Your mattress has more germs than you think. Here are 7 tips for cleaning it

There's nothing quite like slipping into a freshly made bed with clean sheets and soft pillows. However, have you given much thought to the mattress under your sheets. You use your mattress more than any other piece of furniture in your house. Taking the time to keep it clean will improve both your health and comfort.

From deep cleaning to quick maintenance, taking care of your mattress shouldn't take a lot of time or money. With a few simple ingredients and these mattress cleaning hacks, you'll never question the cleanliness of your bed again.

There are many essential oil recipes designed to promote sleep. Lavender and chamomile both are well-known aromatherapy aids. Add these oils to your mattress cleaning process for a better night's sleep. Combine two cups of baking soda with up to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Use a brush to scrub the mixture into your mattress. After 2 hours, vacuum the mattress thoroughly. You'll be amazed at how refreshing your bed feels! Get the video tutorial here.

It's not pleasant to think about, but we all sweat in our sleep. You probably never notice it until you start seeing yellow stains on your mattress. These sweat stains look awful, but a simple mixture of 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 drop of dish soap will make these stains disappear. Simple mix together in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray over the stained area and watch your mattress brighten in front of your eyes!

A less than fresh odor from your mattress is definitely not a good start to a good night. Vinegar is the perfect way to reduce mattress odors. Simple spray the mattress generously with white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to do it's magic for 10 to 15 minutes. Then blot with paper towels until the majority of the moisture is removed. Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda to absorb odors and the remaining moisture. After a few hours, vacuum up the baking soda.

Steam cleaning uses heat to penetrate and sanitize surfaces. You can steam clean your mattress with a handheld, canister, or even a 2-in-1 steam system. Start by vacuuming first to remove dust. Then go over the entire mattress using short bursts of steam. You can make mulitple passes on stained areas, making sure to blot up any excess moisture. Because steam cleans with a minimum of water, your mattress should dry quickly for a good night's sleep. Get the full video tutorial here.

Mom's of small children know that sometimes mattresses become a bit soaked. How to effectively clean the mattress is not a mystery. Simply combine 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons baking soda, 1 drop dish soap, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels. Spray the stained area with your solution and allow to dry. Vacuum to remove any excess baking soda residue. The result is a clean and fresh mattress.

Pillows should be washed every 3 months. It's not a terrible chore when you use your washing machine to quickly clean your pillows. Place 2 pillows in your washing machine and set to the largest and hottest settings. Add a regular amount of laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of washing soda. Dry on low heat for a full dryer cycle to dry and fluff your pillows.

If you are taking the time to clean your mattress, you should clean your bed linens as well. This is the time to wash your quilts, blankets, comforters, and duvet covers. If they don't fit comfortably in your washer, a trip to the laundromat may be necessary. Wash your sheets and pillowcases using the hottest cycle to deep clean and sanitize. Placing the sheets on the bed as soon as they are finished drying will help smooth out any wrinkles for a crisp, clean look.