Futons can come in handy in several situations at home thanks to their flexibility and multi-functional use. Whether you need a spot to sit during the day or desire a comfortable surface to sleep at night, these minimalist Japanese-originating mattresses may be all you need.

Futon mattresses have become an integral part of many households not only for humans but for pets such as dogs and cats as well. The heavy usage these mattresses naturally promote means they can get dirty much more often than other types.

The bad news is that many consumers do not have a clue on how to wash their futons to remain fresh and clean. It is not uncommon to see these flexible mattresses getting dirty and deeply stained despite the owner’s genuine intentions.

If you’re serious about cleaning your futon mattress to look like new again, continue reading this article.

How do you Wash a Futon Mattress? 

As long as a futon remains in use, it will always get dirty. Knowing how to keep it clean is an essential skill that can serve you and other members of the household well in terms of not only comfort but health-wise as well.

Here are the step by step instructions for keeping a futon mattress spotlessly clean.

1. Vacuum The Futon 

Regular vacuuming of your futon can be the key to keeping it free from dirt particles, dust, pet hairs, and dead skin particles. For the best results, vacuuming should be done at least once a week following the step by step instructions below.

• Strip the futon mattress bare of all pillows, blankets, bedsheets, and comforters 
• Vacuum all areas of the futon, making sure traces of dirt, lint, and other unsavory particles are cleared
• If you find deeper layers of debris in the cracks and crevices of the futon, attach an upholstery brush to flash them out 
• Flip the futon over and repeat the vacuuming process 

2. Deodorize It

Even barely-used futons can develop odors over time. However, those that are used heavily get exposed to human and pet sweats as well as other kinds of odors over time. This is why deodorizing the mattress after each vacuuming session can be so important.

There are several options for deodorizing but we recommend the use of baking soda in the steps outlined below.

• Sprinkle baking soda across the entire surface of the futon 
• Allow it to sit for an hour so the fast-acting ingredient can gradually remove any bad odors 
• Vacuum the entire futon surface all over again 
• Flip the futon over and sprinkle baking soda on that side as well 
• Vacuum the other side after allowing it to sit for at least an hour 

3. Spot Cleaning 

Even the best vacuum cleaners on the market may not be able to remove stains from the futon. This is why knowing how to spot clean can be vital to the ability to keep your mattress in a clean condition.

Essential supplies for the cleaning job includes a washcloth, mild laundry detergent, and warm water. The steps are as follows:

• Dip the washcloth slightly in warm water and mild detergent solution to make it damp and not wet
• Apply the washcloth on a tiny area of the futon to confirm that the cleaning solution does not discolor the futon
• Once you get confirmation, gently scrub the stains out of the futon, increasing the force if necessary

4. Dry the Futon 

Drying the futon is the last piece of the puzzle and this can be done in several ways. You can leave the cleaned area directly under a running fan for an hour or so to dry. However, we recommend leaving out the futon in the sun.

Not only can the sun speed up the drying process but it may also eliminate any pungent smells from the futon.

How do you Remove Blood Or Urine Stains From A Futon Mattress?

Some types of stains may require more than vacuuming and spot cleaning. A typical example is urine, which may be more common than most people think. Senior citizens and adults with incontinence problems suffer urine accidents regularly.

Children may also accidentally pee themselves meaning urine is probably one of the commonest stains futon mattress owners are forced to deal with. Have a dog or cat at home? Get used to pet urine because there are numerous stories of pets peeing on futons across several online pet forums.

Blood is another unconventional stain you may be forced to remove out of your mattress.

1. Remove As Much Of The Stain As Possible 

The first step to eliminating urine or blood stains from a futon is to blot as much of it as possible. If the peeing accident happens in real-time then you should act on it immediately. Here’s a step by step instruction for urine stain removal from a futon:

• Soak paper towels into the affected spot and press on them to remove as much urine as possible 
• Repeat the process until you’ve gotten out the maximum amount of urine
• Follow the pressing and lifting motion during the blotting process instead of rubbing the stain which can only spread it further and deeper into the mattress fabric

2. Enzyme Cleaner 

Once the maximum amount of urine has been blotted from the futon, the next step is to begin the stain removal process with an enzyme cleaner in the steps outlined below.

• Pour the enzyme cleaner into a bathtub or bucket 
• Cover the stain completely with the enzyme cleaner 
• Let the solution sit on the stain for 30 minutes 

3. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide 

To provide even better stain and odor removal, baking soda should be sprinkled across the affected area of the futon. Again, let it sit for about 5 minutes and follow the process below:

• Add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 60 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide 
• Pour the resultant solution over the stain and leave it alone for 15-20 minutes

4. Re-blot the Stain With Paper

Blotting the stains again with paper towels at this point can be a great idea. Repeat the process until as much enzyme cleaner, dishwashing detergent, hydrogen peroxide, and soap has been removed from the mattress.

The stains should effectively vanish as you keep blotting the futon with the paper towels. Make sure there are no leftover stains.

5. Rinse With Clean Water 

Rinsing the futon with a damp washcloth dipped into clean water can also be an important part of the process. Keep repeating this until all traces of detergent, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide have been removed from the futon.

6. Allow The Mattress To Dry

Allow the mattress as much time as necessary to dry completely before sleeping on it again. For the most efficient results, put the mattress in the sun to dry.  If you live in a cold region with zero sunlight, hand dryers can be an alternative solution for speeding up the drying process.

If you’re not in a hurry then leaving the mattress to air dry can also provide the necessary results even if it may take up to 24 hours.

7. Vacuum The Mattress Again 

Do not forget to vacuum the mattress again once it is completely dry. This should remove any leftover traces of cleaning agents such as baking soda. The additional vacuuming of the mattress can make it cleaner and eliminate the risk of getting exposed to harsh chemicals.

How do you Keep Your Futon Mattress Clean?

Futons typically undergo heavy usage and like other types of mattresses, it is important to take the necessary actions to keep them clean at all times. Here are some active steps to maintain a clean futon.

1. Flip Out The Mattress Regularly 

 

Rotating your futon regularly can be one of the smartest ways to keep it in shape while maintaining its cleanliness. Many of us only lie down on one side of the futon and completely forget about the other.

This can lead to a quicker deterioration of the mattress as the impact of your body weight sinks into your favorite spot, causing dips and sags. Flipping out the mattress can also ensure that any dirt and stains may be quickly cleaned out in time to save the physical appearance of the futon.

2. Futon Cover 

Futon covers can offer world-class protection against all kinds of dirt particles as well as molds and mildew. These covers can also insulate the mattress from liquid spills for those of us who love eating in bed as well as urine and other potentially damaging liquids.

For the best results, we recommend that consumers look out for waterproof futon covers as they can offer advanced layers of protection.

The UltraBlock Futon Full Waterproof Mattress Protector from Amazon features a cotton terry surface that offers genuine protector for my futon against dirt, dust mites, and allergens as well as liquids such as urine and beverages.

3. Allow the Futon to Air Out regularly

Even though futon covers can be extremely useful, leaving them on the mattress all the time may lead to the risk of musty odors. This is why allowing the futon to air out regularly can be such an important component of the overall mattress care strategy.

If possible, allow the futon to air out in the sun at least once a month. You’ll be amazed at how fresh it can smell.

4. Get a Frame 

Leaving your futon on the floor is one of the quickest ways to get it dirty. Even the cleanest floors still offer greater exposure to dirt, dust, and other potentially harmful particles that can disintegrate your mattress.

A raised frame can save you lots of trouble while keeping the futon clean and healthy always.

The DHP Aiden Metal Futon Frame from Amazon has transformed the benefits I derive from my futon mattress. It provides 3-1 performance by quickly converting from sofa to lounger and full-size bed. I love the fact that it features retainer clips which prevent the mattress from sliding.

5. Buy Hypoallergenic 

Choosing a futon with hypoallergenic properties can be a smart decision that will pay off over and over again. These mattresses may be able to repel dust mites as well as bacteria, molds, mildews, and allergens.

I love sleeping on my Mozaic Cotton Twill Futon Mattress from Amazon. It features top-class dual-sided memory foam for amazing nighttime sleeping and performance. It is extremely durable and flexible for use in an upright sofa position or flat in a bed position.

Conclusion 

Congratulations on reading the most comprehensive guide on how to wash a futon mattress. As long as you follow the steps outlined in the guide, no type of stain should be impossible to remove from your futon.

Flipping your mattress regularly, draping it with a futon cover, and putting it on a futon frame are additional ways to maintain a clean futon.