Steam cleaning is an environmentally kind way to clean and disinfect surfaces, including a mattress. These machines use vaporized and heated water to break down dirt and kill germs. Learn how to steam clean a mattress to remove stains and foul odors.
When you think of steam cleaners, you probably think about carpeting, but they are useful tools for cleaning a mattress as well. Not only are they used to sanitize surfaces while cleaning away dirt and stains, but they also remove allergens caused by infestations of dust mites and bed bugs.
A steam cleaner is an excellent tool for sanitizing the surface of your mattress. Regular deep cleaning of your bed removes dead skin, sweat stains, and other stains that lead to mildew and bad odors. Having a clean mattress means that you get a better night’s sleep.
Can You Steam Clean a Mattress?
There are specific steps to take when cleaning with a steam cleaner, depending on the type of stain removal and cleaning process required. Learn how to prepare your mattress for cleaning and which kind of solution is the best one for your bed.
The Smart Way to Steam Clean a Mattress
Can you steam clean a mattress? The answer to that is yes. Steam cleaning is an ideal way to sanitize and clean all types of stains and odors, including sweat stains on mattress. However, there are a few steps necessary before cleaning your mattress.
The first step in mattress cleaning is to remove and wash all bedding in the washing machine. Follow the instructions for your bedding material and use your favorite laundry detergent to clean and deodorize your sheets, lightweight mattress protector or mattress cover, and blanket.
If you have a memory foam mattress pad or another form of a topper, remove it from the bed and set it on a flat, clean surface. Sprinkle baking soda lightly on the top side of the pad and let it sit for half an hour.
Use a vacuum upholstery attachment to clean away the odor absorbed powder. Repeat the process on the reverse side of the pad. This process also helps in killing dust mites and removing the bodies before steaming.
Finish up by performing a thorough vacuuming of the entire mattress. Use a vacuum upholstery attachment to clean the top of the bed, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies of the stitching, especially if it’s a pillow top. Flip the mattress over and repeat on the other side.
Pre-Treating Stains Before Steam Cleaning a Mattress
Before using a bed cleaner machine to sanitize a mattress, pre-treat tough stains using an upholstery cleaner or make a solution with hydrogen peroxide.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a bottle sprayer and add the baking soda and soap. Shake the container gently to mix and spray the cleaner directly onto the stained area of the mattress.
Use a sponge to clean away the grime using a circular motion. Rinse the sponge with hot water and wipe away any leftover residue.
This solution works to clean puke off a mattress, as well as eliminating other types of recognizable and unknown stains. Treating stains before steaming ensures that you are left with a spotless surface when you are finished.
Removing Bad Odors from a Mattress Before Cleaning
Bad odors accumulate within the fabric of the mattress, especially if it is a memory foam mattress or plush mattress topper. What do you do with your old mattress to remove odors before steam cleaning? Use this simple solution to get rid of nasty smells on your mattress.
Shake an even layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and let it sit for one hour. The baking soda absorbs bad odors such as urine, sweat, smoke, and mildew.
Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean away the odor-absorbed powder. Flip the bed over and repeat the process on the reverse side.
Deep Cleaning Bed Mattresses
Steam cleaning bed mattresses is the best way to sanitize them without using harsh cleaning products. Hot steam is a natural mattress cleaner that not only removes stains but kills dust mites and bed bugs as well.
Mattress Steam Cleaning
Check your owner’s manual for complete instructions. Fill the water reservoir and turn on the cleaner to heat it. Use the steamer wand to clean the mattress in areas by using long and slow strokes.
Start at the top corner and move in two-foot sections. Make sure that the mattress surface gets damp but not saturated. Repeat the process along all four sides of the bed.
Allow the topside of the mattress to dry completely before flipping the bed over and repeating the cleaning steps on the bottom. Allow a four hour drying time before replacing the bedding. Turning on fans and opening windows speeds up the drying time.
Can a Memory Foam Mattress be Steam Cleaned?
How can you steam clean a memory foam mattress? Unfortunately, using a steam cleaner on memory foam may cause damage. To sanitize a mattress made of memory foam, use white vinegar.
Combine the vinegar and water in a bottle sprayer and shake well. Label the container if you plan on using it more than once. Work in sections by spraying the cleaner onto the surface of the mattress.
Rub each area clean with a towel. Continue moving along until the entire bed is clean. Allow it to air dry thoroughly before replacing the bedding.
You spend roughly 56 hours a week in your bed, so imagine what sort of dirt may accumulate on the surface of your mattress. Between sweat stains and dead skin cells, your bedding is a breeding ground for mildew and bad odors.
What if your mattress is beyond salvaging and trying to keep clean? What do you do with your old mattress so you can get a new one? Check your local listings for locations where you may be able to donate your mattress or take it to the dump.
Performing regular cleaning of the mattress upholstery not only removes dirt and stains but sanitizes and deodorizes the surface while eliminating allergens.
We’re happy that we could show you how to steam clean a mattress so that you can get a good night’s sleep, and we’d love it if you’d share our mattress steam cleaning tips and recipes with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.