Disinfecting a mattress can be necessary in many situations: after an illness, after a flea or lice infestation, after buying a second-hand mattress, and so on.
But disinfecting a mattress is easier said than done, since unlike other textiles, you can’t put it through the washing machine.
Fortunately, there are many solutions for cleaning and disinfecting mattresses. That’s what this article is all about.
What to do before cleaning a mattress
Stains, dirt, dust, dust mites, perspiration, etc. are all elements that can damage a mattress. These are all elements that can clog a mattress as it is used.
Only proper, regular care can ensure mattress longevity, optimize hygiene and enhance comfort.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to call in a professional to clean your mattress. In fact, there are many effective, fast and economical techniques for cleaning and disinfecting mattresses at home.
However, before cleaning a mattress, it’s important to take a few precautions. Here are the most important recommendations:
- Never pour water directly onto the mattress.
- Remove all dust before cleaning the mattress.
- Always use a damp sponge or cloth to clean the mattress.
- Always remember to use suitable products for cleaning mattresses.
- Always clean the entire mattress, not just the stained areas.
- Start cleaning in the morning so that the mattress can dry during the day.
- Let the mattress air-dry if possible, or if not, air the room well.
As a reminder, you need to clean your mattress thoroughly before disinfecting it.
The best tips for cleaning a mattress
In addition to dust, moths and dust mites can take refuge in mattress fibers. In fact, it’s important to dust mattresses at least twice a month to remove dust and parasites.
To do this, simply vacuum the surface of the mattress, a dry cleaning that will do your mattress a world of good. To make maintenance even more convenient, we recommend using a washable insulating cover that can be machine-washed whenever necessary, preferably once a fortnight.
In addition to dusting, the next step is to clean the mattress. For this, there are a multitude of effective solutions that don’t necessarily require the use of chemicals. These include
Cleaning with ammonia
Ammonia is a highly effective product for cleaning mattresses. However, because it is a powerful and corrosive product, it is important to use it under safe conditions, including wearing gloves, a mask and protective goggles.
The ammonia mattress cleaning solution is prepared by mixing 1 liter of warm water, half a cup of ammonia and 1 teaspoon of washing-up liquid.
To use the solution, soak a clean cloth in it and rub the entire surface of the mattress, paying particular attention to stains. Then use a clean cloth soaked in clean water to rinse the mattress, without wetting it too deeply. This rinsing operation can be repeated several times, especially on stubborn stains.
Finally, use absorbent paper to remove as much moisture as possible from the mattress, then let it air-dry, or use a hair dryer, before putting it back on the bed.
Cleaning with soda crystals
The same type of cleaning can be performed with soda crystals. Cleaning and drying are carried out in the same way.
In this case, the cleaning solution is prepared by mixing one liter of hot water with one tablespoon of soda crystals.
You’ll need to wear gloves to handle the solution.
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective for cleaning mattresses, particularly for removing blood stains.
Simply mix equal parts cold water and hydrogen peroxide, then dab the stains onto the mattress with a cotton cloth. The solution works fairly quickly, and can then be rinsed off with a cloth soaked in clean water.
Once again, it’s best to absorb excess moisture with absorbent paper and leave the mattress to air-dry.
Cleaning with ox gall soap
Another effective way to clean a mattress is with ox gall soap, a powerful stain remover.
Simply dampen a sponge, rub in the soap and apply the product to the mattress and stains. Leave for 15 minutes or so, then wipe off with a microfiber cloth without rinsing.
Cleaning with spirit vinegar
Vinegar alcohol is a highly versatile product that can also be used to clean and sanitize mattresses. To use, mix 20 cl warm water, 50 cl white vinegar and 2 tablespoons washing-up liquid.
For even greater effectiveness, you can also add 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate.
The essential mattress disinfection step
Disinfecting your mattress completes the cleaning process. In some cases, however, disinfection may be necessary.
Here again, there are a number of effective methods.
Disinfecting mattresses with 70° alcohol
To disinfect a mattress with 70° alcohol, you’ll need a spray bottle containing a mixture of 1 part alcohol to 2 parts water (clear water) and 5 drops of lemon essential oil.
Spray the entire mattress and leave to air-dry.
Disinfecting mattresses with vinegar, bicarbonate and essential oils
A solution made from these three ingredients can effectively disinfect a mattress. To prepare a disinfectant solution of this type, you’ll need to mix ½ liter of spirit vinegar, 2 large tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of eucalyptus or citronella essential oil.
Once the mixture is ready, it can be applied to the mattress. All that’s left to do is rub the fabric vigorously with this grandmotherly remedy.
Disinfecting mattresses with a combo of essential oils
A clever blend of essential oils can be used to disinfect a mattress. For this method, you’ll need to mix essential oils in the following quantities:
- 8 drops Palmarosa essential oil
- 8 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 8 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 8 drops lemon essential oil
- 75 cl lukewarm water
Spray onto bedding and leave to dry without rinsing.
Disinfecting mattresses with hydroalcoholic solutions
Hydroalcoholic spray solutions are ideal for disinfecting mattresses. After spraying, rinse with a clean cloth soaked in clean water.
Disinfecting mattresses with bleach
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that effectively eliminates microbes, bacteria, germs and viruses that may be present on mattresses.
Bleach is rather harmful and must be used with protective gloves and in a well-ventilated room.
It can be sprayed all over the mattress.
Mattress disinfection with Borax
Borax is an interesting alternative to bleach. Borax has a wide range of actions, from stain removal to deodorizing and disinfecting.
It is particularly effective for eliminating urine odors on children’s mattresses, for example, which manifest themselves as yellow stains.
Borax should be used diluted in hot water (1/2 volume of Borax in 2 volumes of water). To disinfect the mattress, apply the solution to the textile surface, then rinse and dry with absorbent paper. Another solution for disinfecting or removing stains from mattresses.
Mattress disinfection using mechanical solutions
There are several solutions for disinfecting mattresses, including the following:
- Steam cleaners: thanks to the high temperatures emitted by steam, this type of cleaning disinfects textile surfaces. When combined with a disinfectant, the action is optimal.
- Exposure to the sun: at least 5 hours’ exposure to the sun has a disinfectant effect on textiles.
In conclusion :
Cleaning and disinfecting a mattress will also help eliminate any unpleasant odours that may have built up. In addition, the use of essential oils will leave a delicate fragrance on the textile.
Where chemicals are used, as is the case with bleach, it’s always important to let the mattress dry thoroughly before putting sheets back on and sleeping in it, for obvious reasons. Some of these 2-in-1 methods show you how to disinfect and remove a stain with everyday products to make your life easier.
