What is the best method for cleaning a mattress?

Question

Mattresses from camps, dorms, public shelters, home, etc.

Could mattresses carry diseases?

Answer 1

Leaving it in the sun  

Answer 2

Take outside in the sun. The sun helps destroy bacteria.

Lightly spray with Lysol disinfectant aerosol.

There are bedbug sprays you can get if you think you have them, they leave little reddish-black specks on the seams.

You will never be able to remove all bacteria - that is why used mattresses and box springs are icky.

Then it's a good idea to get the allergenic zipper covers you can buy at most large stores.  If you are worried about liquid contamination, you may need a waterproof barrier next to the mattress itself.

Answer 3

If the mattress belongs to you then vac it real good, I would never never get a mattress from someone you don't know, it could carry bedbugs!

Answer 4

try getting a little green or green machine. it works wonders! i used it safely on my pillowtop matress.

Answer 5

Generally:

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1. Vacuum the mattress. This helps to keep it clean by the sheer fact that when it does get wet, there is less matter in the dirt to cause it to stain.

  

2. If the surface does get soiled or dirty, try using an upholstery cleaner. Since they are made for surfaces that touch your skin (e.g. your couch), then, unless you are extremely sensitive to cleaners in general, it should work. It also has the advantage of removing dust mites and their refuse.

  

3. Use enzyme cleaners. Enzymes cleaners are effective in breaking down the 'structure' of the stains which helps to lessen them.

For unidentified mattress stains

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Spray it with a citrus type cleaner and let it set for about five minutes. Afterward, blot (don't rub) as much of the cleaner out as you can using a clean, white, absorbent cloth. A mild dish detergent can also be used.

Blood stains

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Try using hydrogen peroxide to help with the removal of blood stains. Blot it while it is bubbling. This may not remove all the stain, but will help to lessen it. Be sure to blot it with a clean, white, dry cloth.

Cigarette odor removal

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1-Using the same process as above, apply it to the entire mattress, one section at a time.

  

2. Launder your linen even more often than you would on an ordinary basis. This will help keep the odor from being so pervasive.

Mold and mildew removal

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Give your mattresses a 'suntan'. These types of stains are caused by too much moisture. Try taking your mattress outside on a bright, sunny day and let the sun dry it out. Try to remove the excess mold and mildew by wiping it off or sweeping it off.

Urine stains and odor

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1. Blot the excess fluid as much as possible.

2. No matter where the stain comes from, be it dog, child, or adult, it is unpleasant. Using the oxy-clean type cleaners, or those that say they remove the stains (of which there are many), spray the stain and methodically blot it.

3. Once dry, shake baking soda over it, let it set over night and vacuum it the next day.

Removing Kool-aid (and other colored drinks) stains

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Although impossible to remove entirely, you can alleviate the degree of the stain by using citrus cleaner and/or vinegar to lessen it.