Thats because warmer temperatures and increased humidity create a perfect breeding ground for these unwanted pests.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are also essential for extending your mattress’s lifespan and ensuring good hygiene overall.

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5 DIY mattress cleaning jobs to do now don’t wait for spring cleaning

1.

Pay special attention to the seams, tufts and crevices where dust and debris tend to accumulate.

A hand holds a vacuum mattress cleaner on the surface of a mattress, vacuuming for bed bugs, dust mites, dirt and allergens

You may want to use the crevice tool to get into the tight spots and along the edges.

If your frame is metal or wood, give it a wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Air your mattress

Yourmattress needs to breathe, even during the winter months.

A couple moving a white mattress, with one carrying each end of the mattress

Letting your mattress breathe is simply the process of allowing air to circulate around and through your mattress.

Its best to turn the mattress half way through the process so both sides get a good airing.

Mattresses are heavy, so you may want to get someone to help you with this.

Woman cleaning a mattress topper

First of all, if you notice any liquid, its important to deal with this first.

Using a clean paper towel or absorbent cloth, dab the area until it comes back dry.

How youtackle the staindepends on how set in the stain is.

The Utopia Bedding Bamboo Mattress Protector coming loose at the images showing the mattress underneath

If the stain is deeper, you may want to make a cleaning solution.

After around 20 minutes, vacuum the area and then blot with a cloth dipped in cold water.

Leave to fully dry before you re-make the bed.

Baking soda on sofa

They’re also easy to clean with the majority being machine washable.

Baking sodais a natural deodorizer and can help to absorb excess moisture and eliminate odors.

Certainessential oils can also can get rid of bed bugs fast.

A cup of coffee spilled on a white mattress

Try lavender, tea tree or peppermint oil.

Once its been allowed to sit, simply vacuum it again to remove any trace of the powder.

Over time, mattresses can accumulate dead skin cells, dust, dander, sebum and various other allergens.

Green skull on smartphone screen.

Your bed will also start to smell and you may start noticingyellow stainsappearing on the mattress.

How often should you clean it?

You should be incorporating mattress cleaning into your regular cleaning schedule.

Every three months you shouldwash your mattress protector or encasement.

Every six months you shoulddeep clean your mattress.

One of the best ways to do this is bysteam cleaning your mattress.

This kills bacteria and removes dust mites.

Tom’s Guide created this content as part of a paid partnership with Helix Sleep.

The contents of this article are independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Tom’s Guide.