6 reasons why your mattress is the dirtiest spot in the home

Your bed is considered a haven for rest and relaxation, but it could be teaming with some very dodgy life. (Rawpixel pic)

People who live to be 75 will spend, on average, 25 of those years sleeping.

Okay, maybe not all of that will be in their bed but a pretty significant amount of time will be spent in one’s bed, on the mattress.

Then there is the time spent chilling, reading, working on your laptop, probably enjoying a snack while watching Netflix – basically doing whatever it is people do to get comfortable and de-stress.

The thing is, with all that time spent on your mattress, just how dirty is it?

Ready to be horrified? Here’s what a mattress could be harbouring:

1. Bacteria

The body is home to bacteria, which can shed into the mattress. (Pixabay pic)

Humans carry a lot of bacteria – on their skin, clothing, mobile devices… so anything a person takes to bed with them will spread its icky germs all over the mattress.

This includes bacteria that live on the skin, in the body cavities, bacteria from all over on the phone and on pets, and any place one has been to (and can imagine).

These bacteria can remain on the mattress for some time and cause health problems.

2. Mould

Mould is much hardier than bacteria so it is more difficult to get rid of. (Pixabay pic)

Mould and spores can make themselves right at home in the mattress. They are hardier than bacteria, so they will survive for much longer and expose one to toxins, allergens and illness as well.

Mould can establish itself and grow deep in the fabric and stuffing of a mattress while the spores can come from uncleaned air conditioners, walls, ceilings, clothing and so on.

3. Allergens

Dust mites, dander, fur and hair are known allergens people can take to bed with them. (Pixabay pic)

Dust mites, dander, fur and hair are all known to cause allergies to flare up. And they can hide in a mattress for a long, long time, especially if it is cleaned only occasionally.

These things are picked up throughout the day and fall off when one gets into bed. Letting pets onto the bed also increases the chances of gross things making themselves at home.

4. Crumbs

Crumbs on the mattress can attract pests and bacteria. (Pixabay pic)

People who eat in bed must expect crumbs and food scraps to fall onto and dirty the mattress. Even being really, really careful, some crumbs, scraps and other bits will land in the bed.

Food residue can rot and produce a bad smell, as well as attract pests like rats, cockroaches and mould – all known spreaders of disease.

Bacteria can also grow and feast on these crumbs and bits.

5. Dead skin cells

Dead skin cells tend to rub off onto the surface of the mattress. (Pixabay pic)

People shed dead skin cells throughout their lives, more so on the bed because the skin is in contact with the surface of the mattress.

The cells will accumulate and soil the mattress, making it smelly and stained. The build-up also attracts pests and mites.

6. Sweat

A mattress can absorb about 100 litres of sweat a year. (Pixabay pic)

Even with the fan or air conditioner on, people sweat. In fact, a mattress can soak up to 100 litres of sweat each year.

The sweat dries up but the salts and dirt residue remain, staining and dirtying the mattress.

The mattress can be protected by using good mattress covers. Have a shower before going to bed and keep the pets off the bed. It is best not to eat in bed too. Cleaning the mattress periodically also helps.

This article first appeared in kaodim.com

One of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing local services platforms, Kaodim connects users to dependable and professional local service providers – fast and hassle free. With the Kaodim app, users can access professional services for home renovation, office cleaning and much more.

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