Before you dust off the car and pack your bags ready for your next adventure, there’s one crucial prep step many forget: cleaning your caravan or motorhome bed. Caravan mattresses often get neglected. Unlike standard mattresses that can be flipped and aired out, their awkward shapes often mean caravan mattresses cannot be flipped. This is why a thorough spring clean is essential for maintaining a hygienic and comfortable sleep environment on your travels.
Why Clean Your Caravan Mattress?
A clean mattress provides two things: better hygiene and better sleep. Dust mites, dead skin cells, and even the occasional spill can accumulate over time, creating an inadequate sleep environment. Regularly cleaning your caravan mattress not only promotes hygiene but also removes allergens, and so prevents itchy skin or respiratory irritation.
How to Deep Clean Your Caravan Mattress
Here’s our step-by-step guide to spring cleaning your caravan mattress and ensuring a fresh, inviting sleep environment on your next adventure.
1. Strip your motorhome bedding:
The first step in most spring cleans, start by removing all bedding, including pillows, sheets, and your mattress protector. Wash your bedding according to the care instructions on the label.
Top tip: wash your caravan bedding more frequently than your home bedding. Every 1-2 weeks is recommended for home use, but for your caravan mattress, consider washing it after every trip and storing it in a dry place upon your return.
How often should you replace your caravan bedding?
While you’re stripping the bed, take a moment to assess your current mattress protector and sheets. Are there any holes, worn spots, or thinning in the mattress protector? As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that domestic mattresses are replaced every 1-2 years. You can apply this same logic to your caravan mattress protector, and adjust it based on how often you use your caravan.
For bedsheets, the decision to replace often comes down to how they look. Check for signs of fraying or discolouration before deciding if it’s time for a new set of caravan bedding.
2. Hoover the surface of your caravan mattress:
Dust, dead skin cells, and other debris can easily accumulate on your caravan mattress. Use your hoover to remove any build-up. Go over the surface a couple of times in circular motions, to make sure everything gets picked up.
Top tip: If your vacuum cleaner has an upholstery attachment, this is the perfect time to put it to good use. The upholstery attachment often has a softer brush that can help lift dirt and debris from the mattress fibres.
3. Spot clean stains on your caravan mattress:
Inspect your mattress for any stains that require spot cleaning. You can skip this step if your mattress appears spotless. Whichever method you choose to remove your caravan or motorhome mattress, make sure you avoid using excess moisture as it can encourage mould growth, especially on memory foam mattresses.
Here are some cleaning solutions you can use to spot clean:
- Hydrogen peroxide: Mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle. Apply sparingly to the stain and blot with a clean, absorbent microfibre cloth. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.
- Upholstery cleaner: For more stubborn stains, you can use a gentle upholstery cleaner specifically designed for fabric surfaces. It’s important to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discolouration.
- Vinegar and baking soda: This popular natural cleaning duo can also be used for spot cleaning. Create a paste using baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the paste directly to the stain and leave it to work its magic for a few hours. Brush off the dried paste and hoover up any remaining residue.
4. Deodorise your caravan mattress with baking soda:
Finally, to eliminate any lingering odours, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda all over the surface of your mattress. Allow it to sit for several hours or ideally overnight and then thoroughly vacuum your mattress again to remove all traces of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb and neutralize any unpleasant odours, leaving your mattress feeling and smelling fresh.
With a little bit of effort, you can freshen up your caravan or motorhome mattress ready for a summer full of adventures.
Want a total refresh? Explore Jonic’s wide range of caravan mattresses and motorhome mattresses, including caravan bedding options to find your perfect mattress so you can wake up refreshed and ready to explore!