Why Should You Air Out Your Mattress?

While more abundant during hay fever season, the build-up of dust inside houses is year-round. Contrary to popular belief, house dust isn’t just dust – it’s a microscopic blend of dirt, skin cells, and other particles. Over time, these can cause difficulties in breathing, runny nose, eye irritation, itchy throat, and skin irritation. 

Regular general cleaning can significantly lessen the accumulation of dust in your homes. Be mindful of easy-to-miss areas such as the space under cabinets, the ceiling, and the mattress. Within just a few weeks of use, dust and allergens can accumulate in your mattress. These could result in allergic reactions and unwanted skin conditions. Months of dust build-up on a mattress could also emit a musty smell. Washing and replacing your sheets is a good way to keep the mattress sanitized, but another method in keeping it clean and free of odor is by simply airing it out.  Leaving your mattress outside for a few hours can lessen particle build-up and can also help air ventilate through the pores of the material, effectively drying moisture that may have gathered that dust and fungi could stick to. 

Here are the steps in properly airing out a mattress:

1. Free your mattress of its coverings. Removal of its protective covers can help the mattress breathe and deodorize naturally. Take this time to clean your beddings as well. If your mattress has a protective covering, throw that in the wash too. For bedsheets and pillows, it’s recommended to change them weekly. Do a monthly wash for the mattress cover. 
2. Use the vacuum to gather surface dust. It’s important not to skip this step as the accumulation of dust on the exteriors of your mattress could block air from properly circulating.
3.  Freshen up your mattress with items you can easily find in your home. Use one part vinegar and one part water to make a natural deodorizer. Spray lightly on the surface of the mattress and air out to dry completely.
4. Leave the mattress outside to air out for at least 4 hours. Morning time is preferred as there is less moisture content in the air compared to afternoons and evenings. Make sure to check the weather prior to airing out your mattress to avoid downpours or sandstorms. 
5. Once the mattress is aired out, beat its sides gently with your hand or a racket to rid it of outside dust before bringing it back indoors.

Pro-tip: airing out your bed by leaving it unmade for at least an hour in the morning can remove moisture from the sheets and mattresses, which can dehydrate and kill dust mites. 

A clean, odor-free mattress can save you from a lot of unnecessary hassle. Get that well-deserved wheeze-free sleep by regularly sanitizing and maintaining your mattress and its coverings.