Whether you are working with a major stain or your mattress is only beginning to smell a bit funky, figuring out how to wash a huge mattress can be tricky.
However you may slice it (unless you truly slice it, which we would not recommend), it is simply not possible to fit your mattress in your washing machine, so how do you get it looking and smelling clean and fresh again? Steam cleaning is just one great option, but make sure that you know all about the procedure before trying this method by yourself.
We've got a bunch of useful knowledge for you on steam cleaning, spot treating, and other washing methods that will assist you in keeping your mattress in tip-top form.
How Clean is Your Mattress?
You probably don't spend a good deal of time fretting about the cleanliness of your mattress, but it's truly an important point to listen to, especially if you think that we spend as much as a third of our lives in bed.
Mattresses also come into direct contact with your own bodies and, as such, can accumulate perspiration, skin cells, bacteria, dust mites, stains, and smells over time.
One study has suggested that a normal mattress may contain up to 100,000 to 10 million dust mites – yikes!
If you're somebody who fights breathing issues such as allergies, asthma, or sleep apnea, you need to be certain that your mattress stays clean.
A clean mattress may actually improve your well being, your home's air quality, along with your sleep.
Pros and Disadvantages of Steam Cleaning a Mattress
Keeping your mattress clean is important, but is steam cleaning really needed? Well, it depends on a few things.
First of all, consider the measures which you're already taking to get a clean mattress. If you use a mattress protector or sleep on a duvet mattress, like most natural latex mattresses, you will likely not have to clean your mattress as often.
If, though, you tend to sweat at night, you sleep with your pets, you consume in bed, or you've got children that are in the process of potty training, your mattress may probably need more frequent TLC to stop smells and stains from setting in.
It's also a fantastic idea to steam clean your mattress if you have been ill in your mattress or had a bloody nose immediately. In any of these situations, you'll want to steam clean your mattress more frequently.
With those factors in mind, let us look at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of steam cleaning a mattress.
Pros
Steam cleaning can be a very effective way of maintaining any upholstered item clean. Steam, which may reach upwards of 250℉, does an outstanding job of eliminating everything from dust mites to germs while also breaking down dirt and stains.
Steam Cleaning can be an incredibly environmentally friendly way of cleaning, also since it simply includes water and heat.
Also, if you steam clean any upholstered item, it's advised that you use a gentle cleanser, none with harsh chemicals which will negatively affect your skin and the ground alike.
Cons
We've seen some mixed reviews about steam cleaning a mattress. However, the primary point of contention boils down to (get it?) moisture. Too much moisture in any upholstered furniture item may result in mold and mildew, which will only worsen any allergies caused by a filthy mattress.
It's essential to be conscious of the amount of moisture your mattress collects when you steam clean it and to enable your mattress to dry completely before placing sheets back on it and sleeping on it.
Ultimately though, provided that you allow the bed properly dry, the benefits of steam cleaning your mattress actually can't be beaten by any other cleaning method.
How to Steam Clean a Mattress
Steam cleaning isn't something which you'll have to do all that often –particularly if you do a fantastic job of keeping your mattress protected from spills and stains – but perspiration, skin cells.
Steam cleaning aren't something which you'll have to do all that often – particularly if you do a fantastic job of keeping your mattress protected from spills and stains – but perspiration, skin cells, dust, and dirt are unavoidable, so we would suggest deep cleaning your bedding at least seasonally.
As soon as you learn how to steam clean a mattress, it's simple to add it to your seasonal deep cleaning program.This is a little time and labor-intensive process, so be certain you allow for ample time for your bed to wash before sleeping on it.
Begin the process early in the morning, or make arrangements to sleep at another bed for the night once you steam clean your mattress.
So, how can you steam clean a mattress? Well, it is relatively straightforward. You'll first need to be certain you have all the materials available you will need. We would recommend having:
- Vacuum with a hose attachment
- A neutral cleaner such as baking soda or laundry detergent
- Dry towels
- Vinegar
- A great deal of water
- Steam cleaner.
There's no have to go out and purchase a costly commercial steam cleaner to be able to deep clean your mattress. In case you've got an iron with a steaming purpose or a clothes steamer, those should work fine.
You can even go out and pick up an inexpensive upholstery steamer machine for about $100 at stores like Target or Walmart, as well as online.
Or, if you want to use a higher-end steamer, you can actually rent one from places like Home Depot or Lowe's. Regardless of what you use, just make sure your steamer can heat to at least 212℉ to fully benefit from the steam cleaning.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Process
1. Deodorize and Vacuum:
After you have stripped your mattress of sheets, blankets, cushions, and extra mattress pads, thoroughly vacuum the mattress's surface.
This step is truly important to make certain that you get a deep enough clean to allow the steam to penetrate deeper into the mattress.
Vacuuming will help to eliminate any skin cells, hair, dirt, and other substances that will not dissolve when steamed.
If you have any lingering smells or should be certain that your bed smells clean, try spraying the whole surface with baking soda before you vacuum it.
You may also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda in this step to get your bed smelling additional refreshing and deodorized.
We recommend lavender as it's been demonstrated to help calm and relax your mind and muscles in preparation for sleep – fairly ideal for a mattress, would not you say? Let the baking soda mixture soak up oils and scents onto your mattress for at least an hour before vacuuming off it.
When you vacuum your mattress, be sure that you use a hose attachment that gets a close suction into the bed.
Use short strokes as you pay the entirety of the mattress, paying particular attention to the most likely areas to get dirty, like beneath your feet and head.
2. Spot Treat Stains:
You should also do this when planning to steam clean your mattress to spot clean any stains.
A mixture of mild detergent and water tapped with a sponge is an excellent option for stain. Or, since you already have the baking soda out, drizzle an excess pile of baking soda on the stain, then dabbing at it with white vinegar can also be a really great natural choice for stain removal.
Just be certain that, either way, you move, you don't saturate the stain with an excessive amount of liquid because, as we have already noted, it's important that your mattress can dry completely after you have washed it.
3. Steam the Surface:
Set up your Steam cleaner by filling the water tank, ensure all of the parts are correctly attached and then get to steam.
You will need to hold the steamer a few inches above the surface of the mattress, not really directly touching the cloth, as you gradually move it across the bed in low and long strokes.
Focus on the dampness of this mattress: It should feel slightly moist but not soaking wet; think gentle drizzle rather than a thunderstorm.
If it seems like it's becoming too saturated by moisture, then move the steamer further upward and away from the surface and continue as normal for a much deeper clean. Attempt steaming along the sides of the mattress also.
Note: If your mattress is flippable, you will want to await the first side to dry before flipping the mattress and repeating the opposite side procedure.
However, most mattresses aren't double-sided, so no need to be worried about steaming the bottom of the bed.
4. Let it Dry:
Once the entire bed was steamed, let it dry for at least three hours. To accelerate the drying process, open the windows, set up a fan or two to blow directly in the bed, or, for those who have a clean space out and the weather fine, you can even move your mattress out to dry in direct sunlight.
To determine if the mattress is dry enough to put the sheets back, use dry towels and press forcefully in multiple spots on the mattress. Should they pick up any moisture, allow the bed to dry out more?
Other Mattress Cleanliness Tips
If you find that you have to clean your mattress frequently, or you're still having breathing problems connected with your bed, here are some other suggestions to be certain that your mattress remains fresh and clean.
Buy the Right Accessories
We'd recommend investing in a fantastic mattress protector, which will add a layer of protection between your body and your mattress. These come in several materials and can easily be removed and thrown into the washing machine.
Just note that some mattress guards can alter the texture and cooling features of particular mattresses. We'd recommend searching for one made of a breathable material like organic cotton, or one which has enhanced cooling features, especially if you're someone who's a hot sleeper.
Reduce Moisture Levels Around Your Bed
Your bedroom needs to be a relatively cool and dry place in your home. Not only is a cooler temperature perfect for sleep, but it will also help stop any night sweats.
Maintaining your room dry also will minimize any mold or bacteria growth on your mattress. This is particularly important if you live somewhere with a moist and humid climate. If this is true, consider investing in a dehumidifier for your room.
This also refers to preventing any moist things from being left in your bed. That means avoid throwing dirty towels rather than completely dry laundry on your mattress.
Moreover, if your pet likes to hang out in your bed, ensure they have not just come in from a romp in the rain till they jump to cuddle with you.
Use Sunlight to Your Advantage
Finally, direct sunlight isn't just good for you and your plants, but it may also help keep your mattress clean and wholesome.
If you're able, putting your mattress out in a clean and dry place about every other month may kill any germs or moisture and freshen the smell of the mattress.
Get a Steam Cleaner for Your Mattress
If you're ready to purchase a steam cleaner for your mattress, you should be able to find one online for an affordable price.
We recommend starting your search on Amazon, where an ordinary steam cleaner will run you around $100, depending on how much performance you require.
You may also take a look at big-box retailers such as Target and Walmart to get a mattress steamer at stores in your region.
We hope this post has helped you work out how to steam clean your mattress and keep it new for years to come.
Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a mattress after clicking a referral link or using a coupon code on this site. That said, all content and opinions on this site are my own and are NOT affected by these payments.
This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
