How to Disinfect Your Mattress: Ultimate Guide (2020)

Life can be messy sometimes but whatever mess you get yourself into, it can always be cleaned up and made right again. The same can be said for your mattress, considering the amount of time you spend chillin’ in bed, snuggling, watching Netflix, munching on cookies, catching some daytime Zzzs, and allowing pets on the bed, all contribute to a mattress full of dust, germs, dead skin cells, dust mites, and sweat residue. 

No sweat though because we got this covered here as we teach you mattress sanitizing using various methods and household items.  

Sleeping on a clean mattress is the first step to proper sleep hygiene

Why (and when) Should you Disinfect Your Mattress?

Sleeping on a clean mattress is the first step to proper sleep hygiene. Mattress disinfecting removes all those nasty germs that are lurking under the surface. You may think ‘I don’t see them so I don’t care’, however, you don’t want to be breathing in dust all night or sleeping on germs that can transfer to your skin, especially your face which can cause breakouts.  

Consider mattress sanitizing if;

• You’re buying a used mattress
• Conducting regular mattress maintenance ( every 6 months) 
• You want to freshen your bedroom 
• You want to sleep better

Steam cleaning is the most natural method to mattress sanitizing

How to Disinfect a Mattress: 7 DIY Solutions

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is the most natural method to mattress sanitizing, it’s almost like mattress dry cleaning. All you need is a handheld steamer such as the one used to steam garments and you’re ready to break up stains and eradicate those nasty dust mites. You don’t want to soak the mattress so use short sharp bursts of steam.   

Antibacterial Spray 

A disinfectant spray for mattresses works similar to steam cleaning because it kills germs, critters, and break up sweat stains. Ensure the spray is bleach-free, cleaning mattress with bleach could damage the fibers. Gently mist the mattress surface (don’t soak)  and blot with a damp cloth. Open a window and allow to air dry completely before dressing the bed. 

Vodka

Vodka martini for you and one for the bed! Vodka is a natural disinfectant and great at mattress sanitizing. Pour some vodka into an empty spray bottle and gently mist over the entire mattress. Take care not to soak the mattress and blot with a clean dry rag. Open a window and allow to air dry before dressing the bed.  

Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Baking soda and vinegar have been staple cleaning agents for decades. Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly mist the mattress. After 10 minutes, blot with a dry rag or paper towels. Sieve baking soda on mattress and allow to sit for as long as possible in a ventilated room. Vacuum mattress and dress the bed.

Enzyme Cleaner 

Make a homemade enzyme cleaner with 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. This method is generally used for stubborn stains, apply to the affected area, and allow to sit for as long as possible. Take a damp cloth and gently blot the stain, allow to air dry before vacuuming the entire bed and base. 

Foaming Shavin Cream 

Most shaving foam contains alcohol and therefore can tackle stubborn mattress stains. The think consistency mirrors that of a stain remover. Spray onto the stain and let sit for 20 minutes, remove the excess foam, and blot with a damp cloth. Rinse with 50/50 water and vinegar solution and let air dry completely before dressing the bed. 

Cornstarch 

Another household item to deodorize mattress is cornstarch. Baking soda and cornstarch can be mixed together for a double whammy of cleaning strength. Sprinkle 50/50 cornstarch and baking soda mix onto the mattress, allow to sit for 30 minutes, vacuum the entire mattress, bed base, and under the bed before putting the sheets back on.  

Dry sheets in direct sunlight or hot dryer as the heat will act as a natural disinfectant 

How to Disinfect bed Sheets

• Strip the bed and put the sheets into the washer on the hottest setting the fabric can handle
• Use a reputable laundry detergent and fabric softener
• Dry sheets in direct sunlight or hot dryer as the heat will act as a natural disinfectant 
• Dress the bed with your clean dry sheets

How to Disinfect a Mattress From Bed Bugs

• Strip the bed and put the sheets into the washer on the hottest setting the fabric can handle
• Use a reputable laundry detergent and fabric softener
• Dry sheets in direct sunlight or hot dryer as the heat will act as a natural disinfectant
• Spray the mattress with a bed bug spray 
• Vacuum the entire mattress, base, and under the bed
• Dress the bed with your clean dry sheets

How to Disinfect a Used Mattress 

The best way to clean a used mattress is to;

• vacuum the entire mattress, base, and under the bed
• Spot treat any stains with any of the aforementioned 7 DIY solutions 
• If possible, allow the mattress to sit outdoors to air out, natural sunlight will also act as a natural disinfectant 
• Use a steam cleaner,  baking soda, or antibacterial spray methods 
• Allow to dry completely before dressing the bed

How to get Urine out of a Mattress 

What you need to get urine out of mattress:

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum
• A few towels
• Empty spray bottle  

How to get urine out of mattress:

• Remove bed sheets and bedding and wash as soon as possible
• Using a 50/50 mixture, put vinegar and water into the spray bottle
• Using one of your dry, clean towels, blot the excess urine without scrubbing as this will push the urine further into the mattress
• Spray your vinegar/water mix over the stain while blotting out the excess liquid 
• Sprinkle your baking soda over the stain and allow to sit for as long as possible (8 hours recommended) 
• When ready, vacuum the stain to clean the baking soda off the mattress, use this opportunity to vacuum the entire mattress and base, don’t forget under the bed too
• Repeat process if necessary     

How to get Blood out of a Mattress 

Baking Soda

What you need:

• One part baking soda 
• 2 parts cold water 
• Clean rag or paper towels 

What to do: 

• Remove all sheets and bedclothes 
• Mix the water and baking soda in a bowl
• Apply to stain (by dabbing not rubbing) 
• Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
• Dab stain again with a damp cloth
• Vacuum excess residue (take this opportunity to vacuum the entire mattress, bed base, and under the bed)
• Allow the excess water to air dry on the mattress before dressing the bed  

How to Sanitize a Memory Foam Mattress 

It’s important not to get memory foam wet and avoid using harsh products such as ammonia and bleach. Bleach on a mattress can be very damaging. 

What you need:

• One part baking soda 
• 2 parts cold water 
• Clean rag or paper towels 

What to do: 

• Mix half cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water into a spray bottle
• Lightly mist onto the mattress (take care not to soak)
• Allow to sit for 30 minutes
• Gently dab the mattress with a clean dry rag or paper towels 
• Allow to air dry completely 

There are many household items that can be used as mattress cleaners and mattress deodorizer

Tips and Reminders on how to Keep Your Mattress Clean 

• Clean your sheets regularly on a hot wash
• Clean stains as soon as they appear
• Avoid using bleach as bleach on a mattress is damaging
• Flip your mattress every 6 months and vacuum the mattress, base, and under the bed regularly

It’s a lot more difficult to clean stains and disinfect an old mattress. If your mattress is roughly 8 years old, it may be more beneficial to your sleep health to invest in a new mattress and mattress protector that can prevent stains from developing. 

Conclusion 

There are many household items that can be used as mattress cleaners and mattress deodorizer. 

Mattress sanitizing might appear difficult but with a little time and patience, you can get your mattress clean and cozy again. 

Once your mattress is fresh and clean again, consider a mattress protector to prevent further stains from developing and prolonging your mattress lifespan. 

Enjoy a 120-Night free trial of the best pressure relieving mattress available online 

How to Sterilize a Mattress?

vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed. Gently mist your antibacterial spray over the surface of the mattress, take care not to soak the mattress. Using a clean damp rag, blot the mattress. Allow to air dry by an open window or in direct sunlight as this will further sterilize a mattress.

How to Deodorize a Mattress?

Easily deodorize mattress with baking soda. Begin by vacuuming the entire mattress, base, and under the bed. Sprinkle or sieve the baking soda onto the mattress surface and allow to sit for as long as possible, preferably in direct sunlight. Vacuum when ready, your mattress ought to be nice and fresh again.  

How to Shampoo a Mattress?

Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed. Treat any stains with stain remover and sprinkle or sieve baking soda onto the mattress surface. Let sit for as long as possible before vacuuming again. Flip and repeat the process. Take care with certain mattresses such as memory foam as these can’t get too wet. 

How to Sanitize a Mattress?

In an empty spray bottle mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap, and water. Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed and spray solution onto the mattress surface. After 30 minutes take a clean dry cloth and dab excess liquid. Sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress, let sit for a couple hours, and vacuum mattress again and air dry. 

How to Clean a Used Mattress?

Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed. Use stain remover on any stains then sieve baking soda onto the entire mattress surface. Allow to sit for as long as possible and vacuum mattress again. Flip the mattress and repeat the process on the other side. Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed before dressing. 

Can I Spray Lysol on My Bed?

To deodorize mattress, you can use a can of Lysol Fabric Mist. This can also be used on sheets, blankets, and pillows for a refresh. Ensure the mattress, sheets, and pillows are completely dry before dressing the bed. Lysol eradicates bacteria and is safe to use on most mattresses but read the lebel carefully.

Can you bBeach a Mattress?

It is not recommended to get bleach on mattress because it can be damaging to the mattress fibers. It is therefore recommended to clean your mattress using a more gentle approach with baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or steam clean. Ensure to vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed before you begin.

How to Disinfect a Mattress From Bed Bugs?

Strip the bed and put the sheets into the washer on the hottest setting the fabric can handle. Wash with strong laundry detergent and fabric softener. Spray the mattress with a bed bug spray following the guidelines on the label. Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed to finish cleaning.

How to Disinfect Bed Sheets?

Strip the bed and put the sheets into the washer on the hottest setting the fabric can take. Use a strong laundry detergent and fabric softener. Dry sheets in direct sunlight or hot dryer because the heat will act as a natural disinfectant. Vacuum mattress, base, and under your bed before dressing your bed again.