How to Clean a Futon Mattress [Mattress Maintenance 101]

Dr. Ifran Saddique

Futon Mattresses can be one of the most versatile and comfortable beds to sleep on, especially if you're on a tight budget. They most certainly come with many pros, but cleaning and maintaining them can be challenging if you are not up to speed with the best practices. Proper cleanliness is an essential part of maintaining a cozy and welcoming bedroom environment; therefore, educating yourself on this very topic is golden knowledge. A clean futon contributes not only to the aesthetics of your bedroom but also to the overall well-being and longevity of your beloved mattress. 

Thankfully, we have come up with a thorough guide for you, so join us as we dive into the intricacies of how to clean a futon mattress effectively, covering immediate and regular maintenance needs and how to keep it in tip-top shape for many years to come. Follow our tips and learn everything from how to deep clean a futon mattress to how to get the sweat smell out of your mattress.

How to Prepare for Cleaning Your Futon Mattress

So, before we get started, it's essential to assess the situation at hand, identify the specific issues you're addressing, and gather the necessary products, tools, and equipment. Whether it's a routine vacuuming or a deep clean, proper prep is the secret to success. Also, it is wise to pay attention to the type of futon mattress you have. Knowing how to clean a Japanese futon is certainly useful, but if you follow our guide, you will be covered for any type of mattress, whether Japanese or Western.

To get started, let’s consider the following:

• Identify the Issue: Determine whether you need a quick vacuuming, spot cleaning, or a more thorough deep clean. This assessment will guide your cleaning approach.
• Gather Tools and Products: Depending on the identified issues, gather tools such as a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, a damp cloth, and a mild detergent. For more intensive cleaning, consider adding baking soda to your cleaning arsenal.
• Create a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a routine cleaning schedule to prevent the buildup of dust, allergens, and stains. Regular maintenance significantly extends the life of your futon mattress.

Pro Tip: Regularly rotating and flipping your futon mattress during regular usage helps distribute wear evenly and further lengthen its lifespan.

Identifying the Issue

Understanding how to wash a futon mattress and why, is the first step towards effective maintenance. From routine vacuuming to more specialized cleaning, each scenario demands a tailored approach. 

• Routine Vacuuming: Dust and debris accumulate over time, impacting both the visual appeal and hygiene of your mattress. Regular vacuuming, armed with a reliable upholstery attachment, is the first line of defense.
• Spot Cleaning: Accidents are inevitable, and when they occur, swift spot cleaning is essential. Whether it's spilled beverages or unexpected spills, addressing stains promptly is a mark of diligent mattress care.
• Deep Cleaning: Occasionally, your futon mattress may require a more thorough cleaning. This becomes especially pertinent if there are lingering odors or stubborn stains that demand extra attention.

Pro Tip: A proactive approach to cleaning prevents minor issues from becoming major headaches.

What Tools and Products You Will Need

Equipping yourself with the right tools and products will guarantee the best and most optimal approach to cleaning a futon mattress. Here's a curated list that will elevate your cleaning routine and help you achieve professional futon cleaning:

• Upholstery Attachment Vacuum Cleaner: The tool of choice for routine cleaning, ensuring a thorough removal of dust and allergens.
• Damp Cloth: Keep a clean, damp cloth on hand for immediate spot cleaning and addressing any fresh spillages.
• Mild Detergent: Opt for a gentle, upholstery-friendly detergent to maintain the integrity of your mattress during spot cleaning and avoid damaging the surface.
• Baking Soda: The magic ingredient to your woes is this versatile and natural deodorizer that aids in moisture absorption.
• Washing Machine: Can you wash a futon mattress in a washing machine? For futon covers that are machine washable, be prepared to throw your futon in your trusty washing machine while paying special attention to its guidelines on temperature and wash cycle.

Pro Tip: Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for your futon mattress and cover before taking part in any cleaning process.

How to Vacuum Your Futon Mattress

Regular vacuuming is a fundamental part of futon mattress maintenance. Up your game and learn to vacuum like a pro by following these steps:

1. Prepare the Space: 

Start off by removing all bedding and decorative items from the mattress, creating a clean canvas for your vacuuming spree.

2. Attach Upholstery Brush: 

Firmly place the upholstery brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner if you have one for more intense cleaning.

3. Thorough Vacuuming: 

Begin your vacuuming session, making sure to cover the entire mattress surface. Pay attention to seams, edges, and corners to ensure no dust or particles are left behind.

4. Flip and Repeat: 

Gracefully flip the mattress and repeat the process on the other side. Consistency is king in maintaining a well-kept mattress.

5. Address Edges and Corners: 

Utilize the nozzle attachment to reach often-neglected edges and corners, leaving no spot untouched.

6. Rotate and Flip: 

Rotate and flip your futon mattress regularly to maintain even wear.

Pro Tip: Monthly vacuuming upholds a fresh and dust-free sleeping environment.

How to Get Stains Out of Your Futon Mattress

Accidents happen, and stains are inevitable. Whether it's a spilled drink, a stubborn mark, or bedwetting, addressing stains promptly is crucial. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself how to get yellow stains out of your mattress, here's a step-by-step guide:

Swift Blotting: 

For fresh stains, blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth to soak up excess liquid.

Prepare a Soapy Solution: 

Mix a mild detergent with warm water to create a gentle, soapy solution. This will protect and preserve the integrity of your mattress during the cleaning process.

Patch Test: 

Before applying the solution to the stain, test it in a more subtle and isolated area to ensure it won't damage your fabric.

Gentle Application: 

Apply the soapy solution to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge, gently working it into the affected area with a touch of TLC.

Careful Blotting and Rinsing: 

Blot the stained area, rinse the cloth regularly and watch as the stain vanishes.

Air Dry with Poise: 

Allow the cleaned area to air dry thoroughly before replacing bedding or covers.

Pro Tip: Avoid using excessive water to prevent mold from growing later on.

How to Remove Odors from Your Futon Mattress

Pesky odors can really linger in your futon mattress if you don’t pay attention to eliminating them in time. In your pursuit of a fresh-smelling mattress, follow these steps and learn how to get any unwanted or unpleasant smell out of your mattress for good:

Remove Bedding: 

Get started by removing all bedding, covers, and pillows from the futon mattress, allowing for a clean slate to work on.

Baking Soda Magic: 

Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Pay particular attention to areas with lingering odors.

Let it Sit: 

Allow the baking soda to work its magic for a few hours, or preferably overnight. Sophistication understands the value of patience in the cleaning process.

Vacuum Thoroughly: 

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda, ensuring all residue is eliminated.

Air Out: 

Let the mattress air out in a well-ventilated space for a few hours before replacing the bedding again.

Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda enhances the freshness of your mattress.

How to Deep Clean Your Futon Mattress

Manufacturers recommend a thorough deep cleaning at least every few months to maintain a healthy and fresh sleep environment. Follow our steps below and discover how to deep clean a futon mattress safely:

Remove Covers: 

If your futon mattress has removable covers, take them off and wash them by following their own care instructions. Be sure to correctly educate yourself on how to wash your mattress protector.

Vacuum Both Sides: 

Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment as described earlier to thoroughly vacuum both sides of the mattress.

Spot Clean Stains: 

Address any visible stains using a mild detergent and warm water solution.

Baking Soda Treatment: 

Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress surface, allowing it to sit for several hours.

Sun Exposure: 

Futon fibers love the sun! If you are lucky enough to live in a sunny part of the world, place the mattress in direct sunlight. Natural sunlight can act as a natural disinfectant and help to eliminate odors.

Vacuum Again: 

After your mattress’s baking soda bath and suntanning session, vacuum the mattress once more to remove any leftover dirt or residue.

Pro Tip: Deep cleaning is recommended every six months for a healthy and spotless mattress.

Tips on Keeping Your Futon Mattress Fresh and Clean

Maintaining a clean futon mattress isn't rocket science, but there is definitely a method to the madness, which is proper cleanliness. Implement our tips below to ensure long-lasting freshness and be on your way to sleep like a baby:

• Use a Mattress Protector: Invest in a top-of-the-range mattress protector to prevent spillages and stains from ever touching the mattress.
• Rotate and Flip Regularly: Balance your mattress’s wear and tear by rotating and flipping the mattress every few months.
• Air Out the Mattress: When changing bedding, take a moment to let the mattress air out before making the bed.
• Avoid Eating in Bed: Minimize the risk of spills and crumbs by refraining from eating in bed.
• Regularly Wash Bedding: To prevent the accumulation of allergens, launder bedding, including sheets and pillowcases regularly.
• Address Spills Promptly: Act quickly to clean up any spills or accidents to prevent them from becoming ingrained in the mattress.
• Keep Pets and Children Away: If you live in a busy house with furry friends or young kids, do your best to keep them from playing or venturing near your mattress, as they are prone to bringing food and drink and having unfortunate accidents.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can compromise the fibers of your futon mattress and should be used sparingly. “What can I spray on my mattress to kill fleas?” I hear you asking. Fret now; a safe mixture of water and tea tree oil will suffice.

Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry and are wondering how to clean a futon cover without taking it off, the above tips can be carefully applied to the cover while it is still on, as long as it is allowed to air dry.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a well-maintained futon mattress cleaning contributes to a healthier and more comfortable sleep environment. Achieving this involves a combination of regular spring cleaning of your mattress and periodic deep cleaning sessions. By religiously following the steps in our handy guide, you can ensure a squeaky-clean mattress and sleep like a baby for years to come. Remember, a little proactive care goes a long way in preserving the integrity and freshness of your beloved futon mattress. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you freshen up a futon?

To freshen up your futon, start by stripping off all bedding and sprinkling baking soda over the entire mattress. Let it sit for a few hours before thoroughly vacuuming the surface. This will give it an extra boost of freshness that will last! Additionally, consider placing the mattress in direct sunlight for natural disinfection.

How long does a futon mattress last?

The lifespan of a futon mattress really depends on factors like usage and how well-kept it is. You will be surprised but with proper care and TLC, including regular vacuuming, stain removal, and occasional deep cleaning, a futon mattress can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. 

Can you get bed bugs on a futon?

It’s true that traditional mattresses are more known for their tendency to house bed hugs, but futon mattresses can still attract these little annoyances. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and using a mattress protector are all great and effective preventive measures against bed bugs. Make sure both your mattress and protector are dry to prevent any manifestations. The last thing you want is to have to hire a costly extermination crew.

Do futons get moldy?

Yes, futons can develop mold if exposed to prolonged moisture. For this very reason, knowing how to dry a mattress is of great importance. To prevent any unpleasant mold growths, avoid excessive use of water during cleaning, address spillages as soon as they happen, and ensure the mattress is thoroughly dry before covering it, whether this is done using air dry or tumble try methods.

How often should you clean a futon mattress?

How often do you clean a futon mattress? Well, the answer is simple. Routine, routine, routine! Setting up a frequent cleaning schedule is absolutely essential. Once your bedroom kingdom is well organized, you will feel the difference immediately and regain control. Vacuum your futon mattress at least once a month to remove dust and allergens. Spot clean stains as needed, and aim for a deep clean every six months for optimal maintenance.