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Your mattress is disgusting. Here's how to clean it

Your bed is more than a place to rest your head each night or de-stress during a few stolen moments during the day; it's also a haven and a sanctuary. Your mattress needs to be comfortable, supportive and welcoming. It also needs to be clean! Sadly, no matter how pristine your sheets and pillowcases appear, the mattress underneath can literally become contaminated with all sorts of nastiness over time. That's partly because we humans are such a sweaty bunch. The average person emits around 26 gallons of sweat per year while lying between the sheets, blankets, duvet or comforter. That creates a moist atmosphere in which fungus and bacteria can thrive! Indeed, your mattress may well be the dirtiest item in your bedroom. But it doesn't have to be.

Watch the video to learn three easy ways to clean your mattress.

Reviewed-approved bedding recommendations:

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

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Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of home experts are always testing new pillows, sheets and more so you can shop for the best of the best.

  1. Best hybrid mattress: Leesa Hybrid Mattress

  2. Editors’ Choice sateen sheets: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

  3. Top-rated pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow

  4. Best comforter: Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter

  5. Our favorite throw blanket: Bedsure Fleece Blanket

  6. Worth the hype: Gravity Blanket

How dirty is your mattress?

Not to ruin your next nap, but the units of bacteria found in even a newer mattress are high. And once a mattress hits around seven years old, you truly are sleeping with an enemy of many millions. According to a study by Amerisleep, the list of undesirables includes bacteria, body fluids, dead skin cells and dust mites, all of which can have a harmful effect on your health, not to mention your peace of mind.

How often should you change your mattress?

There are several factors that can determine how often you change your mattress, mostly related to what it's made of, comfort, and how much you can afford. But as a general rule, it's advisable to buy a new mattress every seven to ten years. Yes, that may sound like a hefty recurring expense, as, depending on the materials and size of the mattress, a good one can cost you thousands of dollars. But then, as we each spend about a third of our life in bed, it's probably money well spent. Sleep well.

More problems, solved

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deep clean your mattress by following these three steps