This viral cleaning hack reveals the stuff of nightmares

Time to whip out the vacuum

Ever wondered if you’re sufficiently cleaning your beloved bedding? One viral video in TikTok suggests many of us could be making a crucial misstep. Here’s why having a clean mattress is so important for your health. 

Everyone’s favourite source of helpful hacks and viral trends has once again blessed our algorithms with a video you can’t help but stop your scroll to watch. 

TikTok user Dave Chen (@davechensky) shares with his viewers a simple yet oh-so-effective mattress cleaning hack using just his stick vacuum. Taking his empty Dyson device to the surface of his mattress, Chen is left reeling with disbelief at the amount of dust gathered by the time he is finished. 

Considering we spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, the substantial collection of debris, dust and whatever else Chen’s vacuum collected reveals a shocking hygiene oversight most of us are probably guilty of.

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The comments section of the video reflects people’s shock and disgust over the mattress’ hidden dirt collection, with many expressing a desire to attack their bedding with their vacuum as soon as possible. 

But, is vacuuming your mattress actually an effective cleaning technique? Here’s what Rachel Beard, an expert in the field, thinks about the viral tip. 

Does mattress vacuuming actually work?

According to Beard, our mattresses are exposed to a number of different particles– some more detectable than others. Often harbouring things like pollen, dust and random minuscule debris, it’s essential to stay on top of our cleaning routine regularly, minimising our exposure to potentially harmful particles. 

“Frequently cleaning your mattress, pillow, sheets and linens is essential to preserving a hygienic sleep sanctuary, and getting the best night’s sleep possible,” says Beard, a Sleep Wellness Manager at A.H. Beard’s Sleep Wellness Centre.

And unlike most viral hacks and trends floating around TikTok, the sleep expert says mattress vacuuming is an effective– and recommended– way to improve your bedroom hygiene and sleep quality. 

@davechensky

#housecleaning

♬ original sound - Dave Chen | Movies/TV

“For most people, we recommend washing your bedding weekly and doing a deep clean of your mattress at least once every six months,” she explains, adding that people who suffer from allergies or have pets at home may want to increase their mattress cleaning to once every two to three months.  

When it comes to using your vacuum directly on your mattress, Beard says it’s always a good idea to use the least abrasive attachment (such as a soft brush), with some devices coming with a mattress-specific one, “Be gentle when cleaning, as being too rough or careless with vacuuming could damage the mattress fabric, and pull or loosen the stitching,” she says. 

In addition to thoroughly vacuuming the surface of your mattress, the sleep expert recommends taking the opportunity to clean your surrounding sleep space, such as the carpet or floor, and rotate your mattress. 

Does your pet like to hang out in your bedding? Image: Pexels

Why is it important to have a clean mattress?

As Beard explains, having a good-quality, clean mattress is one of the biggest keys to unlocking a good night’s sleep, which is one of the biggest contributing factors in our overall health and happiness.  

“Sleep directly impacts how we look, feel and perform and can have a major impact on our overall quality of life,” she says. “It is the superpower we need to achieve our goals and ultimately live our best life, and the quality and cleanliness of our mattress directly affects our ability to achieve a healthy, restorative sleep.”

In terms of our mattresses (and the nasties they could be harbouring), Beard says adults commonly suffer from interrupted and poor-quality sleep due to sneezing and coughing that can be attributed to dust mites.

“These mites are a major contributor to asthma and allergies, and they thrive in warm and humid environ

Originally published as This viral cleaning hack reveals the stuff of nightmares