Consumer Reports: Spring clean your bedroom

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Spring is a time for blooming flowers, cleaning, and allergies. One of those things can help you deal with the other two, especially if you focus on where you sleep.

Freshening up your pillows and mattress is actually a good idea for your health. Here's how to do it.

You spend a third of your life in bed so why not make it a healthy haven? Consumer Reports says it's a good idea to periodically clean up your pillows and mattress.

"Cleaning your mattress and pillows, it removes dust mites, dirt and other allergens. Plus over time it'll help keep your mattress in good condition," said Sara Morrow from Consumer Reports.

First, clean your mattress with your vacuum's upholstery or crevice attachment.

Next - deodorize. Sprinkle a 1-pound box of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.

"We recommend leaving it there for about 24 hours so before you start this you'll want to make sure you've made other sleeping arrangements for the night," said Sara.

For pillows fluff them every day to keep their shape and remove any dust.

Once a month run the pillows through the dryer on the no-heat cycle or hang them up outside on a breezy, sunny day.

If needed, some pillows can be washed.

"Memory foam and latex are two that you shouldn't wash because they're extremely difficult to dry thoroughly instead just spot treat any stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent," said Sara.

For feather and down pillows submerge in warm water and a small amount of powder detergent. Knead gently. Press out extra water, then roll in a towel to dry. Throw your pillows in dryer on the no-air or air-dry setting.

"Just be patient because it can take hours for pillows to completely dry and we want a completely dry pillow to prevent any mold or mildew," said Sara.

You can add in a couple of towels, which can speed up the drying, and a clean tennis ball or two to keep the pillows from clumping in the dryer.

And when it comes to washing your sheets, comforter and other bedding, consider this. Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release liquid detergent earned top scores in Consumer Reports cleaning tests for body oil and dirt.

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