How to Clean & Disinfect Your Mattress

No matter how good of a mattress you buy, it will eventually fall victim to the inevitable wear, staining, and odor caused by age and constant use. Mattresses used during travel—such as camper, RV, truck, and boat mattresses—are especially vulnerable to becoming dirty as you track traces of outdoor debris into such a small living space.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting, therefore, is crucial to preserving the quality and maximizing the lifespan of any type of mattress. To keep your mattress fresh and healthy, follow these steps for thorough cleaning and sanitation!

Start by stripping the bed.

Before you tackle the mattress, you’ll need to remove all the linens covering it. Take all sheets, blankets, pillow cases, and your mattress cover and throw them in the hottest cycle in your washing machine to kill the most germs.

Next, break out the vacuum.

After you’ve stripped the bed, use a handheld vacuum or vacuum cleaner attachment to remove all of the dirt, debris, and bacteria that has accumulated on the surface of your mattress. Flip it over to get all the crevices, then flip it back and sprinkle baking soda on the top. Let the baking soda sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb odor, then use the vacuum to remove.

If necessary, perform a deep cleaning.

For tough stains, odors, or pest infestations, you may have to go a step further and deep clean your mattress. The best way to do this is to steam clean with a handheld steamer, which allows you to use targeted heat and pressure to address problem areas. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your mattress.

Then, it’s time to disinfect.

After your mattress is clean, kill off any remaining germs and finish off the sanitation process using antibacterial solution. Dilute the solution according to the instructions, then apply to the entirety of the mattress surface using a spray bottle (alternatively, you could fill a spray bottle with vodka, which also acts as a disinfectant). Once you’ve sprayed the mattress, use a warm, wet cloth to gently wipe it down.

Finally, air your mattress out to dry.

It’s important that after you clean your mattress, you allow it to dry completely before putting it back in place and redressing it with the linens. Any leftover moisture from cleaning can lead to mold growth. If possible, let your mattress air out outside under the sun, as the UV rays will kill any germs you might’ve missed. If you can’t dry it outside, open any doors and windows and use fans to circulate the air.

If you’ve gone through all the steps above and still find that your mattress isn’t up to the standard of quality you desire, head over to Replacement Mattress for an upgrade. Our camper, marine, truck, and sofa bed mattresses are available in custom shapes and sizes to fit the unique needs of your space, and designed to provide you with comfort and support for years to come.

Contact us today so we can help you choose the perfect mattress to fit your lifestyle!