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How to Clean a Futon Mattress [Step-by-Step Guide]

If you have a futon and are wondering how to clean it, you have come to the right place. In this article we cover step-by-step how to clean your futon mattress as well as offer specified cleaning techniques for effectively getting blood, urine and other stains out.

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A clean and comfortable futon mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep. But over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the surface of your futon, making it uncomfortable and unhygienic. Fortunately, cleaning a futon mattress is not too difficult and can be done at home. Here’s our step-by-step guide on cleaning a futon mattress to give you a great night’s rest.

How To Clean a Futon Mattress

Follow the steps below to clean your futon mattress.

Step 1: Vacuum the Mattress

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To begin cleaning your futon mattress, you’ll need to remove it from the frame. Then, get a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove debris from the top of the mattress, and gently move the brush attachment over the entire surface.

Ensure to get into all crevices and corners. You may use a hand brush to eliminate dust buildup if there are any inaccessible corners. Once you finish vacuuming one side, rotate the mattress to work on the other side.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda To Remove Odor From Your Mattress

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Your futon mattress will likely develop a musty odor if you don’t give it proper care. To deodorize your mattress, sprinkle a significant amount of baking soda on its surface and let it sit for at least an hour.

Afterward, vacuum the mattress once more to get rid of the baking soda. If necessary, repeat this process a few more times until you achieve a pleasant smell.

Step 3: Using a Mild Detergent, Remove Stains From Your Mattress

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In most cases, the best course of action is to clean up spills as soon as they occur. If you’re quick enough to clean up a spill, you might be able to remove most of it before it penetrates deep into the surface. If you have persistent stains, it’s best to use a mild detergent to get rid of them.

First, make a cleaning solution by mixing mild detergent with warm water. Then, dip a sponge into the solution and gently scrub any visible stains on the mattress.

Focus on areas with heavy staining, but be careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the fabric. Rinse off the solution with a clean, damp towel and allow the mattress to air dry.

Before using the detergent directly on the stain, you should ascertain that it will not cause any harm or discoloration to the mattress by performing a spot test on a tiny section of the fabric.

Avoid using too much water because it might make your futon damp and prone to mold and mildew. You’re free to utilize a stain-removing pen if the stains are minor.

You should consider employing a different method if the stains are stubborn. That entails mixing equal vinegar and water and then applying the solution to the impacted region.

After covering the stain with baking soda, use hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing soap. Let the mixture sit for some minutes, and wipe it off with a paper towel. Afterward, allow your mattress to dry in the sun for a whole day. 

Nevertheless, the mattress will take less time to dry if it’s clear and sunny outdoors. Once your mattress is fully dry, vacuum it to eliminate any remaining baking soda. It’s also a good idea to check your futon’s mattress label for any instructions from the manufacturer. Some mattresses may have special cleaning requirements.

Step 4: Clean the Futon Frame

Your futon’s frame is just as important as the mattress, requiring cleaning to prevent mold and dust accumulation. After taking the futon off its frame, give it a good wipe-down with a damp washcloth.

If it is a metal frame, ensure you use a cleaner specifically made for metal furniture. Regular dusting solutions can result in metal frame corrosion, so avoid using them.

How To Remove Urine From a Futon Mattress

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It’s possible that vacuuming and spot cleaning won’t be enough to remove certain kinds of stains, such as urine. The likelihood of seeing urine spots on your mattress is more common if you have young children or pets.

Urine accidents are also common among the elderly and those with incontinence conditions. Luckily, there are different techniques to remove the stains and cover up the scent, whether damp or dry.

Here are the steps to remove urine stains on your futon mattress.

Step 1: Blot up the Area With a Clean Cloth or Paper Towel

Start by blotting up as much urine as possible. Work from the outside of the stain, as this will help to avoid spreading it further.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar to the Stain

Apply some vinegar to the sore spot. Consider using a spray bottle to make work easier. Vinegar has a pungent odor, but it fades away with time. After applying the solution to the stain, wait approximately five minutes.

You may also consider using an enzymatic cleaner in vinegar’s place. The products break down the proteins in pet and human urine, making them easier to remove. They’re available in most pet stores or online.

Step 3: Blot up the Excess Dampness

It would be best to blot the area again with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the cleaner and any remaining urine.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda Once More

To help prevent odors, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area.

Step 5: Allow the Mattress Some Time To Dry

After cleaning, your mattress will need at least a day to dry. If you must leave it inside, you can speed up the drying process by opening the windows and turning on the fan. If you prefer leaving your mattress outside, it’s best to do it on a day when the sun is out and the temperature is high.

Once the mattress is dry, you may remove the baking soda and vacuum it like a regular mattress. If the stain has had time to dry, removing it will be more difficult, and you will have to employ a more powerful solution.

Follow the steps below if your urine stains are already dry.

Step 1: Make a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Using a mixing container, combine three teaspoons of baking soda, two drops of dish soap, and three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Spot

Apply the mixture with a washcloth to the stain. Drying out will take less time if you soak the futon too thoroughly.

Step 3: Saturate the Stain With Laundry Powder

Combine three teaspoons of laundry powder with one tablespoon of water. Apply the paste all over the futon’s impacted area and let it rest for thirty minutes.

Step 4: Remove the Paste From the Futon

To remove any excess powder or paste from the mattress, vacuum over its whole surface.

How To Remove Blood From a Futon Mattress

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Accidents can happen, and sometimes a futon mattress may end up with blood stains. Here are the steps to follow when removing blood stains from your futon mattress.

Step 1: Blot up the Area

Start by blotting the area with a damp cloth or sponge. Don’t rub, as this may cause the stain to set in deeper.

Step 2: Create a Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

If the blood is still visible after blotting, mix dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in equal measures and apply the resulting solution directly to the stain. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then blot again. For tougher stains, it may be necessary to use a stain remover such as:

  • Enzyme-based cleaner
  • Color remover

Step 3: Remove the Soapy Residue

Once the stain has gone away, rinse the area with cold water to remove any soapy residue and allow the futon mattress to air dry.

Tips To Protect a Futon Mattress

Here are several tips to protect your mattress and make it look its best.

Use a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector will provide a barrier between your mattress and any liquids, dust, or debris that may land on it. Mattress protectors come in various materials and sizes, so you can find one that fits your futon perfectly.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming your futon mattress regularly helps to remove any dust or dirt that may be present. If you have pets, you may want to clean your mattresses more frequently as they may leave behind a lot of hair and dander.

Clean Any Spills or Stains Immediately

Cleaning spills immediately prevents them from settling or becoming more difficult to clean. If you have pets, you may want to invest in pet-safe stain removers just in case of an accident.

Rotate Your Mattress Periodically

Over time, mattresses can become uneven due to regular use, which can cause discomfort. To avoid this, ensure you rotate your futon mattress every few months to remain even and comfortable for longer.

Avoid Placing Your Mattress on the Floor

Your mattress may attract a great deal of dust and mildew if you put it on the floor. Instead, put it on a slatted bed frame to allow uniform airflow throughout the entire surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most popular questions people ask about how to clean a futon mattress.

How often do you need to clean a futon?

It would help if you cleaned your mattress twice a month. However, if you live in a high-humidity area, you should consider cleaning it more often.

Can a futon mattress be washed in the washing machine?

Yes, it’s possible to wash your futon mattress using a washing machine. Check your mattress’s care tag to verify it’s safe to machine wash. If so, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.

What should I do if my futon mattress is too big to fit in my washing machine?

You can spot-clean the mattress or use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris. You can also purchase a futon protector to prevent dirt and moisture.

Can I use bleach on my futon mattress?

Avoid using bleach on your futon mattress, as this could cause discoloration and fading. Instead, use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to remove stains.

Should you steam clean a futon mattress?

Yes, it would be best to steam clean a futon mattress when feasible. Steam cleaning is a safe and effective method for thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing your futon mattress.

How do you dry a mattress quickly?

Consider removing as much moisture as possible by blotting the area with dry towels. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or baking soda to eliminate excess water and later place it on a fan.

How long does it take a wet mattress to dry?

It only takes approximately 12 hours to have your mattress dry. However, expect it to take longer if you dry it indoors. Ensure you soak your wet mattress if you want it to dry quickly.

What removes the smell from a mattress?

You may remove a murky odor from your mattress using vinegar and cold water. You could also add several drops of essential oil like lavender. In addition, baking soda is ideal if the smell is too strong.

Final Thoughts

Futon mattresses are now a common fixture in many homes, not just for people but also for animals like dogs and cats. The mattresses are notorious for collecting grime and spills.

The material is also porous. Thus, it may absorb stains and become difficult to remove. If that’s the case, it might be time to give your futon a good scrub down.

Keeping a clean mattress increases its lifespan and renders it more pleasant to sleep on. Nevertheless, the unfortunate reality is that most buyers don’t know how to wash their futons properly.

But with our guide on cleaning a futon mattress, you can keep it looking and feeling clean for years to come. We hope our guide on how to clean a futon mattress was helpful.

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