Originated in Japan Futon are foldable traditional Japanese bedding that can be rolled and tucked away in a corner when not in use. These are multi-purpose furniture for tight spaces as they can be used as both beds and sofa. A futon is constructed out of three layers-(a) a layer that supports, (b) a mattress layer, and a covering on the top.
The futon is multi-purpose furniture and thus is used very frequently resulting in maximum wear and tear. Therefore it needs regular maintenance to keep it working. A futon is a very common type of mattress that is popular because of its flexibility. They can be bought from any mattress store or you can even buy a futon mattress online. But before buying a futon mattress from the web you must do a little background research about the particular product and also must check the reviews so that you are confident of purchasing a quality futon.
How to clean a futon mattress is a question many have asked. It is a chore many times but can be done easily if you know what you are doing.
The first step in cleaning a futon is to make sure that it is clean before you start. Here are six easy steps to take your mattress to a new clean look and maintain it that way always. Use these six easy steps to have your clean futon mattress ready every time you want it!
First of all:-Rotate Your Futon
Often rotate your futon several times a year and allow it to dry out completely before putting it away. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing on the bottom of the mattress.
Secondly:-Freshen Up your Futon
Every few weeks take off the old cover or mattress covering and allow it to air dry, use fans for even more airflow and lightly freshen it up. Store away in a clean closet for future use.
Thirdly:-Removing stains
Baking soda is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Baking soda is great at removing stains from clothing and other items. What you need to do is apply some baking soda to the bottom of your futon and then place it in the washer and dryer. When you get out you will have a brand new clean futon mattress.
Dish detergent can also be used. It works well on stains from drinks or food. Apply the dish detergent to a soft cloth and scrub it into the mattress with a mild bristled brush. Washing the mattress by hand works best as the liquid that is left on will work its way down into the padding. If you don’t have a washer or dryer and you are going to attempt to wash the material yourself, using a small baby shampoo that is non-abrasive is recommended.
Fourthly:-Spot cleaning
Get some cotton balls, alcohol, and water and sit near the mattress. The alcohol will grab any remaining dirt and the cotton will soak it up. Mix the three and pour them into a large container. Leave it soaking for about an hour. Vacuum it up after it is done.
Bathroom cleaners such as Lysol or dishwashing liquid are effective for cleaning leather or fabric. Wash the area that has the stain first. If you want to use the laundry detergent, follow the package directions carefully. If the stain is stubborn, use a mixture of water and vinegar. Both of these cleaners are effective for cleaning leather or fabric.
Some fabric cleaning products can be used. Follow the package directions carefully. A combination of vinegar and water makes a great scrubbing paste for all fabrics. Dried soap and water make a paste that is great for cleaning your mattress. Soap up the excess water and scrub away the dirt.
Fifthly:-Cleaning the frame
The frame of your futon might be made of wood or metal. To keep the futon clean a proper dusting of the futon mattress must be done beneath the futon mattress where cobwebs and dust bunnies gather. Tighten any loose screws and add some oil to the wooden frame to let it shine.
Lastly:-Protect your futon
Covering your Futon with a Futon cover increases the longevity of the mattress. It protects the mattress from dust, dirt crumbs, and spillage. The cover of the futon is thick and durable and can be easily machine washed.
These cleaning solutions will work most of the time. You have to make sure they are environmentally safe. Washing a futon in bleach is a no-no. If you need to clean a slipcover, get a gentle soap and a soft cloth. Let the slipcover dry on its own before putting it away. Not only a futon, even an Innerspring mattress has its own set of cleaning procedures that helps to keep the mattress clean. The innerspring mattress is traditional mattress support for the coils at the core of the mattress that helps to keep a proper alignment of the spinal cord while you have a sound sleep.
Futon washing process
How to clean a mattress can be broken down into several steps. First, you have to remove any loose dirt or pet hair. Once the dirt is removed, you need to gently scrub the fabric with a mild detergent. Remember to keep the fabric cleaner than when you wet it. If you use a fabric cleaner that contains bleach, you will need to completely wash the slipcover before it is time to wear it.
If you have a spill, blot it up immediately with a clean towel and a mild detergent. Let the stain dry on its own before placing the slipcover back on the mattress. If you need to put a cover on the slipcover immediately, do not rub it while it is still wet. Wetness will cause the stain to re-dry.
If you have pets, they may have left their urine on your mattress. To get rid of the odor, you can use a laundry detergent and a small amount of bleach. Please make sure that you follow all of the instructions in the manufacturer’s instruction manual when it comes to cleaning your mattress. Also, be sure that you only use the recommended amount of bleach. Other chemicals, such as ammonia, can permanently damage your mattress and the fabric of the slipcover.
Conclusion
How to clean a futon mattress is not that difficult. If you follow these simple steps, you should have no problem keeping your mattress clean. If your mattress has stains, you can use a cleaning solution mixed with water and a small amount of bleach to remove the stain. And, if you accidentally spill something on your mattress, blot up the spill immediately with a clean towel. Taking proper care of your mattress will ensure that you enjoy it for many years to come.
Larry Alton is a blogger and passionate writer at Managerteams.com. She loves cooking and is fond of traveling.