Keeping your futon clean is essential. Otherwise, it will turn into a dirty, debris-ridden ensemble pretty quickly. And no one wants that.
But if you are a first-time futon owner, this can be complicated. You can’t just sling it into the washing machine and hope for the best — unless you have a massive industrial one. Instead, you are going to need to add your futon to your weekly cleaning list.
Table of Contents
Tip Number 1: Clean Often
Step One: Vacuum
You will want to start by vacuuming your futon. This will remove any loose dirt, hair, food particles, and more.
To give it the best once over, unfold the mattress beforehand. If needed, you can use the upholstery brush that came with your vacuum to get into all the little nooks and crannies.
After you have finished the front, make sure you flip it over and repeat this step on the other side.
Step Two: Get Rid of The Smell
Just like clothes, your futon mattress will smell funny the longer you leave it alone. So, don’t skip this step! Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
Grab some baking soda and sprinkle some onto the mattress (again, when it’s unfolded). Then, go off and do something else for an hour.
When it’s time to remove the baking soda, pick up the vacuum and clear it up! Yep, it’s that simple.
Step Three: Spots Begone
Whether someone has dropped some jam on it or your dog has jumped up with muddy paws, you might find some spots that won’t come off with a vacuum. To get rid of these you will need the following:
- A cloth
- Some laundry detergent
- Warm water
All you have to do is mix some laundry detergent (make sure it’s a mild one) with the warm water. Then dip your cloth in, wring it out, and rub the stain gently. Most of the time, this is all you’ll need to do.
We’ll tell you about stubborn stains in Tip 2!
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Frame
We’ve realized that new futon owners forget about the frame on their cleaning round. Don’t fall into this trap. The frame is just as important as the mattress itself.
It’s super simple. Just follow this:
- Take the mattress off the frame.
- Dust the frame with a dusting solution. For metal frames, just use a damp cloth.
- Test out the dusting solution on a little section first, so you can ensure it isn’t too strong for the construction material.
Tip Number 2: Make Sure to Remove Stubborn Stains
Remember when we said we were going to talk about removing stubborn stains? Well, now is that time!
Step One: Blot, Blot, and Blot
A surprising number of people rub stains. This only makes it worse! Instead, opt for a press and lift motion that aims to carry the stain out of the material, rather than spread it around.
To do this properly, use a damp cloth. Too much moisture won’t work in your favor so make sure you wring it out really well first.
Step Two: Mix the Anti-Stain Solution
For food and drink stains, you can get away with using vinegar and water. The ratio here is 50/50. So, if you use 100ml of white vinegar, you should use a 100ml of water to balance it out. Once you have mixed it, pour it over the stain so it’s fully covered.
But, what if it’s urine or mold? Don’t worry, you can fix that too!
For urine, you will need to purchase an enzyme cleaner. This way, the smell will disappear as well as the dampness.
For mold, simply swap out the vinegar for rubbing alcohol.
Step Three: Our Baking Soda Friend is Back
By now, you should have blotted and poured the vinegar solution over the stain. Next, sprinkle baking soda over it all, making sure it’s fully covered.
Step Four: Mix Another Solution
For this step, you’ll need the following products:
- 2 oz hydrogen peroxide (3% is best)
- 1 tsp washing-up liquid
Once you’ve acquired them, stir both together in a bowl or cup. Then, pour it on the stain. Our advice is to leave it there for 15 minutes so it can penetrate through all the fabric.
Step Five: Grab a Paper Towel
Take a paper towel and blot the stain. Don’t stop until you have soaked up most of the vinegar, baking soda, soap, and water. Doing this will ensure the stain lifts with it and doesn’t spread.
While your mattress dries, it’s best not to use it. If you are in a hurry, try to move it into the sunlight so it’ll dry quicker.
Tip Number 3: Maintain That Cleanliness!
There is nothing worse than going to all that effort and then having it ruined by day-to-day life. Maintenance is key here — something that new futon owners tend to forget!
Buy a Cover
Buying a decent cover for your futon will save you money long term. They’re usually widely available both online and in stores.
Air The Mattress Out
Once you have put a cover on your futon mattress, remember to take it off occasionally to let it breathe.
We suggest that you take it off half an hour or so before you start your cleaning routine. This way, it will have had plenty of time to air.
Don’t Forget to Turn
Depending on how often your futon mattress is used, flip it from time to time. Just like regular mattresses, the stuffing can sag and cause back problems if the same side is used for a long time. So, give it a new lease of life!
Final Thoughts....
In the Western world, futons tend to be used for guests. If this sounds like you, then you probably won’t need to clean it every week. But always ensure that you air it out often, whether people have slept on it or not.
