Share a bed? Your mattress could hold a bathtub full of sweat after summer, experts reveal

Ready to be grossed out? New research from MattressNextDay has revealed that the average couple produces just under 300 pints of sweat (105 liters) at night over the summer.

I told you it was gross.

So, where does it all go? Your bedding, mattress and pillows. So if you’ve invested in the best mattress of the year it might be time to give it some TLC. Which is why I’m proposing something new. Forget the spring clean, it’s time for a fall clean.

Here, we’re digging deeper into the research to find out how much we really sweat at night before detailing how best to clean your mattress (especially those pesky sweat stains) as well as how to protect it going forwards.

How much do we really sweat at night?

After a summer full of heatwaves, it’s likely we’ve sweated more than normal. According to the new research, these warmer conditions can increase sweat output by around 15%, leading the research team to nickname our beds ‘sweat-soaked sponges.’

A delightful image.

So, if we produce around 500ml of sweat on an average night, 92 days of warmer weather results in a huge 52.9 liters of sweat per person. For a couple, that’s almost a full bath tub full of sweat. *gag*

And this is just the average. That number could be a lot higher if you experience conditions like the night sweats or hot flashes.

But don’t worry. There are ways to save your mattress and give it the refresh it needs ready for hibernation season.

How to clean your mattress and protect it for fall

Start by vacuuming the whole mattress

Strip your bed of all of its bedding and put your sheet, mattress protector, duvet cover and pillow cases in the wash.

Next, vacuum the full surface of your mattress, taking extra care in the cracks, crevices and seams of the bed. This will help remove and dirt, debris and dust mites that have built up over the summer.

Read our guide to the best mattress vacuuming tips and be sure to use an upholstery attachment to prevent snagging the fabric cover of your bed.

Sprinkle baking soda over it

Baking soda has long been a cleaning staple. It’s cheap, versatile and natural. For mattresses, it’s the perfect way to freshen up a bed.

Sprinkle a generous layer over the whole surface of the mattress. This will neutralize odors and help restore proper PH balance.

Leave it to sit for at least 30 minutes, but the longer the better.

Treat stains

While waiting for the baking soda to work, you can spot-treat any stains. Mixing a solution of baking soda and white vinegar and spreading it over a stain can help to lift it. Be sure not to wet the mattress too much as this can lead to mattress mould.

For tougher stains like blood, hydrogen peroxide can be effective. For a breakdown of how to tackle each stain, head to our guide on how to remove mattress stains.

Spray vinegar over it

A light spray of white vinegar will help to clean the surface of the mattress. It will react with the baking soda and fizz slightly.

The acidity will break down grime, grease and stains. However, be very careful to only use a light misting. Don’t soak the mattress.

This is especially important if you have a memory foam mattress, as this material absorbs moisture, which can lead to mattress mold.

Vacuum again

Blot any remaining moisture with a clean cloth before vacuuming the mattress again. Be sure to vacuum up any remaining baking soda.

Rather than remaking your bed straight away, it’s a good idea to let your bed breathe. If possible, stand your mattress up against the wall.

Direct sunlight is best as this will help kill any remaining bacteria, but if that’s not possible, open up the windows and doors to let plenty of air through.

5 steps to protect your mattress

There are ways to stop your mattress from becoming a big ‘sweat-soaked sponge’. Here are our top tips:

1. Invest in a mattress protector: A mattress protector creates a barrier between you and the bed, helping to protect it from bodily fluids, spills and stains. Opt for a waterproof mattress protector for the best results.
2. Regularly clean your bed: Vacuuming your mattress around once a month is enough to keep it hygienic. On top of this, deep cleaning your mattress every 6 months will keep it fresh.
3. Opt for moisture-wicking materials: For your bedding, choose natural, moisture-wicking and breathable materials like wool, bamboo, cotton and latex. This will stop a lot of sweat from being absorbed by your mattress.
4. Try a cooling mattress: If you experience night sweats, hot flashes or just naturally sleep hot, investing in the best cooling mattresses can help. Consider the best smart beds too, for active cooling.
5. Wash your bedding weekly: Keeping a regular cleaning schedule for all of your bedding can help keep your mattress fresh. Be sure to wash your bedding at least once a week.