Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Deodorizing and vacuuming the mattress
• Part 2 of 2: Applying steam
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Cleaning a mattress with a steam cleaner is an environmentally friendly way to rid your mattress of dust mites, odors, dirt, dead skin cells, bed bugs and bacteria. Steam cleaning a mattress contributes to better sleep by removing allergens. You sleep more easily knowing your bed is clean. You can easily steam your mattress yourself with a vacuum cleaner or a steam cleaner.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Deodorizing and vacuuming the mattress

1. Remove all blankets, sheets, and pillows from the bed. You need to remove everything from the mattress to begin with. If you have a mattress protector, you should remove it too, leaving only the mattress.
   • Pillows and mattress protectors absorb a lot of sweat and dead skin cells while sleeping and so should be washed every few weeks depending on everyone's needs.
2. Wash and dry all bedding at a high temperature to thoroughly clean and sanitize it. Washing sheets, pillows, pillowcases and mattress protectors in the washing machine with hot water and drying them at a high temperature will disinfect, deodorize and clean them.
   • Depending on the size and material of the bedding, you may need to take it to a launderette or dry cleaner. To be sure, read the washing instructions on the labels of the bedding.
   • Pillows are generally safe to machine wash. Check the label on the pillow to see cleaning instructions.
3. Deodorize the mattress by sprinkling baking soda over it. Baking soda works great at removing odors from fabrics. For a double mattress, sprinkle at least 250 g of baking soda evenly over it. If your mattress is larger or smaller, you can adjust the amount accordingly.
   • For a queen or king size mattress, the entire box of baking soda may be needed.
   • You can buy scented powder deodorizers, but baking soda doesn't contain all of those chemical additives and works just as well.
   • Mix a few drops of the essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling it on the mattress if you want to lightly perfume it. Use peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus to deodorize and get rid of dust mites.
   • Add a little white vinegar or laundry detergent to the baking soda to help it soak in and remove any stains from the mattress.
4. Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least one hour. Letting the baking soda sit gives it time to absorb grease and odors. If the mattress has a strong odor, such as urine, you can let the baking soda sit longer to make sure all the odor is removed.
   • For really heavy smells, let the baking soda sit for up to 24 hours.
5. Vacuum the mattress slowly and thoroughly with the attachment. After the baking soda has had time to deodorize the mattress, run the vacuum attachment slowly and in short strokes all over the mattress. Keep the vacuum cleaner longer in areas with a lot of skin contact, such as where you put your head and feet, to vacuum up all dead skin cells and dust mites.
   • You can use any attachments that came with your vacuum to clean the mattress, although the wide-mouth hose with a rotating brush works best.
   • It is important to vacuum the mattress before steam cleaning as you will need to remove as much dirt and loose fibers as possible so that the steam cleaner can penetrate deep into the mattress.

Part 2 of 2: Applying steam

1. Choose a steamer that suits your needs and budget. A device that can heat the water to at least 100 ° C is suitable for this. You can use a steam iron, a clothes steamer, a household steam cleaner, or rent a professional steam cleaner.
   • Most household carpet cleaners don't make the water hot enough to kill bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs. Check the steamer's specifications to make sure it is getting hot enough.
2. Fill the steam cleaner and let it heat up according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most steam cleaners have a water tank, a motor that generates heat and a pipe to apply the steam. Fill the water tank to the manufacturer's recommended level and turn on the appliance to warm up.
   • Read the user manual carefully for instructions on safe and correct use.
3. Apply the steam to the mattress with long and slow strokes. Hold the steam cleaner just above it, but do not touch the mattress. Start by applying steam to the top left corner of the mattress in half a meter strips. Slowly move to the right and down in equal rows until you've covered the entire top with hot steam.
   • The mattress must be damp, but not soaked by the steam, otherwise it will take a long time to dry. If you think the steam is making the mattress too wet, turn the dial to less steam, if available, or move the steam wand a little further away from the mattress.
4. Steam the sides of the mattress for a deeper clean. Run the power cleaner down the sides of the mattress, working from top to bottom to allow as much steam as possible into the mattress. This ensures that as many bacteria, mites or bed bugs as possible are killed.
   • Many mattresses made today are one-sided and never need to be turned so you don't have to steam the bottom. If your mattress is double-sided or the bottom is dirty, wait for the top to dry completely, then turn it over and start the whole process again.
5. Wait two to four hours for the mattress to dry completely. Depending on how much steam you used to clean the mattress, it will take at least two to four hours for it to dry completely. To speed up the process, you can turn on fans in the room, open the windows and, if possible, move the mattress to a place in the room where the sun shines directly.
   • If you have a dry and wet vacuum cleaner or a carpet steamer, you can use it to suck up the excess moisture from the mattress after the steaming.
   • If you have a clean place outside, you can also place the mattress directly in the sun to dry.
6. When the mattress is completely dry, make the bed with clean linen. Before making the bed again, check the mattress again by pressing it down with your dry hand or a dry towel to see if there is any moisture left on it. Lying on a damp mattress can promote bacteria and fungus growth, so it's important to make sure the mattress is completely dry before making the bed and going to sleep.
   • If you started the process early in the morning, you should be able to sleep on the mattress at night.

Tips

• Using a machine washable mattress protector is a great preventative way to keep your mattress clean so you don't have to clean it too often.
• If you can, leave the mattress outside in the hot sun every few months to kill mold or dry up any hidden moisture in the mattress.
• Keep your bedroom cool as much as possible so that you don't get too hot and sweat in bed. This way your mattress will be less dirty.

Warnings

• Do not leave pets or damp towels on the bed as they can damage the bed.
• Steam cleaning can remove or fade the color in the mattress fabric.
• Most mattresses can be steamed, from memory foam to overlay mattresses. Manufacturers of some specialty adjustable beds warn that steaming can void your warranty, so it's a good idea to contact the manufacturer or check their website before steaming the mattress.
• The steam will be about 100 ° C, so be very careful when handling the steam cleaner and keep it out of the reach of children.

Necessities

• 250 g of baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner with attachment
• Steam cleaner or steam iron
• Water
• Essential fragrance oil (optional)
• Fans to speed up drying time (optional)