A futon is a traditional Japanese mattress used as a couch or bed. A futon is made of cotton batting and a thin sheet of cotton or linen.
They are foldable, so they can be easily stored away when not used. Futons provide good insulation and are affordable for people living in small spaces.
However, some people may be hesitant to buy one because they think they are challenging to clean. It is not the case! In fact, futon mattresses are not as difficult to clean as you may think.
Here are a few tips on how to clean a futon mattress that will help you keep your futon mattress in good condition:
1. Vacuum the futon mattress
A futon is a Japanese-style mattress typically filled with cotton or wool. Over time, the futon will become stained and must be vacuumed to remove the dirt and debris.
To remove all dirt and debris, set the vacuum to low suction and put the nozzle into the crevices of the mattress.
Be sure to vacuum the sides of the mattress and around the edges to remove all dirt and debris.
2. Spot clean any stains on the futon mattress
Spot cleaning any stains on a futon mattress is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Begin by identifying the type of stain, and then gather the supplies you need.
Next, follow these simple step-by-step instructions.
For fresh spills, blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Be sure not to rub the stain, as this will only worsen it.
If the stain is dry, try brushing it off with a stiff brush. If that doesn’t work, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose particles.
Next, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with 2 cups of cold water.
Using a clean cloth or sponge, dip it into the detergent mixture and dab at the stain until it’s gone.
Any spots on the futon should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting in.
If you have a leather or vinyl cover on your futon mattress, be sure to clean it with a damp cloth every few weeks. It will help keep it looking shiny and new.
3. Deodorize the futon mattress
Futon mattresses can be deodorized by sprinkling baking soda over the top and then vacuuming it after an hour.
For tough odors, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water can be sprayed on the mattress and then scrubbed with a brush.
After the mixture has dried, baking soda can be sprinkled over the top to absorb any remaining odors.
Another way to deodorize the futon mattress is to spray it with a vinegar-water solution. To make this solution, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup of water in a spray bottle.
You can also deodorize a futon mattress by placing it outside in the sun. The ultraviolet rays will kill any bacteria or mold causing the odor.
Be sure to bring the mattress back inside before it rains or snows.
4. Remove the futon cover and wash it
If you’re like most people, your futon cover is probably stained and dingy. But don’t worry, removing and washing it is a breeze!
First, unzip or buttons and detach the cover from the futon. If any ties or straps hold the cover, cut them loose.
Then, remove any removable pieces, like pillow cases or cushion covers. These can be washed separately.
You have two options to wash your futon cover: hand-washing or machine-washing.
Hand-washing
To hand-wash your futon cover:
- Fill a tub or sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Soak the futon cover for about 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub the cover with a soft brush.
- Rinse the cover in cool water until all the soap has been removed.
- Hang the cover to air dry.
Machine-washing
If you choose to machine-wash your futon cover, make sure to use a front-loading washing machine and a gentle cycle.
To machine-wash your futon cover:
- Put futon cover in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Add a small amount of detergent, but don’t use too much, or it could leave residue on your futon cover.
- Let it agitate for a minute or two, and then let it soak for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse it thoroughly in cold water until all of the suds are gone.
- Remove the cover from the machine and hang it to dry. It should be good as new in no time!
5. Let the futon mattress air dry
It is relatively easy, but it can take a few days for the mattress to dry completely. There are a few things to keep in mind when air drying a futon mattress.
First, make sure the area is well ventilated. The mattress should be placed in a sunny spot or near a fan to help speed up the drying process.
Second, do not stack other items on top of the mattress while drying. Finally, make sure the futon is completely dry before using it again.
How to Clean a Futon Mattress Frame
A futon mattress frame is easy to clean and only requires a few simple steps.
First, remove all the bedding and pillows from the frame. Vacuum or sweep the frame to remove any dust or debris.
Next, using a mild detergent and water, wipe down the frame using a cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue with clean water.
Yet, allow the frame to air dry before putting the bedding back on.
Conclusion
While futon mattresses are not typically considered a high-maintenance item, they need to be cleaned regularly. It is because the mattress’s fabric can easily trap dirt, dust, and other allergens.
To clean a futon mattress, you will need to vacuum it regularly and spot clean any spots or stains that occur.