spend a third of their lives sleeping. Hence the importance of keeping the mattress they rest on clean , as its condition truly influences the quality of sleep, rest, and health, especially for people with skin allergies or respiratory problems.
A dirty mattress can not only affect the quality of your sleep, but it can also be a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria that can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies and asthma.
In addition to cleaning, using mattress protectors is also an excellent option for caring for this item, as they help keep the mattress clean and free of stains caused by sweat or spills.
These are the recommendations to keep a mattress in perfect condition It is important to keep in mind the following recommendations to protect and extend the life of a mattress.
- Allow your mattress to air out regularly, remove the sheets at least once a month, and let the mattress breathe for a few hours to prevent moisture buildup.
- Rotate your mattress every three months: It's ideal to turn it clockwise to prevent uneven wear and prevent lumps from forming. This ensures even support and greater comfort. Depending on the design, it may be enough—according to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU)—to simply place the head portion at the foot of the mattress. You can also turn it completely over, that is, turn something that had been face down for months face up.
- Perform a deep cleaning periodically, which consists of vacuuming the mattress every two months to keep it free of dust and mite formation.
- It's also important that your mattress has hypoallergenic fibers and fabrics, like El Dorado's Vital and Galaxy mattresses.
- It is recommended that you have your mattress professionally cleaned at least once a year, including disinfecting and steaming with specialized products.

Photo: iStock
According to an article published by BBC Mundo, in addition to general cleaning and turning the mattress , it's important to keep in mind that some stains should be removed as soon as possible; otherwise, the mattress will become a "nest of bacteria" and cause unpleasant odors.
The most important tip when cleaning a mattress stain is not to soak it or rub it in a desperate attempt to remove it. This will only make things worse.
The first step is to place a towel to absorb the liquid or stain. If there are several, proceed one at a time and finally wipe with a well-wrung cloth.
To clean and disinfect saliva or sweat stains, you can use a stain remover or upholstery cleaner, one that contains enzymes, or a little dish soap with vinegar dissolved in warm water.
If the mattress has a blood stain, it's helpful to prepare a thick baking soda paste using very little water. Apply it to the stain for half an hour and brush it off when dry to remove any remaining blood. Finally, wipe it with a sponge moistened with salt water. If the stain has only recently appeared, a little hydrogen peroxide will be enough to remove it.
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