Rachael Penn

Rachael Penn

Contributor

Rachael has a keen interest in all things sleep, including her expert knowledge on mattress cleaning, providing readers with the best hacks and tips to keep their beds clean, as well as trying out the latest viral cleaning products. Rachael also reports on leading mattress brands such as Helix, Saatva and Nectar, writing articles designed to help readers understand what they need from a new bed. She also enjoys reviewing home, travel and tech gadgets, especially anything that has been designed to make life easier like smart home gadgets. During the last 15 years, Rachael has contributed to various publications including Tom’s Guide, Creative Bloq, The Independent, The Spectator, Daily Express and more.

Latest articles by Rachael Penn

Sleep editor lying on a Brooklyn Bedding mattress, with Lowest Price graphic overlaid
Should you choose the Brooklyn Bedding Mattress in 2024 Labor Day sales? Advice from a mattress tester

By Rachael Penn Published

We’re sharing our expertise before the Brooklyn Bedding Labor Day sale so you know whether it’s the right mattress for you.

Mattresses
Image shows a white pillow being placed inside a washing machine for washing
3 types of bed pillow you can wash in a washing machine (and 2 you can't)

By Rachael Penn Published

A handy guide to the types of pillows you can wash in a washing machine and the ones you definitely can't.

Pillows & Bedding
Image shows the Saatva Adjustable Bed Base placed in a zero gravity sleeping position
Not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds – here's why

By Rachael Penn Published

Adjustable beds require a mattress that can bend and flex, find out why your mattress may not be compatible

Mattresses
A couple change the sheets on their mattress together
5 things you can do to extend the life of your mattress

By Rachael Penn Published

Get the most out of your mattress with these expert insights.

Mattress Care
Image shows black coffee spilling out from a white cup onto a white mattress
How to quickly get coffee and tea stains out of a mattress

By Rachael Penn Published

Our tried and tested tips for removing coffee and tea stains from a mattress and leave it looking and smelling like new.

Mattress Care
Image shows a person in blue disposable gloves pointing to bed bugs on a mattress, which will be treated with essential oils
Mattress cleaning: 3 essential oils that get rid of bed bugs fast

By Rachael Penn Published

Bed bugs are a nightmare, but certain essential oils can help you get rid of these pests and leave your mattress looking and smelling like new.

Mattress Care
Cleaning a mattress with a brush to get rid of dried blood
How to get blood stains out of a mattress — tried and tested methods

By Rachael Penn Published

/wellness/mattresses/how-to-get-a-blood-stain-out-of-a-mattress Proven cleaning hacks for getting fresh and stubborn blood stains out of your mattress.

/wellness/mattresses/how-to-get-a-blood-stain-out-of-a-mattress
A man moves a mattress on his own up a flight of stairs
How to move a mattress by yourself without damaging it

By Rachael Penn Published

Successfully moving a mattress by yourself is all about being prepared

Mattress Care
A woman with long dark hair holds her back which is sore after sleeping on a mattress that's too firm for her
How to make a firm mattress softer — tried and tested tips

By Rachael Penn Published

If your mattress is too hard for your body and sleep position, try these tricks and tips for softening it up

Mattress Care
Cat urine on a mattress
How to get cat urine out of a mattress — banish stains and smells

By Rachael Penn Published

Accidents happen, so here's everything you need to know about getting cat urine out of a mattress

Mattress Care
Woman wearing purple disposable gloves uses a pink sponge to clean stains and smells from a white mattress with a homemade stain remover
I test mattress cleaning hacks — here's the homemade stain remover I swear by

By Rachael Penn Published

Remove stubborn mattress stains with my tried and tested stain removal recipe — here's how to make it at home...

Mattress Care
The image shows the Naturepedic Concerto mattress on the left and the Helix Midnight Luxe on the right
Naturepedic vs Helix Midnight Luxe: Which luxury hybrid for side sleepers mattress should you buy?

By Rachael Penn Published

Side sleepers require soothing pressure relief. So which luxury hybrid does this best, the Naturepedic Concerto or Helix Midnight Luxe?

Mattresses
A man lies on his back in bed, sleeping happily in a comfortable position
Saving money helps you sleep better, says new study

By Rachael Penn Published

Findings from a new study shows that those who save money on a regular basis sleep more soundly than those who don’t save. Plus, how to sleep when you're feeling anxious.

Sleep
A hand wearing a rubber glove uses a soft bristled brush to clean a mattress after incorrectly cleaning the cover with bleach
You've been cleaning your mattress wrong — 3 household items you should never use

By Rachael Penn Published

When cleaning your mattress, these are the top three products you should never use otherwise you risk damaging the cover and the internal layers.

Mattress Care
A woman scratches her arm in bed because there's scabies in the mattress and bedding
Yes scabies can live in mattresses — here's what experts want you to know

By Rachael Penn Published

What you need to know scabies in your mattress, with advice from renowned skin experts on how to deal with an infection.

Mattress Care
A hand wearing a rubber glove uses a soft bristled brush to clean a mattress after spraying the yellow stains with shaving foam
Why are people cleaning their mattresses with shaving foam and is it safe?

By Rachael Penn Published

This TikTok shaving foam hack removes stubborn mattress stains in minutes — here’s how to use it, plus 3 other stubborn stain-removing tips. 

Mattress Care
A mattress being stem cleaned to get rid of dust bites and bed bugs
Should you clean your mattress with a Rug Doctor? An expert replies

By Rachael Penn Published

We asked an expert whether you should clean your mattress with a Rug Doctor and there's bad news for some people...

Mattress Care
Two Tom's Guide sleep staff writers sit on a mattress after testing its support core
What is the support core in a mattress and why is it important?

By Rachael Penn Published

The support core is a crucial element of every mattress – here's why, how they work, plus how to pick a mattress with great ground-up support.

Mattresses
Cloverlane 15” Hybrid Luxury Firm Mattress on a tall bed and topped with 5 plush cushions
Want the Saatva Classic but don't have the budget? 3 top-rated mattresses I'd buy instead

By Rachael Penn Published

The Saatva Classic is highly-recommended mattress that comes at premium price. Don't have the budget? Here's 3 other top-rated mattresses to shop this 4th of July instead

Mattresses
The image shows the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Breeze Luxe mattress on a grey bed foundation in a neutrally decorated bedroom
How to clean a Tempur-Pedic mattress without ruining it — 7 steps to follow

By Rachael Penn Published

How to deep clean your Tempur-Pedic mattress without ruining it — 7 steps to follow.

Mattress Care
Cleaning a mattress with a handheld vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust mites
How to deep clean your mattress to get rid of allergies: 7 proven tips and tricks

By Rachael Penn Published

A buildup of pollen and dust mites can wreak havoc on your sleep — here's 7 proven mattress cleaning tips for allergy sufferers.

Mattress Care
How to clean a mattress from urine image shows a fresh yellow urine stain on a white mattress surrounded by pink rubber cleaning gloves, a pink pot of bicarbonate of soda and a blush scrubbing brush
How to clean urine from a mattress — 7 pro tips for removing stains and smells

By Rachael Penn Published

The best tips and products for how to clean a mattress from pee, getting rid of strong smells and stains.

Mattress Care
Someone checking a mattress for bed bugs with a flashlight
TikTok trick instantly shows if your hotel mattress has bed bugs — how to use it

By Rachael Penn Published

Hotel mattresses aren't immune to bed bug infestations. This trending TikTok trick helps you spot them in seconds — here's how to use it...

Mattress Care
Image shows the Nectar Premier hybrid mattress on a white bedframe with two parents and two children sitting on top under a comforter, reading a kids book
5 signs you should replace your innerspring mattress with a hybrid bed

By Rachael Penn Published

If you notice any of these sign, it's time to switch your innerspring bed for a breathable new hybrid mattress. Plus, our top recommendations in today's sales...

Mattresses
A woman with long dark hair sleeps happily on her side on a white cooling mattress
Cooling mattress vs cooling mattress topper: Which should you buy?

By Rachael Penn Published

How to choose between a cooling mattress and cooling bed topper, plus the ones we recommend in this weekend's sales...

Mattresses
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