how does one go about cleaning a used mattress? are there ways to disinfect it?
I ask because buying a new mattress is not a viable option for me right now. I have been buying air mattress’ but it seems I have to buy a new one every three months, which gets to be costly. So is there a way to clean, deodorize, disinfect a used mattress? or if it’s dirty it’s just dirty and you have no recourse but to buy a new one?
http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-&p=how%20to%20clean%20a%20used%20mattress&type=
I hope that you’re soon able to get yourself a new mattress. Good luck.
Steam cleaning is the best way for disinfecting for bacteria and insects, lice so forth. It should be about 1 hour at a steam bath of at least 212 F. Be careful this is live steam temperature and very dangerous if you make a mistake. You would need to build a steam box that will enclose the mattress, and a steam making system that will let you heat the whole mattress at one time. The steam box should be pretty tight to keep it at a high temperature, the steam box can be built of some OSB and some 2×2 lumber. Maybe $50 in parts plus the steam machine.
Steam is the best choice, not always viable to build a box, tho.
Look through the cleaning aisle at grocery store if a mega mart isn’t handy. Spray on upholstery cleaner and a thorough vacuuming , repeat as necessary. Spray on disinfectant (you know the brand name) , the surface should take at least 10 minutes to dry. Repeat as fear or paranoia demands. GET A MATTRESS COVER, there are several styles availible.
You can even get a mattress bag. If you get one of these, you will need a pad over it as they will cause you to sweat with only a sheet between you and the bag.
This should be under $50, depending on the size of your bed. Twin size is the most economical, king size, the most expensive. Hope this helps, good luck.
omg,how disgusting,a used mattress.its full of body mites,germs,dead skin and dead sperm.blech,i can feel all that crawling all over me now,I wouldnt dream of buying someone elses breeding ground for bodily secretions and dead skin,yuck.
Shane, I would first vacuum both sides, of the mattress very well, get the sides also, then I would take a spray bottle with hot bleach water and spray the mattress, all sides, put a fan on it and let it dry good. Then buy an inexpensive mattress cover, and you will feel good and clean just like a new mattress!
Steam clean or upholstery cleaner, then white vinegar and a good vacuum.
Then leave it for an entire day in sunlight, which will kill any bacteria that may be present.
Lysol, Lysol and then some more Lysol…
It depends on the shape of the new to you mattress… For example if you were buying my mattress you’d be very happy because it’s ALWAYS had a washable mattress protector on it so I would require minor cleaning….
However, if you don’t know the previous owner.. I would suggest inspecting the mattress throughly for bed bugs and stains/smells…
If everything checks out.. Get your vacuum or shop vac and give it a good vacuum.. If you have some around sprinkle the mattress with baking soda let it sit and vacuum. The BS will pick up any odors in the mattress….
Also, pick-up a can of LYSOL and spray the mattress liberally and let it dry in a ventilated environment.. Open a window or run a fan….
While you are at the store… Get a nice mattress cover- If the mattress is stained/dirty maybe get one that seals around the whole mattress…Waterproof/washable would be best. That way there’s a washable barrier between you/mattress….
You should be fine… Good luck