How to Clean a Spring

Although they are less common today than they used to be, many people still use a box spring between their mattress and bed frame. Back when innerspring mattresses were the norm, box springs were used for support and to keep them from sagging or sinking over time.

Just like mattresses, spring mattresses should be cleaned periodically to get rid of all the dust and debris that has accumulated under the bed over the years. Here’s how to do it.

What is a box spring?

If you haven’t moved your mattress in a while and you have a box spring, you’ll notice that it consists of a mattress-sized metal or wooden box filled with solid coils covered in a thin, breathable fabric. In most cases, this material is cambric: the same lightweight fabric as the underside of upholstered furniture.

In addition to supporting the mattress and ultimately extending its lifespan, a box spring also makes it easier for air to circulate around the bed. While this isn’t such a big deal now, box springs once gave a bed significant height, keeping people away from cold floors and anything that might crawl on them.

How to clean a spring

First, remove the mattress from the box spring. (Now might be a good time to clean your mattress .) Next, use an upholstery attachment to vacuum all sides of the box spring, including the bottom. Be sure to suck up any clumps or deposits of dust or debris that may have settled between the coils.

To thoroughly clean your box spring, use a handheld steamer if you have one, then let it dry completely before putting the bed back together. You can also spot treat stains by dampening a clean cloth with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap and blotting the stained areas.

For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda on the box spring, let it sit for an hour, and then vacuum it up.