There are 2 popular types of mattress, coil mattress and latex mattress. Each type will need a different treatment and cleaning process to prolong its life and keep it feels like new.
Why Choose Latex Mattress Instead of Coil Mattress?
Latex mattresses are made of natural materials, which makes them more durable and comfortable than coil mattresses. Coil mattresses are made of metal coils that can rust over time, making them less comfortable and less supportive.
Latex mattresses are also less likely to harbour dust mites and other allergens, making them a good choice for people with allergies or asthma. Last but not least, latex mattresses are more environmentally friendly than coil mattresses because they are made of renewable materials.
Why is It Important to Clean Latex Mattress?
Latex mattresses are usually made from natural material such as rubber tree sap. It has hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties to protect you from bacteria, dust mites, and mould. Although it’s naturally resistant to those allergens, it still needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.
Dirty latex mattresses can harbour bacterial growth, which can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. The dust mites that live in the mattress can also cause asthma attacks. To prevent those health problems, you need to clean your latex mattress at least once a month.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Latex Mattress
Cleaning a natural latex mattress properly ensures it stays fresh and comfortable for years. Follow this simple guide to deep clean your mattress without damaging its natural properties.
What You’ll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Baking soda (1-2 cups)
- Mild liquid detergent
- Clean white cloths
- Spray bottle with cold water
- Essential oils (optional)
Step 1: Strip and Vacuum
Remove all bedding, including sheets and mattress protector. Open windows for good ventilation—this is especially important in Singapore’s humid climate.
Vacuum the entire mattress surface using an upholstery attachment. Use slow, overlapping strokes to pick up dust, dead skin cells, and debris. Pay extra attention to seams, edges, and corners where allergens accumulate.
Step 2: Spot Clean Stains
For fresh stains, blot immediately with a dry cloth—never rub. Mix one teaspoon of mild detergent with one cup of cold water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the stained area without saturating it. Gently dab with a clean cloth, then blot with a damp cloth to rinse and a dry cloth to absorb moisture.
Important: Never use bleach, hot water, or steam cleaners on latex mattresses as these can damage the natural material.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the entire mattress surface. For added freshness, mix in 10-15 drops of essential oil like lavender or tea tree. The baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odours naturally.
Let it sit for at least 2-3 hours. For heavily soiled mattresses, leave it for up to 8 hours.
Step 4: Vacuum Again
After the baking soda treatment, vacuum the entire surface thoroughly to remove all residue. Make several passes to ensure you’ve picked up all the powder.
Step 5: Air Dry Completely
Allow the mattress to air out for 4-6 hours before making the bed. Position fans near the mattress or place it by open windows. The mattress must be completely dry to prevent mould growth—this is crucial in humid climates.
Test by touching the surface and pressing gently. It should feel completely dry and cool, not damp or clammy.
Step 6: Protect and Maintain
Once fully dry, put on a clean mattress protector before adding fresh sheets. Rotate your mattress 180 degrees every three months for even wear.
Cleaning Frequency:
- Full deep clean: Every 3-6 months
- Spot cleaning: Immediately after spills
- Vacuuming: Monthly
When to Call Professional Help
If your mattress has stubborn stains, persistent odours, or hasn’t been professionally cleaned in over a year, consider calling a professional mattress cleaning service. They use specialized equipment that deep cleans without damaging the latex material.
Latex Mattress Maintenance
Natural latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners in Singapore. Made from rubber tree sap, these mattresses offer superior comfort, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. However, to enjoy these benefits for years to come, proper care and maintenance are essential.
Why Natural Latex Mattresses Need Special Care
Unlike traditional spring mattresses, natural latex mattresses are made from organic materials that require gentle handling. While latex is naturally resistant to dust mites, mould, and bacteria, it can still accumulate dirt, body oils, and allergens over time. Regular maintenance helps preserve the mattress’s elasticity, prevents premature wear, and ensures you continue to sleep in a clean, healthy environment.
Proper care also protects your investment. A well-maintained natural latex mattress can last 15-20 years, making it worth the effort to keep it in pristine condition.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips
Air It Out Regularly: Every morning, pull back your sheets and allow your mattress to breathe for 30 minutes. This simple habit helps moisture evaporate and prevents mould growth in Singapore’s humid climate. Once a week, remove all bedding and open windows to let fresh air circulate around the mattress.
Use a Mattress Protector: Invest in a breathable, waterproof mattress protector. This creates a barrier against spills, sweat, and stains while still allowing air to flow through. Wash the protector every two weeks to maintain cleanliness.
Rotate Your Mattress: Rotate your natural latex mattress 180 degrees every three months. This ensures even wear and prevents body impressions from forming in one spot. Unlike some mattresses, you don’t need to flip a latex mattress unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
Vacuum Thoroughly: Once a month, vacuum your mattress using an upholstery attachment. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where dust accumulates. This removes dead skin cells, dust mites, and other allergens.
Baking Soda Treatment: For a deep clean, sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire surface. Add a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil for a fresh scent and added antimicrobial properties. Let it sit for 2-3 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. This natural method absorbs odours and moisture without damaging the latex.
Handling Spills and Stains
Act quickly when accidents happen. Blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth—never rub, as this pushes liquid deeper into the mattress. Use a mild detergent mixed with cold water to gently clean the area. Dab with a damp cloth to rinse, then blot dry. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting sheets back on.
Important: Never soak your latex mattress or use hot water, as this can break down the natural latex material.
Calling Professional Cleaning Service to Help You
If you don’t have time to clean your mattress, you can always call professional mattress cleaning service. Depending on the service, Helpling’s Mattress Cleaning Professionals use special equipment to clean your mattress thoroughly.
The rates are usually affordable and it is worth every penny because you can avoid all the hassle and get a clean mattress in no time. The rates for mattress cleaning service will typically increase with mattress size.
About Helpling
Helpling is a super app for household services. As a home service company, we work with, and train cleaning professionals to provide a wide range of services such as home cleaning service, aircon service, carpet cleaning, and mattress cleaning.
Beyond that, we also provide solutions for other household needs such as handyman, plumbing, and gardening service, all of which can be seamlessly and efficiently booked through our app or, for existing customers, via their personal Home Advisors.
Helpling’s professional cleaners are top-rated, thoughtful and thorough which give you the confidence and assurance you need so that you can focus on your priorities.
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