Ottoman beds are a best-selling bedroom storage solution, and for good reason. With a large storage space hidden within the frame, they’re perfect for storing bedding, clothes, luggage, and more.
While ottoman beds are great for keeping your room tidy, many people forget that they need cleaning, too. We’re not just talking about wiping down the surface – the gas lift mechanism and interior compartments need to be properly maintained.
If your ottoman bed is looking a bit tired and in need of some TLC, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean your ottoman bed to keep it looking and feeling fresh.
How to Clean an Ottoman Bed
Cleaning an ottoman bed follows many of the same instructions as any other kind of bed. With a mixture of reactive and proactive cleanliness, you can keep your ottoman bed looking its best for years to come.
1. The Mattress and Bedding
As is the case with most beds, cleaning your ottoman bed starts with what you put on it. Specifically, the mattress, pillows, and bedding. You should flip your mattress every month for the first 6 months, then every 3-6 months after that to allow for even settlement of fillings, while bedding (including the duvet itself) should be cleaned every 3 months
Read more: How to Clean and Care for A Duvet
2. Wipe it Down
Bed frames can be dust magnets, especially fabric ottoman beds. Every so often, we’d encourage you to wipe down your ottoman bed with a clean, damp cloth. This will help remove any loose dust and debris, keeping your bed frame in top shape.
3. Vacuum the Storage Space
Under your ottoman bed, you’ll find a vast storage compartment that’s great for keeping all sorts of necessities out of the way. But, this compartment can accumulate debris much faster than other parts of the bed, due to its placement underneath your mattress. Anything from bookmarks to dead skin cells can gather quickly.
That’s why it’s good to give the area a quick vacuum every few months to keep it clean and clear. If you’ve got storage boxes helping you keep everything in place, consider also vacuuming these to keep the dust from making its way to your stored items.
4. Maintain the Gas Mechanism
As the main moving part of an ottoman bed, the gas lift mechanism is very important. Over the years, the pistons will be lifted and lowered thousands of times, which can increase the risk of dust and debris making its way inside and causing damage.
To keep this area clear, wipe around the pistons with a dry cloth or brush. These parts will often be made out of metal, so avoid using any water or cleaning solution – if not dried properly, you might see some corrosion developing.
How to Clean Wooden Ottoman Beds
Using a wood-friendly polish is the best way to offer protection and shine to a wooden ottoman bed. Polishes help restore sheen to the material while also offering a protective coat for accidental spills.
Speaking of spills, be sure to mop up any splashes of water that find themselves onto any exposed wood on your ottoman bed. If left, this moisture might cause the wood to expand over time
How to Clean Fabric Ottoman Beds
For fabric ottoman beds, we recommend using lukewarm water and a white cloth to wipe down the fabric itself. Using a white cloth especially helps decrease the chances of colour transfer.
Always choose cleaning solutions specifically formulated for fabric, as using unsuitable products may cause irreversible damage. Fabric-safe stain removers are an effective option for tackling tough stains. Fabric beds can be more challenging to clean, so double check all cleaning products are suitable.
How to Clean Under Ottoman Beds
Ottoman beds are known for their generous built-in storage, which often means they sit lower to the ground than standard beds. This can make the most of the available space within, but it can also make cleaning underneath a bit tricky.
Since the base is typically close to or lies directly on the floor, dust can easily accumulate around the edges. To clean this effectively, it’s best to move the bed frame, if possible. If space or weight is an issue, try using a vacuum with a slim attachment to reach tight areas.
If your ottoman bed doesn’t have a base, simply remove the stored items and vacuum the floor underneath, and you’re done. If the base sits flush with the floor, you might not need to worry about cleaning underneath at all.
How Often Should I Clean Inside My Ottoman Bed?
To prevent the growth of mould and keep your ottoman bed smelling fresh, we recommend cleaning it multiple times a year, or as and when it’s needed. Stains and spills for example should be dried and cleaned as soon as possible, while dust can be dealt with in your regular cleaning cycle.
Consider following these maintenance instructions every three months.
Why Does My Ottoman Bed Smell?
The main causes for odd smells and odours coming from your ottoman bed all revolve around how well it’s looked after. Too often, bed frames are neglected in favour of other bedroom furniture. Owners will very likely pay attention to things like bedding, pillows, and duvets, but forget that the bed frame is equally important.
Some common causes for bad smells in your ottoman bed include:
Sweat: When we sleep, we sweat. There’s no getting around it. Over time, our sweat evaporates in the bedroom and absorbs into our furniture, which can result in some interesting scents.
Spills: As much as we shouldn’t, we’re all guilty of taking a drink to bed. If spilled, these drinks can cause bad smells to develop over time, especially if they’re not dried quickly.
Mould: An increase of mould under an ottoman bed can produce a musty smell. To rid your ottoman of mould, consider moving the frame from its original resting spot and giving the area a deep clean. After the whole space is dry, you can move your ottoman bed back into place. Keeping a cleaning routine like the one detailed above can help reduce the chances of mould developing under an ottoman bed.
Explore Ottoman Beds, At Bed Factory Direct
Shop our range of styles and sizes to suit any décor and enjoy the functionality of these practical, storage-focused bed frames today.
Now that you know how to care for your ottoman bed, it’s time to find the perfect one for your bedroom and thankfully, we’ve got a great selection at Bed Factory Direct.