Henry Carlson
We all want the best for our homes and this applies to the things found inside in it too. Since the overall state of our home mirrors who we are and our state of mind, it is only right to make sure that everything is in tip-top condition. This includes all the furniture inside the house, no matter how hard it is to clean.
A usual favorite for many would be the futon mattresses. This is an area often used for sitting and lounging, so just imagine the dirt that can accumulate if left unclean for a long time. And since futons are usually referred to as iconic pieces for the living room, these are prone to different types of staining and soiling.
This piece of furniture is so comfortable and versatile that it works as a complimentary material to beds, sofas and couches. The only thing that comes with this would be that it requires daily cleaning and regular maintenance. Having a regular cleaning schedule will not only make this look presentable and good to be in, it will also extend its life and usefulness.
A lot of homeowners find cleaning a bit problematic because of the daunting thought of not being able to clean it down to its last layer. Some futon mattresses are thick and are made with various layers, the question is, how does one clean it without getting professional services?
To make cleaning and maintenance easier and less dreadful for you, we have prepared a couple of steps and guidelines that you can use. As you read on, you will be able to find your way through cleaning your own futon mattress at home. Let’s tackle it one by one.
How to Deep Clean Your Futon Mattress
While a mattress may seem clean from afar, looking into it closely will reveal a couple of foreign objects such as dust mites, sweat, dander, hair strands, dead skin, dirt, and mold. You might also be surprised to see a couple of food droppings, liquid spills and other pet wastes that you may not be sure of.
- Clean the futon with a vacuum
The first step would be to use a vacuum to clean the futon of dirt, debris, loose hair and other foreign objects in it. Make sure to cover all the corners of the futon. The best way to clean it would be to flip over the other side of the mattress so you can clean all the sides effectively.
If necessary, you can also use an upholstery brush for the cracks and crevices of your futon. It is important that you get a vacuum that is comfortable for you to use. Get one that can cater to the areas that you wish to clean.
- The mattress should be deodorized
Several factors can cause your futon mattress to have a foul smell. Apart from debris and dust, mold and mildew growth can also lead to nasty smells in your furniture. This is why it is important to take some time to deodorize it every once in a while.
The best time to deodorize it would be during a session of deep cleaning. To do it, you can simply shower your futon with baking soda until the whole surface is covered. Leave it for an hour to set, and then proceed to vacuuming the unit until all the baking soda is removed.
- Look out for stains and address immediately
There may be times where mold and mildew can leave stains on your futon mattress. While this does not happen in an instant, prolonged neglect can cause spots and stains that may be difficult to remove. As for other stains, make sure to have an ocular from time to time so you don’t leave any stain untreated.
Once you find one, you can soak a damp washcloth with a bit of warm water and mild laundry detergent to splotch it out. However, it is important that you do not put a lot of water as this can cause moisture and lead to mold and mildew growth. To guarantee safety of your futon, try to cleanse one small area with the mixture first and then proceed if discoloration does not occur.
- Allow the mattress to dry well
It is important to let the mattress dry well because foul odor may build up if left dry. To speed up the drying process, you can leave the doors and windows open so air can come in to dry it. Turning on the fan or using the hair dryer can also help. The usual drying process takes an entire day to finish.
- Finish off by cleaning the futon mattress frame
Cleaning the futon mattress is not enough, putting it in a dirty frame can be a good breeding ground for bacteria and a good cause for odor build up. Using a commercial solution can help as this is effective in cleaning all types of materials except for a metal bed frame. To effectively clean a metal bed frame, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it clean.
Just like the process of futon mattress cleaning, you have to do a spot test. Test a small spot with the chemical and proceed if no undesired reaction occurs. Once the frame is cleaned, you can proceed to put on the mattress on top of it.
How to Treat Stains from a Futon Mattress
The most challenging part in cleaning a futon mattress is treating stains that have been there for the longest time. To help you get rid of stubborn stains, we have prepared a couple of tips and tricks that you can do at home.
- White Vinegar
This condiment is an effective agent in getting rid of mold and mildew. Because of its strong acidic properties, mold, mildew and stains are neutralized. When this happens, stains are going to slowly fade away. It is recommended to use white vinegar for this process.
To start, mix four cups of water with a cup of white vinegar. Use a reliable sponge and let it soak in the solution. Dab on the area with mildew and mold growth while making sure that the sponge is squeezed well to remove excess solution. Wash the sponge with water and repeat the process until the stain and odor of the vinegar is eliminated. For best results, leave the futon mattress to dry under the sun.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
This is the most effective way to remove any type of stain or debris that had dried off. Hydrogen peroxide facilitates loosening of the debris from the surface so it can be cleaned off with a vacuum. To prepare it, just mix a cup of water to a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Soak a sponge in the solution and remove excess, dab out all the stains gently until eliminated. To remove the smell of the solution, allow it to dry naturally.
- Rubbing Alcohol
This is a very convenient cleaning agent as this can easily be found around the house. All you have to do is mix water with rubbing alcohol to treat stains such as urine, food spills and more. Prepare the mixture and soak the stains for around ten to fifteen minutes. To facilitate drying, you can use paper towels to blot until the mixture is absorbed and the stains fade into a lighter color.
- Bleach
This is effective in treating strong stains especially from pets and rodents. Take additional precaution when handling the solution by wearing a face mask and rubber gloves. This keeps your hands safe and it prevents possible inhalation of fumes.
To make the solution, simply mix one gallon of water and one and a half cup of bleach. This is best mixed in a spray bottle for ease of use. Once the mixture is made, spray it on the railings and bed frames then blot with a paper towel to dry.
These are just some of the many ways to clean your futon mattress. These are definitely the easiest and most convenient methods to have your futon mattress maintained and looking new for a long time. The main goal should be to keep your futon mattress odorless, germ-free and sanitized.
Conclusion
A futon mattress is iconic furniture that is widely used across the globe. It works well for any type of space whether it is the living room, bed room, or practically any area that has space. Its versatility and convenience make it a good investment as it can be used for sitting or sleeping.
With the many functions that this furniture serves, it is only right to keep it clean and sanitized. The more frequent it is used, the more chances of debris, bacteria and other foreign bodies can lodge into it. Hence, a good and effective cleaning routine is essential for maintenance.
By following the steps mentioned above, you can lessen the need for getting professional services. This definitely saves you more time, effort and resources. So make sure you have the following materials in your home just in case an immediate need to clean the futon mattress comes up.
Henry’s first job was in the furniture and mattress industry as a sales associate. From there, he moved up to merchandising specialist for several years and then became an assistant manager. Working in the industry gave him access to a lot of products and also helped him gain in-depth knowledge.
