Steam mattress cleaning is an eco-friendly method of removing dust, odor, mites, dead skin cells, bed bugs, and bacteria from the mattress. Steaming your mattress will help you sleep better because the things that trigger allergic reactions will be removed so you can rest more peacefully on a clean mattress. You can steam your own mattress with a hose-connected vacuum cleaner and any brand of commercial vaporizer.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Deodorizing and Cleaning the Mattress with a Vacuum Cleaner
Step 1. Remove the blankets, sheets, and pillows from the mattress
You'll need to get rid of everything on the mattress before you start. If you're using a mattress pad, you'll also need to remove the object so that the mattress can be fully exposed.
Pillows and mattress pads absorb a lot of sweat and dead skin cells when you sleep. So, the object should be washed every few weeks, depending on the needs of each individual
Step 2. Wash and dry everything on the mattress on high heat to keep it clean and free of bacteria
Washing sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and mattress pads in hot water in the washing machine before drying them on high heat will remove unpleasant odors and bacteria until they are completely clean.
- Depending on the size and material of the items, you may need to take them to a dry cleaning service provider. Pay attention to the product care label listed just in case.
- Most pillows are machine washable. Check the label on the pillow for cleaning instructions.
Step 3. Deodorize the mattress by sprinkling baking soda on it
Baking soda is great for removing odors from fabrics. For a twin-sized mattress, sprinkle a minimum of 240 ml of baking soda evenly on it. If the mattress is larger or smaller, you can adjust the size as needed.
- A king or queen sized mattress usually requires a whole packet of baking soda.
- You can buy commercial deodorizing powders, but baking soda can work just as well even if it doesn't contain any chemical additives.
- Mix a few drops of essential oil with baking soda before sprinkling it if you want your mattress to smell a bit more. Use peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus to help remove odors and get rid of mites.
- Mix a little white vinegar or laundry detergent with baking soda to help it penetrate and remove stains from the mattress.
Step 4. Let the baking soda sit for at least 1 hour
Baking soda left on will absorb oil and odors. If your mattress has a strong smell, such as urine, you will need to let the baking soda sit longer to ensure the odor is completely absorbed.
If you can, let the baking soda sit for 24 hours to get rid of the strong odor
Step 5. Clean the mattress with a vacuum cleaner with a hand attachment slowly and thoroughly
After the baking soda has allowed to absorb the odor, gently rub the vacuum cleaner with the handheld attachment all over the mattress. Hold the appliance longer in areas of the mattress that frequently come into contact with the skin, such as areas where you place your head and feet. This method will suck all the dead skin cells and mites on the mattress.
- You can use the handheld attachment that comes in the sales package of the vacuum cleaner to clean the mattress. However, a hose connection with a wide mouth shape and a rotating brush is the most powerful tool.
- Cleaning the mattress with a vacuum cleaner before steaming it is very important because you need to remove as much dust and flaky fabric as possible so that the vaporizer can penetrate into the mattress lining.
Method 2 of 2: Using Steam
Step 1. Choose a vaporizer that fits your budget and needs
Any machine capable of heating water to 100 °C is acceptable. You can use an iron with a steam function, a clothes steamer, a household steamer, or a large commercial steamer for rent.
Most household carpet cleaners cannot heat water to high temperatures to kill bacteria, mites, and bed bugs. Check the specifications of the vaporizer to make sure it is hot enough
Step 2. Fill and heat the vaporizer according to the manufacturer's instructions
Most vaporizers are equipped with a water tank, a motor that generates heat, and a rod for spraying steam. Fill the water tank to the capacity recommended by the manufacturer and start the engine to heat it up.
Make sure you read the user manual carefully to find out how to use it properly and safely
Step 3. Steam the top of the mattress in long, slow motions
Hold the vapors near the surface of the mattress without touching them. Start steaming the mattress starting from the top left corner with a straight motion along the 30 cm. Work slowly to the right and down in a row until the entire surface of the mattress is exposed to the hot steam.
The mattress should feel damp, but not drenched in steam so it doesn't take too long to dry. If you think the steam is making the mattress look too wet, lower the steam control if available or move the sprayer away from the surface of the mattress
Step 4. Steam the mattress residue for a thorough cleaning
Move the vaporizer along the sides of the mattress, from the top to the bottom so that the steam can penetrate the mattress lining. This method will kill all bacteria, mites, or fleas on the mattress.
Most mattresses manufactured today are only worn on one side and never turned over. That way, you don't have to steam the bottom. If your mattress is double-sided and the bottom is dirty, wait until the top is completely dry before turning it over and repeating the cleaning process
Step 5. Wait for 2 to 4 hours for the mattress to dry completely
Depending on the amount of steam used to clean the mattress, the drying process usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. To speed up the process, turn on a fan, open a window, and move the mattress to an area with natural sunlight, if you can.
- If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or carpet steamer, you can use it to suck up any excess liquid left on the mattress after the evaporation process.
- If there is a clean area around the house, you can also place the mattress in direct sunlight to let it dry.
Step 6. Cover the mattress with a clean cloth once it is completely dry
Before you put the mattress back on the bed, double-check the mattress by pressing it down with your hands or a dry towel to make sure no liquid remains. Lying on a damp mattress can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. So, it is very important to make sure the mattress is completely dry before covering it and sleeping on it.
If you start the cleaning process in the morning, you can usually use the mattress to sleep the same night
Tips
- Installing a machine-washable mattress protector is a great way to keep your mattress clean so you don't have to clean it too often.
- If you can, take the mattress outside when it's hot every few months to get rid of mold or dry any liquid that has stuck to the mattress.
- Keep the bedroom as cool as possible so you don't overheat and sweat on the mattress. Thus, the mattress will not get dirty quickly.
Warning
- Do not get into the habit of putting wet towels on the mattress because this can damage your mattress.
- Steam cleaning can remove or fade the color of the mattress upholstery.
- Most types of mattresses can be steamed, from memory foam to pilow-top. However, some manufacturers of special adjustable mattresses warn that steam cleaning can void the product warranty. So it's best to check with the manufacturer or visit their official website before steaming your mattress.
- Steam has a temperature of about 100 °C. Be careful when using the vaporizer and keep it out of the reach of children.
