The recent heat and humidity have made it hard to believe that fall is here. Soon, the heat will pass and cooler temperatures will come.
The change in seasons signals us to change as well, including checking off to-dos on the home-maintenance list. Up this month: cleaning the mattress. It may seem like an arduous task, but the steps are relatively simple.
Wash up
Remove your sheets and mattress cover in the morning. Wash them according to manufacturer instructions and keep them off the bed until evening. This will allow you to clean your mattress thoroughly, and it also gives the mattress time to air out.
Strip out stains
If the stain is wet, blot it as much as possible to prevent it from soaking into the mattress. Then, apply upholstery cleaner to the stain, spraying generously but not over-saturating the area. Let sit for five minutes and then blot with an absorbent cloth. Take care to blot and avoid rubbing.
For tougher stains, mix baking soda and water (about one part to two, respectively). Apply to the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse by blotting with a clean, damp cloth (dampened with cold water). Use a dry towel to absorb moisture and point a fan at the area to help dry.
Vacuum
Do this at least once a month. First, sift baking soda over the surface and let sit for 30 minutes. Then, use the attachment on your vacuum and go over the surface and into crevices. The trick is to clean the attachment before you start.
Beat it
Once a year, take the mattress outside and beat it with the back end of a broom or the like on both sides.
Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.