A good mattress is an investment, and well-taken care of, should last at least 10 years. Since people sleep approximately 8 out of every 24 hours, keeping a mattress fresh and clean is important.
Mattresses absorb moisture from perspiration as we sleep, creating an environment for moulds, pests and dust. A poorly ventilated room may cause build-up of these allergens in furniture and bedding, which can trigger allergic reactions as well as respiratory reactions for people with asthma.
One of the biggest problems is unseen: the occurrence of dust mites in mattresses, pillows, carpets, draperies and furniture. People with allergies are particularly sensitive to the fecal droppings left by these microscopic Acari, a type of arachnid that includes mites and ticks. Dust mites feed on dead skin that sloughs off and settles in the mattress. They occur on every continent and in all climates.
Regular mattress cleaning prevents build-up of moisture and allergens and may also extend the life of the mattress. Experts recommend turning a mattress every six months to even out the wear and prevent sagging. When turning, thoroughly vacuum the top, bottom and sides with a crevice tool along the seams and a brush and upholstery tool over the surfaces. This will remove dust and much of the waste material left by dust mites.
Putting the mattress in the sun allows both heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays to kill bacteria and mould and remove moisture. Bring the mattress back inside before sunset, when the dewpoint rises and moisture may again settle on the mattress.
Dust mites burrow into a mattress deeper than an ordinary vacuum can reach. They rise to the surface for feeding, then burrow back inside. Although freshening bedding can reduce the number of dust mites in mattresses, the best way to eradicate them is by using a professional mattress cleaning service. Professionals use several machines and products that penetrate deep into the mattress to extract both the mites and the wastes they produce.
Specially-made, heavy-duty portable vacuums with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters remove 99.97 percent of all particles greater than 0.3 micron (µ) and remove spores and bacteria to 0.1 µ. To be effective, the air must be drawn through the filtration system so that particulates are trapped before the air is expelled. Household HEPA vacuum cleaners typically leak, allowing air to escape before filtration occurs. Thus, household machines re-release mould, fungi and small particles into the air.
Ultraviolet light is used in medical environments to kill bacteria, fungi and mould. Specifically, UV-C, or shortwave radiation, has been proven to have a germicidal effect. Professional cleaning combines HEPA and deep-penetrating UV-C light to kill mould, bacteria, fungus spores and other micro-organisms. Your mattress will be sanitised and freshened, allowing you to breathe and rest in comfort and health.
