Steps To Extend the Life of Your Bed

If you've had your bed for more than ten years then you'll probably need to replace it! While the bed frame itself may not necessarily need replacing your mattress certainly will, as the average life span of a mattress is only a few years before it starts to show signs of wear and discomfort, as well as be full of dust mites! A fearful thought that the bed you sleep on may actually be harmful to your health.
With some people not having a bedroom quite as clean as they think it is, breathing problems and skin irritations abound simply due to an unclean bed.
It's not just the bedding which needs to be cleaned regularly, the mattress and the bed frame itself can harbour dust mites and bed bugs which can cause all sorts of health related problems.
While most of us believe that the summer months are the ones which allergy sufferers should avoid, it is in fact the winter months that can be the cause of most of the problems.
As we turn up the central heating and swathe ourselves in duvets and blankets the dust mites and bed bugs revel! They love these warm atmospheres and multiply by their hundreds, if not thousands, if we don't keep our beds, bedding and bedrooms clean.
Dust mites and bugs feed on dead skin cells, which we shed each night as we sleep.
Therefore it makes logical sense to get rid of them before they become a real nuisance.
There are some pro-active steps you can take to help reduce the numbers of dust mites which harbour in your bed: 1.
Changing your bed linen, duvet covers, sheets and pillow slips on a weekly basis will help reduce the number of mites.
2.
Hoovering you mattress will also help to rid your bed of these nasty little bugs! Turning your mattress over will also help reduce the mites and will also extend the life of your mattress.
3.
Pillows are another warm and inviting place for dust mites to reside.
Washing pillow slips should be carried once a week along with your sheets.
4.
Cleaning your bed frame is equally as important.
Metal and wooden frames can be damp dusted weekly and upholstered head-boards hoovered, be sure to use the nozzle attachment of your vacuum cleaner to get right into the corners or buttoning.
5.
If you have black leather beds don't be tempted to spray furniture polish on them as they contain silicone and waxes which can easily leave white residue marks and cause deterioration of the leather.
6.
Soft bristle leather cleaning brushes can be used or a brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and mites.
If you're using a brush you'll then have to hoover as well otherwise all you are doing is moving the mites from one place to another! Re-hydrate the leather, to reduce the chances of cracking, by using a damp cloth.
7.
Repair any cracked or torn leather or upholstery, as these are wonderful hiding places for mites! Be prepared to carry out these simple tasks on a regular basis as not only will they help alleviate the problems of dust mites they'll also help to keep your bed looking like new!