How often should I deep clean my mattress?

A thorough deep clean every 6 months is ideal for most households. However, if you have allergies, pets on the bed, or live in a particularly humid area of Ireland, consider cleaning every 3-4 months. Vacuuming the surface can be done monthly.

Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?

Steam cleaning can kill dust mites and bacteria, but use with caution. Memory foam and latex mattresses can be damaged by excess moisture. If you do steam clean, use the lowest moisture setting and ensure the mattress dries completely (at least 4-6 hours) before putting bedding back on.

What's the best way to remove urine stains?

Act quickly—blot (don't rub) as much liquid as possible with clean towels. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray lightly, and blot dry. Follow with a light sprinkle of baking soda, leave for 8-10 hours, then vacuum. For older stains, an enzyme-based cleaner works best.

Do mattress protectors make you sweat?

Older vinyl protectors were notorious for trapping heat, but modern protectors are designed with breathability in mind. Look for protectors with cotton terry tops, Tencel, or bamboo-derived fabrics. These wick moisture away while still providing waterproof protection.

Should I air out my mattress in Ireland's damp climate?

Yes, but timing matters. Choose a dry, sunny day with low humidity. Pull back the covers each morning for 20-30 minutes to let moisture evaporate. For a deeper air-out, open windows on a mild, dry day—avoid this during rainy or very humid weather as it can introduce more moisture.

How do I prevent mould in my mattress?

Ireland's humidity makes mould prevention crucial. Use a breathable mattress protector, ensure your bed has good airflow underneath (avoid solid divan bases in damp rooms), air out bedding daily, and consider using a dehumidifier in your bedroom during autumn/winter months.

Can I put my mattress in the sun to freshen it?

UV light is a natural sanitiser and can help eliminate odours. If you can safely move your mattress outdoors on a dry, sunny day (rare in Ireland!), even a few hours of direct sunlight can help. Alternatively, placing it near a sunny window with curtains open has a milder effect.

Mattress Care & Maintenance

A well-maintained mattress can last years longer than a neglected one. In Ireland's damp climate, proper care is especially important to prevent moisture buildup, mould, and dust mite infestations. Here's everything you need to know to keep your mattress fresh, clean, and supportive.

Protect

Use a quality protector from day one

Rotate

Every 3-6 months for even wear

Clean

Vacuum monthly, deep clean bi-annually

Air Out

Daily airing prevents moisture buildup

How to Clean Your Mattress

Regular cleaning removes dust mites, dead skin cells, and allergens that accumulate over time. Here's a step-by-step routine for keeping your mattress fresh:

Monthly Maintenance

•Vacuum the surface using the upholstery attachment. Work in overlapping strokes across the entire top and sides.
•Spot clean any fresh stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
•Wash your mattress protector according to care instructions (typically at 60°C).

Bi-Annual Deep Clean

1Strip all bedding and wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows.
2Vacuum thoroughly, paying extra attention to seams, edges, and any tufting where dust collects.
3Deodorise with baking soda: Sprinkle a thin layer across the entire surface, leave for 2-4 hours (or overnight), then vacuum completely.
4Treat any stains with appropriate solutions (see stain removal guide below).
5Air the mattress by opening windows or using a fan to promote airflow for several hours.

Stain Removal Guide

Different stains require different treatments. Always blot (never rub), work from the outside in, and avoid soaking the mattress:

Blood Stains

Use cold water only (hot water sets protein stains). Mix 1 tbsp salt with 250ml cold water, apply with cloth, blot dry. For dried stains, try hydrogen peroxide (test first).

Urine Stains

Blot excess, spray with 50/50 white vinegar and water solution, blot dry. Cover with baking soda overnight, then vacuum. Enzyme cleaners work best for odours.

Sweat & Yellow Stains

Mix dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Apply to stain, leave 30 minutes, blot away with damp cloth. Repeat if needed.

Food & Drink Spills

Blot immediately, then clean with mild dish soap and cold water. For coffee or wine, add white vinegar to the solution. Dry thoroughly with a fan.

Important: Moisture Warning

Never soak your mattress or use excessive water—especially with memory foam. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mould growth, which is particularly problematic in Ireland's humid climate. Always dry completely before replacing bedding.

Rotation & Flipping Schedule

Regular rotation ensures even wear across the mattress surface, preventing body impressions and sagging in your usual sleeping position. Note that most modern mattresses are one-sided and shouldn't be flipped.

Mattress Type	Rotate (180°)	Flip
Memory Foam	Every 3-6 months	No (one-sided)
Latex	Every 3-6 months	Only if double-sided
Hybrid	Every 3-6 months	No (one-sided)
Innerspring	Every 3-6 months	Yes, if double-sided
Pillow Top	Every 2-3 months	No (one-sided)

Tip: Set a calendar reminder every 3 months. When rotating, also vacuum the base of your bed and check for any damage to the mattress underside.

Using Mattress Protectors

A quality mattress protector is the single most important investment you can make to extend your mattress's lifespan. It's especially critical in Ireland's humid climate, where moisture and mould are real concerns.

Benefits of Protection

✓Blocks spills, sweat, and body oils from reaching the mattress
✓Creates barrier against dust mites and allergens
✓Prevents mould and mildew in damp conditions
✓Keeps warranty valid (many require protector use)
✓Much easier to wash than the mattress itself

What to Look For

•Waterproof membrane with breathable top layer (cotton, Tencel, bamboo)
•Deep pockets to fit mattresses 25-35cm deep
•Machine washable at 60°C (kills dust mites)
•Hypoallergenic certification for allergy sufferers
•Quiet material that doesn't crinkle when you move

Irish Climate Tip: In Ireland's damp climate, avoid fully encased (zipped) protectors unless you have a specific dust mite allergy. They can trap moisture underneath. A fitted protector allows better airflow while still protecting the sleep surface.

Caring for Your Mattress in Ireland's Climate

Ireland's high humidity and limited sunshine present unique challenges for mattress care. Here's how to adapt your maintenance routine:

Combat Humidity

Indoor humidity often exceeds 60% in Irish homes, especially in autumn and winter. This creates ideal conditions for mould and dust mites.

Solution: Use a dehumidifier to keep bedroom humidity between 40-50%. Ensure your bed base allows airflow underneath—avoid placing mattresses directly on the floor or on solid divan bases in damp rooms.

Daily Airing Routine

We lose about 200ml of moisture per night through sweat and breathing. In Ireland's climate, this moisture is slower to evaporate.

Solution: Pull back your duvet and sheets each morning for at least 20-30 minutes before making the bed. Open a window if weather permits, or turn on heating briefly to encourage evaporation.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Time your deep cleans for drier periods when you can properly air out the mattress.

Solution: Schedule thorough cleaning for late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September) when you're more likely to get a dry spell. Avoid deep cleaning in November-February when drying is difficult.