How to clean and maintain an Ottoman Bed?

Ottoman beds are becoming more popular every day, and it's easy to see why. These smart beds have a bottom part that lifts to reveal hidden storage space underneath. 

But here's the thing - because ottoman beds have moving parts and storage areas, they need a bit more care than regular beds. The lift-up mechanism can become dusty or stiff if not cleaned regularly. The storage space can get musty if you ignore it.

So, let’s show you how to clean your ottoman bed, keep the lifting parts working well, and ensure the storage area stays clean and dry.

Must-Have Cleaning Supplies and Tools

Before you start cleaning your ottoman bed, let's make sure you have everything you need. Here's how to make cleaning your ottoman bed easier and more effective:

• A Vacuum Cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair from all the tricky corners of your ottoman bed.
• Microfiber Cloth: It's better to use clean microfiber cloths than paper towels. They won't leave lint on your ottoman and are much gentler on the fabric.
• Soft Brush: A small, soft brush, similar to an old toothbrush, is ideal for cleaning tight spaces around buttons, seams, and the bed's moving parts.
• Warm Water: A spray bottle or bowl of warm water is perfect for most cleaning tasks and won't harm the fabric.
• Gentle fabric cleaner: A Gentle fabric cleaner from any grocery store will handle most stains and keep your bed looking fresh if it has a cloth covering.
• Rubber Gloves: These gloves can protect your hands from cleaners and keep them clean while you work.
• A spray lubricant: A lubricant like WD-40 will keep the hinges and lifting parts moving smoothly and quietly.
  

Regular Cleaning Routine (Weekly/Bi-weekly)

To keep your ottoman bed clean is easy if you do a little bit of upkeep regularly. Here's an easy routine to keep it looking and smelling fresh:

Surface Cleaning

• Vacuum the outer area of your bed, especially the seams and corners, using a soft brush attachment.
• Wipe away any new stains you find with a damp cloth. It's much easier to clean them before they set in.
• Use a gentle brush to clean dust from the hinges and lifting parts to keep them from sticking.
• Open the storage area and vacuum up any crumbs, dust, or other small items that have gathered inside.

Mattress Care

• Rotate your mattress regularly. Every few weeks, turn your mattress around so the head is now at the foot. On the next rotation, flip it over completely. This helps it wear evenly.
• Vacuum the mattress. Use a vacuum to gently clean the surface of your mattress, just like you would a sofa. This removes dust and dead skin cells.
• Air it out. Keep your ottoman bed open for at least 30 minutes with the mattress off. This allows air to circulate and prevents musty odours.

Deep Cleaning Process (Monthly Or Quarterly)

Every month or so, your storage bed needs a deeper clean than your regular weekly routine. Here are some steps you should follow:

Fabric Ottoman Beds

• Use a fabric cleaner and a soft brush to remove any dirt or stains.
• To deal with tough smells or stains, mix baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the spot, let it rest for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
• Finally, let the bed air dry completely with fans or open windows to prevent mould before you put your bedding back on.

Leather Ottoman Beds

• Clean with a leather cleaner: Use a soft cloth to apply a proper leather cleaner. Work on a small area at a time and wipe off any extra cleaner.
• Condition the leather: After cleaning, use a leather conditioner to prevent it from becoming stiff.
• Avoid heat and sunlight: Keep your leather bed away from direct sunlight, which can cause the material to fade and crack.

How To Maintain the Lift Mechanism?

The lifting part is what makes your ottoman bed so useful, so it's important to take care of it. Here’s how to do it:

• Listen for squeaks: If you hear squeaking when you open your bed, the moving parts might need some lubricant.
• Check how it lifts: If the bed feels heavy or won't stay open on its own, the gas struts might be wearing out.
• Lubricate moving parts: Every few months, spray a small amount of lubricant on the hinges and other parts.
• Tighten screws and bolts: Over time, screws can become loose. Check them regularly and tighten as needed.
• Call a professional for serious issues: If your bed won't stay open at all, closes too quickly, or makes loud cracking sounds, it's best to call a furniture repair person.
  

You may also like to read: Choosing the right Ottoman bed for your child

Final Remarks

Once you have a routine, keeping your ottoman bed in great shape is easy. Just a few minutes of cleaning each week, and a more thorough cleaning once a month, will keep it looking and working like new. The trick is to clean regularly and fix minor issues before they turn into expensive problems. Not only will proper maintenance save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or early replacement, but you'll also sleep better knowing your bed is clean, fresh, and working perfectly.