Have you started your spring cleaning yet?
As the weather gets warmer, most of us start to get the Spring Cleaning itch and begin by cleaning out a junk drawer or cleaning a closet (or two) then move on to a bigger job like cleaning the garage. If it seems like your Spring Cleaning To Do list is a mile long I suggest you start with the areas of your home that are used the most often but might get neglected.
Do you think you have a
clean mattress?
Even if you change your sheets and pillowcases weekly, chances are you haven’t thought about how to clean a mattress lately. Dust and dust mites accumulate in our bedding very quickly and can cause anywhere from mild to severe allergic reactions. Getting rid of dust mites is an ongoing battle and one effective way to fight them is to keep your mattress and bedding clean. Below are 5 simple steps to help you clean your mattress on a regular basis (and not wait for Spring!)
Pop un-washable fabrics and pillows into the freezer for 24 to 48 hours to kill dust mitesStep 1: Strip the bed completely of all sheets, mattress pads and bed skirts. Wash bed linens in a Homemade Laundry Detergent or a green detergent. Dry and set aside.
Step 2: Combine approximately 1 cup of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional) in a jar with a lid. I like lavender but if you like the smell, eucalyptus is thought to be an excellent anti-dustmite essential oil. Shake until baking soda and oil are mixed.
Step 3: Add baking soda mixture to a powdered sugar shaker or fine mesh kitchen strainer. Shake over entire mattress until coated. Leave baking soda on mattress for at least an hour.
Step 4: Vacuum baking soda off of mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Step 5: Add a light sprinkling of fresh baking soda on the bare mattress (optional), then put on your mattress pad, dust ruffle, sheets, etc.
Now your bed is fresh, clean and dust mite free. Go on, go take a nap. You deserve it!
