When people think about bed hygiene, they usually think about washing sheets and pillowcases. But when was the last time you cleaned the mattress itself?
(As an aside, TIME once reported on a UK study suggesting some young single men change their sheets only once every three months—but that’s a story for another day.)
At Elite Maintenance Services Group, we’re not interested in who you sleep next to, whether they steal the blankets, snore loudly, or let the dog jump on the bed. What does concern us is the hygiene of the mattress you sleep on—because its condition can directly impact your health.
Despite the name, Elite does far more than carpet cleaning. We also provide specialist, professional mattress cleaning services designed to help Australians sleep healthier.
The Hidden World Living in Your Mattress
In his book The Secret Life of Germs, renowned New York microbiology professor Dr Philip Tierno famously wrote that there is no single place that challenges a person more immunologically than the mattress and pillow combination.
He went on to describe the bedroom as the second germiest place in the home, surpassed only by the kitchen.
Unless your mattress is brand new, it’s likely home to thousands—if not millions—of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and dust mites.
Add to that:
- Sweat, blood, and other protein-based stains
- Spilled drinks (yes, even that morning cuppa in bed)
- Pet dander and residues from cats and dogs
- The skin cells we naturally shed while sleeping
In fact, the average mattress can contain over one kilogram of dead skin flakes, which provide an ideal food source for dust mites. All of this can contribute to allergies, asthma, eczema, poor sleep quality, and ongoing fatigue.
And we haven’t even mentioned bed bugs.
Why Mattress Hygiene Is Often Overlooked
We spend roughly one-third of our lives in bed, yet many mattresses go years—or even decades—without a professional clean.
Imagine wearing the same clothes day and night for years without washing them properly. It’s confronting, yet that’s effectively what happens with mattresses when hygiene is ignored.
What Happens During a Professional Mattress Clean?
Elite operations manager Tim Honan says using a quality mattress protector under your fitted sheet is a great first step—but it’s not enough on its own.
That protector creates a barrier, but like sheets, it still needs regular washing.
When you book Elite for professional mattress cleaning, the process begins with a detailed pre-inspection, followed by a thorough dry vacuum using a HEPA-filtered system. Most household vacuums don’t have HEPA filters, which means fine particles are often redistributed back into the air rather than removed.
The process continues with:
- A targeted pre-spray treatment
- Specialist extraction to remove embedded dirt, oils, and contaminants
- Optional application of a lightly scented deodoriser and antimicrobial treatment (only at the customer’s request)
This process complements other hygiene services such as upholstery cleaning and professional carpet cleaning to improve overall indoor health.
You can learn more about Elite’s experience and approach on our About Elite page.
It’s Time to Think About Your Bed Health
A clean mattress isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health, hygiene, and better sleep.
If it’s been years since your mattress was professionally cleaned, or if allergies and poor sleep are becoming an issue, expert cleaning can make a noticeable difference.
Sleep Easier with Elite Mattress Cleaning
Or speak with our team on 131580
Elite Maintenance Services Group — helping Australians sleep cleaner, healthier, and more comfortably.
