Dirt gets everywhere, including on your mattress. We spend 6 – 8 hours lying on the bed every night and this doesn’t account for the hours chilling, watching TV, hanging out with friends and snuggling with pets.
While it’s pretty disgusting to think about it, the mattress builds up a ton of sweat, hair, dust, germs and dead skin cells over time. In fact, experts state that a used mattress can harbor between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites! With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to clean and disinfect a mattress in a few simple steps.
7 Easy Ways to Disinfect Your Mattress
There are multiple simple ways to disinfect your mattress and get it looking and smelling fresh again. Try out one of these simple methods:
1.Steam Cleaning
Mattress steam cleaning is an extremely effective method to sanitise a mattress. That Carpet Guy uses powerful truck mounted machines that run at 245 degrees F and naturally kill off all bacteria and germs, plus stains and any other nasties. After an expert steam clean, the mattress will need 3 - 6 hours’ air drying.
2.Antibacterial Spray
Using an antibacterial spray is an easy way to kill off germs and remove ground in sweat stains. Use an antibacterial solution that doesn’t contain bleach as this can damage the mattress fibres. Spray a small amount over the mattress and blot dry with a clean rag.
3.Baking Soda and Vinegar
A baking soda and vinegar solution is great for cleaning many areas of your home, including the mattress. Firstly, spray the mattress with vinegar, leave for 10 minutes and blot dry with a clean rag. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and leave for as long as possible. The baking soda absorbs stains and odours plus any remaining vinegar.
4.Vodka
Vodka naturally disinfects and works great as a cleaning solution in the home. Add some to a spray bottle and lightly mist your mattress. Blot dry with a clean rag and leave to air dry before using the bed.
5.Corn Starch and Baking Soda
Corn starch is a great odour-absorber and will reduce any smells from an old mattress. Mix it with baking soda for an even more powerful clean. Sprinkle both onto the mattress and leave for up to 30 minutes. Finally, vacuum the whole bed, before adding sheets and covers again.
6.Foaming Shaving Cream
The majority of shaving foams contain alcohol which is why it’s an effective mattress cleaner. Spray shaving foam onto stains, leave for 20 minutes, remove the foam and blot with a damp rag. Mix 50/50 water and vinegar in a bottle and spray over the mattress. Leave it to air dry.
7.Enzyme Cleaner
An enzyme cleaner is recommended for extremely stubborn stains. Mix together 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and three tablespoons of baking soda. Apply the solution to stains and let it sit for as long as possible. Blot with a damp rag and allow to air dry.