The more we learn about microbiology in our homes, the more we realize our homes are dirtier than we once thought. However, as an expert vacuum tester, I can reveal that no, you don't need a mattress vacuum.
Of course, thousands of dust mites live in our beds and feed off our dead skin, which is why we advocate that everybody should vacuum their mattress every time the sheets are changed. But do you need a special appliance just for this job?
As a home tech editor, and somebody who's spent more than 200 hours testing and reviewing the best vacuums, I've spoken to industry experts to see if a mattress vacuum is worth the extra spend, and can reveal what attachment to use instead.
Do you need a mattress vacuum?
At first, mattress vacuums seemed like a gimmick to me. Of course, it's great to have a new, handy bit of tech that can help do something as specific as cleaning a mattress, but why not just use your normal vacuum cleaner? Strong suction power on a normal household vacuum will do the job just fine.
You'll likely already own a vacuum with suction that's at least twice as strong as what you'd find in a mattress vacuum. It's why the suction of a full-sized vacuum isn't measured in Pa, as its motor can generate a more powerful airflow that can pull dust from deep within rugs, carpet fibers, furniture and mattresses.
However, it is worth mentioning that the unique selling point of a dedicated mattress vacuum is often its built-in UV light, which can effectively kill mites and bacteria and penetrate the surface for deeper cleaning. UV-C light specifically can attack the DNA and RNA of dust mites, preventing them from reproducing.
A mattress vacuum is by no means a necessity, but its UV-C light can kill dust mites and prevent them from reproducing.
Dust mites are one of the most common household allergens, so it's important to make sure you're dealing with them to avoid suffering allergy symptoms. When we talk about dust allergies, we're actually referring to allergies to dust mite fecal matter, which the mites produce as a result of eating organic matter.
'On average, humans shed two grams of skin per day, and even more at night where friction from bedding causes dead cells to shed,' shares Dennis Mathews, lead research scientist in microbiology at Dyson.
'From May-October, the dust mite breeding season takes place, during which time the female of the species lays between 60-100 eggs. But even though mites die off in the winter, the allergenic material they produce – including feces, body parts and saliva – is left behind,' he adds.
So, this is why it's paramount to vacuum your mattress and clean your mattress topper. It justifies the UV-C light function of a mattress vacuum to effectively sanitize the dust mites' organic matter from your bed. You still need strong suction, however, and I'd recommend aiming for anything above 14-15k Pa, like in the Jimmy BX7 Pro Max Graphene Mattress Vacuum at Amazon.
What can you use instead of a mattress vacuum?
Even without a UV light, a full-sized vacuum cleaner can remove more dust mites than a mattress vacuum.
My concern with a specialized mattress tool is its ability to vacuum. As Dennis explained, the organic matter that dust mites leave behind still needs to be removed after the mites have been killed, so even with a mattress vacuum's UV light, suction is important. Otherwise, they'll still trigger your allergies.
Most of the best cordless vacuums and best upright vacuums come with an upholstery tool too, and while it can't be used to prevent the mites from reproducing, it can do a better job of removing them from your bed.
One of the best vacuum attachments for pet hair is a mini motorized brush, and its spinning brushroll will pull even more matter from within your mattress. Using your full-sized vacuum also means you have the luxury of using the hose or wand, so you can reach the full length of the mattress from one spot.
So, instead of spending the extra $100 or so on a special mattress vacuum, you can make use of your current one and invest in a new attachment, then spot clean the mattress as and when needed.
If you own any of the best cordless Dyson vacuums, it's worth investing in this mini motorized brush. It will pull dust from below the mattress' surface, and if you have pets, it's the best we've ever tested for removing pet hair.
The Black & Decker steam mop is one of our most recommended cleaning tools. Our content editor and non-toxic cleaning pro Chiana Dickson uses it across her whole home, from killing bacteria in bathrooms and the kitchen, to freshening up carpets, clothing and linens. It can do much more than sanitize your mattress. Avoid it on memory foam, however as that may warp the material.
If you're already considering spending $100-200 on a mattress vacuum, it's worth considering spending that little bit extra on the single best upright vacuum we've ever tested. You won't need a UV light, its relentless suction and purpose-built attachments will remove the dust mites from your mattress. Our full Shark POWERDETECT review goes into more detail on what makes it so great.
Next, find out how to make a mattress smell nice, and take note of the 10 worst mattress cleaning mistakes to avoid.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds? We reveal the ideal times to spot these mesmerizing creaturesFew other birds rival the spectacular showmanship of hummingbirds. So, when are we most likely to spot these tiny dynamos?
-
As a massive fashion-lover, Donatella Versace's dazzling dressing room is the best storage space I've ever seen – the color coordination is truly spectacularThe fashion designer's sky-high shoe, clothing, and bag storage are a fashion lover's dream – I am obsessed with how she stacks her accessories
-
I used to be a lifeguard – here's why you should never skip this essential pool maintenance task if you want to keep your family safeIt might seem silly doing it so often, but it’s absolutely essential
-
I'm a home tech editor, and I always used to put off cleaning my sofas until I started using this tiny handheld vacuum (which is now on sale)This simple but powerful handheld vacuum from Black+Decker has transformed my living room
-
Is it wrong to clean before a professional cleaner comes over? Plus, the 6 things you should always do before they arriveMany of us are guilty of doing a pre-clean, but is it really necessary?
-
6 mistakes that prove you’re cleaning in the wrong order – and what to do instead to save time, effort, and moneyThese will double your workload
-
Why your home needs a 'sweeping week' to permanently kick chore stress to the curb – it's a 'weirdly liberating' gamechanger for shared spaces, say cleaning pros3 ways to use this brilliant cleaning concept to banish chore overload
-
I'm a professional cleaner, and this 1 common kitchen cleaning mistake could cost you $100s – here's how to avoid a hefty billDon't make your kitchen a magnet for pests and mold, or run the risk of an electrical fire
-
7 clever cleaning lessons I learned from Monica Geller and use daily – this beloved Friends character was doing it right all along'Remember, if I'm being harsh with you, it's only because you're doing it wrong'
-
'I hope one day, a vacuum robot can bring me coffee while I’m sitting on the sofa' – researchers just programmed a robot vacuum to do 4 versatile household tasksRobot vacuums have the potential to do so much more than simply clean your floors
