How to Disinfect a Mattress

How do you really clean and sanitize a mattress? Learn how you can sterilize your bed with DIY sprays, Lysol and other disinfectant hacks.

© CreditDonkey

Follow these steps to get started. We'll explain:

• How to Vacuum Your Bed
  
• How to Disinfect the Mattress
  
• How to Disinfect a Mattress From Bed Bugs
  
• How to Disinfect a Mattress From Urine
  
• How to Disinfect the Box Spring

Vacuum Your Bed

1. Strip the bed of all linens, including the bed skirt.

2. Wash the linens on the hottest cycle.

3. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum or a handheld vacuum to remove as much surface dust as possible. Don't forget the sides and tight corners.

Keep reading to learn about the methods you can use to disinfect your mattress.

Disinfect the Mattress

You have a few choices to disinfect your mattress. No matter which you choose, make sure to let it dry completely for 8–10 hours to avoid mold growth. If possible, expose your mattress to direct sunlight since UV rays kill germs.

Here are some other ways to disinfect your mattress:

Steam Clean
A garment or carpet steamer is a great tool, but it may take a while depending on the capacity of the steamer.

Here are some tips when steam cleaning a mattress:

• Work in small sections to cover the surface several times.
  
• Always keep the steamer moving.
  
• Don't soak the mattress to avoid mold growth.

Antibacterial Spray
If you don't have a steamer, antibacterial sprays and cleaners work well. Lysol is a popular disinfectant that you can use on your mattress.

Follow these guidelines:

• Read the instructions carefully before use.
  
• Dilute the product as directed.
  
• Dip a rag or spray the product directly on the mattress.
  
• Lightly dampen the surface to give the disinfectant a chance to work.
  
• Allow the disinfectant to work on the mattress for several hours.
  
• Gently wipe the mattress with a clean, lightly damp cloth to remove any residue.

Professional Cleaning
If you suffer from intense allergies or you don't have the time, this is another great way to disinfect your mattress.

Much like carpet cleaners, a mattress cleaners will come right to your home. Some companies use organic products, specialize in stained mattresses, or address specific allergens.

How Do You Disinfect a Mattress From Bed Bugs?

If you have bed bugs, you should hire a professional pest management company. In the meantime, though, try the following:

• Strip the entire bed of all linens. Wash and dry them on the hottest temperature possible.

• Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and all areas around the bed.

• Scrub the mattress down with a stiff brush to loosen any hidden bed bugs or eggs.

• Wrap the mattress in a zippered mattress cover to suffocate the bed bugs.

How to Disinfect a Mattress From Urine

Urine on a mattress can leave a bad odor. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of a sour-smelling room.

• Blot the area.

• Spray a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.

• Blot again until mostly dry.

• Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let sit for 8–10 hours.

• Vacuum the baking soda.

How to Disinfect the Box Spring

Your box spring can harbor just as many germs and dust mites as the mattress. Use similar steps to clean it:

• Separate the mattress and box spring.

• Vacuum all sides and crevices of the box spring.

• Vacuum the dust cover on the bottom of the box spring.

• Lightly spray the surface with a 50/50 vinegar/water mix.

• Blot away any excess moisture.

• Let the box spring dry completely before replacing the mattress.

Bottom Line

Disinfecting your mattress kills germs and may lengthen its life. Make a habit of disinfecting your mattress every six months to create a healthy place to sleep.