When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home, most of us focus on…
How to Clean A Mattress (Dust Mite Allergy, Urine & Best Enzyme Mattress Cleaner)
When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your Mattress? You’ve probably heard the claim that a mattress doubles in weight after ten years from dead skin cells, dust mites, and debris. It’s important to find a Mattress Cleaner method!
While researchers debate whether mattresses actually double in weight, what we do know is that mattresses collect a surprising amount of organic matter over time. Studies suggest that used mattresses may contain anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dust mites, and researchers have found that mattresses can become significant reservoirs of dust mite allergens within just a few months of use.
That’s one reason I consider mattress care one of the most overlooked parts of a healthy home detox.
We vacuum our floors. We wipe down our kitchen counters. We clean our bathrooms. We wash our sheets.
But what about the place where we spend seven to eight hours every single night?
For many families, especially those dealing with allergies, asthma, pets, children, or occasional accidents, mattress cleaning maintenance deserves a lot more attention.
Today I want to share one of my favorite products for this purpose: the Norwex Mattress Cleaner.
Why Mattresses Get Dirty Over Time
Let’s get a little uncomfortable for a moment.
As humans, we naturally shed skin cells every day. In fact, researchers estimate that people shed hundreds of millions of skin cells daily.
Add in:
- Body oils
- Sweat
- Pet dander
- Household dust
- Food crumbs (yes, it happens!)
- Occasional spills and accidents
And, your mattress becomes a place where organic material can accumulate over time.
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed primarily on dead skin cells. Unlike bed bugs, dust mites do not bite humans or directly harm us.
However, what they leave behind can be problematic.
Research has identified proteins found in dust mite waste that may trigger allergic reactions and irritation in sensitive individuals. For some people, this can contribute to symptoms such as:
- Scratchy or irritated eyes
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Dry throat
- Nighttime coughing
- Worsened allergy symptoms
Of course, many medical conditions can contribute to these symptoms as well, but reducing common household irritants is often a helpful part of creating a healthier sleep environment.
Why I Like the Norwex Mattress Cleaner
One reason I appreciate the Norwex Mattress Cleaner is that it uses enzymes to help break down organic matter that contributes to odors and buildup.
Rather than simply masking smells with fragrance, the enzymes work to digest the organic material that often causes lingering odors.
I often describe it like this:
The enzymes act like tiny Pac-Man characters going to work on organic matter that may be trapped within mattress fibers.
This can be especially helpful for:
- Pet odors
- Sweat odors
- Child accidents
- Guest room mattresses
- General mattress freshening
- Seasonal allergy maintenance
How I Use the Norwex Mattress Cleaner
My mattress cleaning routine is simple.
Step 1: Strip the Bed
Remove:
- Sheets
- Pillowcases
- Mattress protector
- Bedding
Step 2: Wash Bedding
Wash sheets and bedding according to manufacturer directions.
I personally prefer a high-quality, safe laundry detergent without unnecessary fragrances and fabric softeners, but that’s a topic for another article.
Step 3: Apply Mattress Cleaner
With the mattress exposed:
- Spray approximately 12–14 sprays of Norwex Mattress Cleaner across a queen mattress
- Use slightly more for a king-size mattress
- Focus on areas that receive the most use
Step 4: Let the Enzymes Go to Work
Allow the product time to work before remaking the bed. The enzymes begin breaking down organic material that contributes to odors and buildup. Watch my video above for my Pacman analogy! 🙂
Step 5: Enjoy a Cleaner, Fresh Mattress
Once dry, replace bedding and enjoy a cleaner, fresher sleeping surface.
Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month: Mattress Cleaner Reminder
May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about the areas of our homes that often get overlooked.
Mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, and pet bedding can all accumulate dust, dander, and odor-causing organic matter over time.
A simple mattress maintenance routine may be one small step toward creating a cleaner sleeping environment.
My Favorite “Eckel House Hacks” for Norwex Mattress Cleaner
Now for the fun part.
These aren’t listed on the label, but over the years I’ve discovered several additional ways I like to use this product around my home.
1. Freshen Upholstered Furniture
Sofas and recliners absorb plenty of everyday odors.
A light application can help freshen fabric surfaces between deeper cleanings.
2. Deodorize Pet Beds
If you share your home with furry family members, you know pet beds can develop odors over time.
This is one of my favorite places to use Mattress Cleaner.
3. Refresh Decorative Throw Pillows
Many decorative pillows cannot be easily washed.
A light treatment can help keep them smelling fresh.
4. Freshen Stuffed Animals
Children’s favorite stuffed animals often collect odors and everyday grime.
Always follow care instructions, but this can be a helpful option for washable fabric toys.
5. Treat Fabric Headboards
Fabric headboards are often forgotten during routine cleaning.
A quick refresh can make a surprising difference.
6. Prepare Guest Rooms
Before visitors arrive, I like to freshen guest mattresses and pillows.
It’s a simple touch that makes a room feel extra welcoming.
7. Before Rotating or Flipping a Mattress
Whenever you’re rotating your mattress, it’s a great opportunity to give it a fresh treatment before putting everything back together.
8. Around the Toilet Area
One of my more unusual uses is around the base of toilets where organic odors can sometimes linger.
I spray lightly, allow it to work briefly, and then wipe the area with a damp EnviroCloth®.
This can be especially helpful around grout lines and porous surfaces.
My Rule of Thumb
Here’s my simple Eckel House rule:
“If you can’t easily throw it in the washing machine and you can’t simply wipe it clean with a damp EnviroCloth®, it might be a Mattress Cleaner moment.“
MATTRESS CLEANER MOMENT?
From mattresses and pet beds to fabric furniture and decorative pillows, I’ve found this product to be one of the most versatile odor-fighting products in my cleaning cabinet.
Final Thoughts: Is the Norwex Mattress Cleaner Worth It?
For families dealing with:
- Allergies
- Asthma concerns
- Pets
- Kids
- Guest rooms
- Everyday household odors
I believe the Norwex Mattress Cleaner is one of the most underrated products in the Norwex lineup.
Most people think about cleaning what they can see.
But one of the most important places to maintain may be the place where you spend roughly one-third of your life.
And that’s your mattress.
Have you tried the Norwex Mattress Cleaner? I’d love to hear your favorite uses in the comments below.
About the Author
Sonya Eckel
Sonya Eckel is a Norwex Silver Senior Vice President Leader, best-selling author, speaker, certified Emotion Code®, Body Code™, and Belief Code™ Practitioner, and Physical Therapist by trade. For more than 17 years she has helped families create healthier homes, reduce chemical exposure, simplify cleaning routines, and build flexible income through the Norwex mission.
Through her work at ReplaceChemicals.com and SonyaEckel.com, Sonya shares practical strategies for home detox, healthy living, emotional wellness, and entrepreneurship.
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