How To Sanitize A Mattress

Virtually everything you own works better if it’s correctly maintained.  Cars need their oil changed.  Clothing needs to be laundered.  Homes eventually need plumbing, roofing or electrical work.  And mattresses of all quality levels need occasional cleaning and sanitizing.  Otherwise both bacteria and dust mites can build up, irritating your skin during rest and possibly causing allergic reactions. Don’t know how to sanitize a mattress? Here are some tips.

The key to doing the job yourself is knowing how much water and cleaning agent to use.  You want to get your mattress very slightly damp.  If it gets too wet, it will soak up the liquid, possibly leading to the formation of mold and mildew inside of it.

Below is a great general-purpose method that will give good results for most mattresses, including box spring varieties with pillow top layers.  If you have a memory foam or latex type, then consult the dealer or manufacturer for special cleaning instructions.

1. Strip the mattress of all bedding and launder the sheets and comforter.
2. Have a bowl of warm water and a cloth rag handy.  Dip the rag in the water then wring it out thoroughly.  After this, spray a small amount of a disinfectant sanitizer on the cloth.  Windex Anti-Bacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner is a good choice.  Similar products will do nicely as well.
3. Be certain that the cleaning agent you settle on will not bleach the color from the mattress fabric.  If in doubt, spray a tiny amount on an inconspicuous part of it, wait several minutes, and then wipe the spot.  If the shade is unchanged then the cleaner is safe to use.
4. Wipe the mattress down with the water/solution mix on the rag.

Rub up and down its surface in rows.  If the rag dries out, re-wet it and continue until you have covered the whole surface.

1. Let the mattress air dry.  The amount of time this takes will depend on a number of factors, such as the levels of heat and humidity in your bedroom.  You can speed drying time by turning on a fan, raising the heat, or running a dehumidifier.
2. After the mattress is totally dry, sprinkle a powdered sanitizer/odor dissolver on its surface.  Let this powder sit on the bed for five to ten minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly.
3. If your mattress is a kind that can be flipped over, then do so and repeat the cleaning steps.  Finally, replace the bedding and enjoy your fresh, sanitary mattress!

How Often Should My Mattress Be Cleaned?

A general rule of thumb is to follow the sanitation procedure outlined above once a month.  This will of course vary depending on many factors.  For example, if you or your partner has been through an extended illness such as a bout with the flu, then you should sanitize as soon as you have recovered.

 

What about Commercial Sanitizing Companies?

There are several firms out there that claim to be able to clean mattresses safer and more thoroughly than consumers can.  Some of these companies use equipment similar to that of carpet “steam cleaners.”  Others rely on a combination of ultraviolet light and industrial-strength vacuums.

There might be occasions when a commercial outfit should be called in.  The most obvious one is if you buy or otherwise acquire a secondhand mattress (never a great idea).  Another time might be if an illness, disability or other reason has resulted in the mattress being extensively stained by urine, fecal matter, or blood.  Of course, in such cases the best course of action is to simply get a new mattress.

Here at BedMart, we understand how important it is for you to get the best possible mattress, as well as other sleep-related products.  Browse our site, see what we have to offer, and then, when you’re ready, we’ll gladly assist in any way we can with the purchase process.