The experts have shared their advice and it’s pretty disgusting
It may be time to clean your mattress – and it’s probably dirtier than you think(Image: Getty)
While many of us change our bed sheets and pillow cases often, there’s one rule many forget to follow when it comes to what they actually lie on. Consumer champions at Which? state there’s “no rule for how frequently a mattress should be cleaned”.
This is because it comes down to several personal factors, but there should be a general rule of thumb that happens every six months. Which? suggests: “A good guideline is to clean and refresh it every six months, and flip or rotate your mattress as often as the care instructions state. Some mattresses will not require flipping – check your manufacturer’s guidance.
“For allergy-sufferers, look out for the signs of an allergic reaction (runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat) as these may signal it’s time to clean your mattress.”
How often you clean your mattress will largely depend on your home environment and how your mattress is used. If you regularly spend time in bed working, eating, or relaxing, you’ll likely need to clean your mattress more frequently.
What happens if you never clean your mattress?
In another post about mattresses, the consumer champions say that some people assume their bed isn’t dirty, especially if they shower before bed. And sadly, this just isn’t the case.
It notes that according to The Sleep Council:
- The average adult loses 285ml of fluid each night
- We shed around 454g of dead skin over the course of a year, much of which ends up nestled in your bed
- An average bed contains 10,000 dust mites that produce more than two million droppings, which can aggravate allergies
- A person spends roughly a third of their life asleep.
It adds: “So if you never clean your mattress, it could become a hot bed of bacteria, dust, mould or dust mites. All of which is not only unhygienic, but can also aggravate allergies. Always check the specific care labels for your mattress before starting any cleaning.”
How often should you buy a new mattress?
Which? says: “Investing in mattress toppers and protectors can lengthen the lifespan of your mattress, but if yours is truly getting tatty, lumpy or saggy – or you’ve had a severe infestation of bedbugs – it may be better for your sleep and health to buy a new one.”
