Two Easy Methods Of Cleaning A Futon Mattress
Futons need to be cleaned at regular intervals in order to avoid the buildup of dirt as well as debris. To clean your futon, it is important to vacuum and deodorize it before removing any spots. Stains can be lifted using a mixture of household products. Use things like futon covers when it comes to keeping your futon clean in the future.
Method 1: Regular Cleaning
- Vacuum Your Futon
First of all, vacuum your futon in order to get rid of loose dirt, hair, as well as other debris. It is important to unfold your futon first before you start vacuuming. Move the vacuum smoothly over the futon. Use an upholstery brush if needed in order to get into cracks as well as crevices. Flip the futon over and perform the same process on the other side. - Deodorize Your Futon
Futons start to smell over time, therefore, it is important to deodorize your futon when cleaning it. In order to deodorize your futon, you need to sprinkle baking soda over the unfolded mattress. Allow it to sit for at least an hour before using the vacuum again in order to remove the baking soda. - Get Rid Of Any Spots
If you find out any spots on the futon when you clean it, then you can use a damp washcloth, mild laundry detergent, and warm water in order to gently blot them out. Make sure not to use too much water, due to the fact that too much moisture can cause mildew. The majority of the stains will lift with simple detergent and water. Test your cleaning solution on a small portion of the futon first in order to make sure that your detergent does not cause damage like discoloration. - Clean And Examine The Frame
While you are cleaning the futon, it is important to clean the frame also. While the mattress is taken out from its frame, you need to dust the frame using a commercial dusting solution. Metal frames, however, should only be wiped down with the help of a damp cloth. Test the solution you use on a small portion of the frame first in order to make sure that it doesn't damage the futon.
Method 2: Removing Stains
- Blot Out As Much Of The Stain As You Can
If in case a stain is not completely removed through conventional methods, then it is important to blot out as much of the stain as you can. It is best to remove stains immediately after they occur. If you notice, for example, pet urine or something spilled on the futon immediately place paper towels or a sponge over the spot. Press down on them in order to get rid of as much of the stain as possible. Make sure to use blotting (pressing and lifting) motion instead of rubbing the stain. If you rub on it, then the stain could spread, making it become more set into the fabric. - Add A Vinegar/water Mixture To The Mattress
Take a tub or bucket and mix a solution of half white vinegar and half water in it. Pour enough of the solution over the stain in order to cover it completely. When it comes to urine stains, you can use an enzyme cleaner as an alternative to vinegar and water. When it comes to mold or mildew stains, you can mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol and pour that over the stain. You can also use this mixture as a mold/mildew preventative in case your mattress gets damp. - Add Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
After you added the vinegar/water mixture to the stain, you can sprinkle baking powder over the stain. Then, mix a quarter cup (60 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon (5 ml) of dishwashing detergent before pouring this over the stain. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes. - Clean The Stain With A Paper Towel
After 15 minutes, blot the mattress again with the help of a paper towel. Keep blotting as long as you have worked out much of the vinegar, water, soap, as well as baking soda. As you blot out your cleaning solutions, the stain should completely lift. If the stain does not lift using this method, then you need to consult professional cleaners. - Let The Mattress Dry
Avoid using the mattress as long as it is completely dry when using this method. If you permit the mattress to air dry, this can take up to a day. You can try using hair dryers in order to speed up the process. If possible, allow some sunshine on the mattress, which will help it dry faster. - Vacuum The Mattress
After the stain dries, you need to run a vacuum over the mattress. This, in turn, will help get rid of any excess baking soda. Your mattress should be clean as well as odor-free.
Maintaining A Clean Mattress
- Place A Cover Over The Futon
Invest in a futon cover in order to keep your futon clean. You can purchase a cover online or at a local department store. The cover should help safeguard the futon from stains as well as spills. You should wash your futon cover using your laundry a few times a month. - Air Out The Mattress Occasionally
If you use a cover, make sure not to leave it on your futon all the time. When cleaning the futon, pull out the cover for an hour before you start cleaning your futon. This, as a result, will give the futon a chance to air out. - Avoid Placing Your Futon On The Floor
If at all possible, you can use a frame for your futon. The closer your futon is to the floor, the more vulnerable or prone it is to dirt and debris. If you keep your futon on the floor, it is important to clean it more often. - Turn The Mattress On Occasion
To prevent a futon from sagging, you need to flip it once every month or so. This will avoid any of the stuffing from becoming too worn out. When you first get a futon, it is a better option to flip it more often. Flip a new futon about once a week rather than once a month.