Mattresses can become a breeding ground for bacteria, however one expert swears a bizarre method is a "game changer" for cleaning them. CEO of MattressNextDay Martin Seeley said the "eco-friendly, cost-effective" hack gently removes dirt without ruining the mattress, and it can be used on any type of bed. 

He recommended doing it every six months, because sweat and body oils create a warm, moist environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive, while dead skin cells serve as food for dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma. Martin emphasised: "The pot lid method is a game-changer for mattress cleaning. It works by using the flat surface of a pot lid to distribute pressure evenly, allowing you to gently remove dirt and allergens without damaging the mattress material.” To try out the pan lid method, mix a mild cleaning solution of warm water, a small amount of laundry detergent, and a touch of rubbing alcohol. For tougher stains, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda. 

Then you dampen a microfibre cloth with the cleaning solution so it is wet but not dripping, and wrap the cloth tightly around a pan lid, securing it well to prevent slipping.

Move the lid around the mattress in circular motions whilst applying medium pressure. For memory foam, use light pressure and straight lines to avoid pushing moisture too deep into the foam.

Martin explained: “When combined with a microfibre cloth and a mild cleaning solution, the pot lid acts like an oversized scrub brush, effectively lifting dirt and allergens from deep within the mattress fibres."

To avoid making the mattress susceptible to mould, make sure it is fully dry before use, and Martin recommends placing it in sunlight if possible.

If there are any stubborn stains, spot cleaning with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda could be carried out before using the pot lid method.

Martin concluded: "The pot lid's size allows you to cover a larger area with each pass, making the cleaning process more efficient.

"Its weight provides just enough pressure to work the cleaning solution into the mattress surface without oversaturating it. This is particularly important for memory foam mattresses, which can be sensitive to excessive moisture."