Cleaning bed linen is an easy job, but if it’s not getting rid of the smells permeating your bedroom, it might be down to your mattress. The fibres of mattresses trap moisture from sweat, body oils, and dust, which can lead to mould growth or mildew, resulting in musty smells. 

To help get rid of those unwanted smells, cleaning fan and TikToker Anna shared some of her favourite bedroom cleaning hacks. One includes the highly touted ingredient baking soda, which helps to deodorise odours. This is how you can do it, and it only takes half an hour to complete.

How to clean mattresses

Anna’s instructions aren’t rocket science, relying solely on baking soda to do all the hard work. To make sure the hack works effectively, remove all linen and bed clothes from the mattress.

You should make sure that you’re getting directly to the source of any of the unwanted odours. In a glass or mug, mix the bicarbonate of soda with some lavender essential oil.

Sprinkle the mixture over the mattress, especially if the smells are emanating from any stains. Leave the powder to sit on the mattress for around 30 minutes. 

Once the time is up, remove it all using a vacuum. Baking soda works as a natural deodoriser, helping to remove the smells left by sweat, body oils, as well as dust which has built up on the mattress.

Its neutralising and absorbent properties help to draw out moisture and other odour-causing particles from the mattress fibres. 

If you’re also attempting to remove stains from the mattress, you can also use a bit of  white vinegar to do the job. Perfect Clean explained that when the baking soda and vinegar are combined, the chemical reaction produces water and carbon dioxide.

The lavender then helps to cover up the smells with its fragrance. The lavender oil will then masks any lingering odours left on your mattress.