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“You can’t unsee it”: Pro cleaner reveals the FILTH inside our mattresses

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A professional cleaner has taken to social media to share what kind of dirt can lurk in your mattress – and why you should always vacuum it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kacie Stephens, who runs a cleaning business called The Big Clean Co, shared a clip on TikTok of what came out of a mattress she deep-cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and a black cloth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Warning. Once you see this, you can’t unsee it,” she captioned the video, which has racked up over 420,000 views.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m going to show you how to test how clean your mattress is. Get a black piece of material and wrap it at the end of your vacuum – that is going to act as your filter for the dust and skin cells.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After vacuuming the two-year-old mattress, Ms Stephens unravelled the cloth to show the dirt, dust, and dead skin cells it had collected.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845778/vacuum1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/887cc7c1c5d94920affbb8e11663f62d" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @thebigcleanco (Instagram)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A mattress that isn’t cleaned regularly contains a build-up of allergens including dust and skin cells, as well as spots and stains from body fluid and sweat,” Ms Stephens told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/diy/cleaner-shares-why-you-should-always-vacuum-your-mattress/news-story/4731db10551f1e5d70acea3a4b6701c6" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you’re game enough to get your face right up to it, the mattress will have a musty smell.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Stephens also revealed how often she believes people should vacuum their bedding – and the frequency might surprise you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Mattresses should be vacuumed every single time sheets are changed – and sheets should be changed once per week,” she said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWNXgLogw5Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWNXgLogw5Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Big Clean Co - Est 2017 (@thebigcleanco)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As for the “best technique” for cleaning, she said it involves just vacuuming your mattress.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Don’t attempt the technique of covering the mattress in bicarb and vacuuming it up, as particles are bound to be left on the mattress where they can then cause issues with the mattress fibres over the long term – not to mention it can also damage your vacuum [if you use bicarb],” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, she did have some advice for tackling marks on your mattress, recommending you “spot clean” with “plain water on a cloth – and if that doesn’t work, use a little 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, which is available in the pharmacy”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Stephens also recommended </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">against</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> steam cleaning – a task she says should be left to the experts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Most people don’t even think about having their mattress steam cleaned – but this is easily done by professional carpet and upholstery cleaners and is a great way to keep dust mites and bacteria at bay,” she explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Often people look for a DIY steam cleaner but as commercial steam cleaners we see that these machines leave fibres wet for extended periods, creating the perfect environment for fungal and mould spores to thrive inside your mattress.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Steam cleaning is a job for the professionals.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many viewers of her mattress-cleaning video shared their shock after trying the technique themselves.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I tested this. I vacuum my mattress every week and oh my god. It was so bad,” one woman shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I sell vacuums for a living and people don’t understand how much stuff gets put into those mattresses when you sleep,” another commented.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is gross but we need to do this. Thank you for sharing,” a third said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @thebigcleanco (Instagram)</span></em></p>

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The seniors guide to finding the perfect mattress

<p><em><strong>Frank Apodaca, from The Sleep Judge, loves helping people get a better night’s sleep. Here, he shares his tips for choosing the best mattress.</strong></em></p> <p>Growing older and experiencing body changes are, unfortunately, the facts of life regardless if you chase the fountain of youth ‘til the end of days! This natural cycle your body will go through is nothing to be ashamed of but instead something to embrace with the practice of ageing gracefully. When a person grows older, the tissues and muscles that make up the human body will go through a natural deterioration and suddenly the simplest things or movements will irritate your body. Suddenly, you are unable to walk the same speed without feeling pain in your hips or knees or perhaps your muscles ache without any provocation or a simple twist of your head.</p> <p>There are many things you can do to help alleviate and reduce the side effects of ageing. From shoes and inserts to the mattress you sleep on can create a world of difference in your body’s ageing process. A sturdy mattress with a memory foam base or even quilted topper can support your muscles and contour to your body, adjusting to the changes you are experiencing. There are some basic guidelines that should be followed when making the major purchase of a new mattress, and throughout this article, we will discuss what steps to take to make the best decision for yourself or as a couple.</p> <p><strong>Determine the best style of mattress for you</strong></p> <p>With the numerous styles and types of mattresses available today, it can be overwhelming trying to sort through them all and determine what mattress will suit your needs. From latex to memory foam, to air mattresses to water; the first step is to narrow down the best mattress for you. Consult your doctor and ask what, if any, health issues you experience will benefit from a certain style over the other. Armed with this knowledge, research different styles of mattresses and visit your local retailer to personally test the varieties in the style you chose. Eliminate the cheaper mattresses that do not offer the correct amount of support and look for mattresses with added features such as adjustable heights or temperature controls.</p> <p>Memory foam mattresses tend to be popular with the older generation as they contour to the body and evenly distributes body weight, which in turn, will reduce pressure points and allow the body to fully relax into a deep sleep state.</p> <p><strong>Consider your sleeping patterns</strong></p> <p>Ask your partner to or take note of the position you fall asleep in versus the position you are in when you wake up. By doing this for a set number of nights, you can determine if you are a side sleeper, stomach sleeper or back sleeper. The mattress you choose should support the body in whichever sleep position is your preferred state. There are mattresses that are better for back sleepers, designed to provide <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.thesleepjudge.com/best-mattress-for-back-sleepers/" target="_blank">proper back support</a></strong></span> and mattresses that will contour to those who sleep on their sides.</p> <p>If you find yourself waking up throughout the night in a hot flash, a cooling mattress or a mattress that will breathe on its own while still providing support is a safe bet to sleep on. Latex mattresses will offer natural cooling while its firm design will ensure you wake up feeling refreshed.</p> <p><strong>Listen to your body</strong></p> <p>If you find yourself waking up throughout the night or in the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/common-pains-of-age" target="_blank">morning with aches and pains</a></strong></span> in areas you haven’t experienced pain in before, it could be time to consider a new mattress. Without a proper sleep schedule, your body will break down and cease to repair itself. A person who continuously maintains a proper sleep schedule will be more alert and will have a better immune system needed to defend against disease or viruses that attack an ageing body easier than a younger one.</p> <p>The mattress you choose should suit your physical makeup and provide optimal support. Without proper support, the body rests in a “sagged” position, sinking into itself and increasing aches felt from head to toe.</p> <p>Ageing is a natural process that cannot be stopped unless you are Peter Pan or have developed a time machine. The easiest way to embrace ageing is to enjoy it and roll with the punches on all the new experiences life will throw your way. The age of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2018/01/the-simple-trick-to-creating-a-meaningful-retirement-for-yourself/" target="_blank">retirement can be a fun</a></strong></span> new chapter of your life.</p> <p>Help your body make necessary adjustments throughout the process and use the objects available to the older generation to ensure your body is still running in top shape. Purchase a new mattress which has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years and will adjust with your body.</p> <p>Listen to the most important person when purchasing a new mattress – you. Your body, your choice! There isn’t exactly a best or worst mattress when purchasing new but choose a better and supportive one that suits your individual needs. Talk to friends and family and see what they suggest, along with discussing with your healthcare professional on what will benefit you the most. Talk to experts and visit local retailers to find the best bang for your buck and select a company that will offer warranties, trial periods and more! Here’s to getting older but wiser!</p>

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The easiest way to clean your mattress

<p>We change our sheets regularly but what about our poor old mattress? Not only does our mattress do all the hard work, supporting us through a night of slumber, it can also benefit from a deep clean. Mattresses are prime spots for dust build up, largely because we don’t think to clean them very often. Cleaning your mattress with the mixture below helps lift away dirt and dust while removing excess moisture and generally refreshing. People with allergies like asthma and hay fever often find that a mattress spring clean does wonders for their airways though everyone can benefit from a bedding refresh. Here’s how to do it.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What you’ll need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>500g box baking soda</li> <li>Essential oil(s) of your choice. Lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang are all good choices.</li> <li>Vacuum cleaner (with an upholstery nozzle if you have one)</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Before you start, it’s a good idea to turn and rotate your mattress, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. You should try to do this every six months but many of us forget.</li> <li>Open your box of baking soda and add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a blend of a couple of different scents. Go for something soothing and calming. You could also add tea tree or eucalyptus for its anti-bacterial properties.</li> <li>Liberally sprinkle the baking soda over your mattress. Don’t be shy! Once you’ve emptied the box, start rubbing the mixture into the mattress. This ensures that it reaches into all the cracks and crevices.</li> <li>After 1-2 hours, start vacuuming up the residue. Use your upholstery nozzle or the brush attachment and work slowly to ensure you hoover up all the soda mixture.</li> </ol> <p>When was the last time you gave your mattress a deep clean? Do you have a go-to cleaning trick? Share with us in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/cheap-and-trendy-recycling-tips/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 cheap and trendy recycling tips</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/common-laundry-machine-mistakes/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 common laundry machine mistakes</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/5-ways-to-bring-the-outdoors-in/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ways to bring the outdoors in</span></em></strong></a></p>

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