How to Steam Clean Your Mattress for a Healthy and Refreshing Sleep

08/19/2024

Ben Trapskin

I have carefully studied and evaluated many mattresses, sheets, pillows, duvet inserts, comforters, sleep gadgets, and adjustable beds for over a deca... Full Bio

Learn how to steam clean your mattress to ensure a healthy and refreshing sleep experience. As we spend a considerable amount of time on our mattresses, it is crucial to know how to clean them properly. Moreover, considering mattresses are a significant investment, it’s essential to take measures to make them last longer. While there are various cleaning methods, steam cleaning is undoubtedly the most effective. The high temperatures, often exceeding 250℉, effectively kill mites, bacteria, and break down dirt and stains.

Another advantage of steam cleaning is its eco-friendliness, using only water and steam to get the job done without the need for harsh chemicals. It’s particularly essential to avoid chemicals that can irritate the skin or trigger allergies for items that you frequently come into contact with.

To steam clean your mattress, start by checking whether it is suitable for steam cleaning, especially memory foam mattresses that may require specialized cleaning methods. Strip the bed of all linens, including the mattress protector, and wash the bedding. Spot treat stains with a dry absorbent cloth, cold water, and a sponge. Vacuum the mattress, including the sides, to remove dust particles and debris.

Assemble and prep your equipment, using a handheld steam cleaner like the BISSELL Little Green or renting a commercial steamer. Hold the steam cleaner about six inches above the mattress and work your way across the surface, using slow and even strokes, making sure not to saturate any one spot for too long to avoid mold growth or damage.

For optimal mattress maintenance, steam clean it bi-weekly, or monthly if bi-weekly is not feasible. Consider steaming it more frequently if you have allergies, respiratory problems, or sleep with pets, children, or eat in bed. It usually takes five to eight hours for a steamed clean mattress to dry. To speed up the drying process, open windows or position a fan towards it.

While steam-cleaning can reduce the population of bed bugs, it may not completely eliminate them. If you have an infestation, seek professional extermination. Prevent future infestations by regularly vacuuming and steam cleaning your mattress, rotating it frequently, and using a mattress protector.

In conclusion, there’s nothing like a fresh-feeling bed to ensure a good night’s sleep. Steam cleaning your mattress is an effective and eco-friendly way to keep it free of dust, germs, and allergens.

Can Steam Actually Sanitize Your Mattress?

Steam can sanitize some types of furniture, such as upholstered furniture, using high temperature steam to kill bacteria and germs. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a steam cleaner on a particular type of furniture, as some materials may be sensitive to heat and moisture. It’s also important to note that while steam cleaning can kill bacteria and germs, it may not completely remove all types of stains or dirt from furniture.

Steam Cleaning for Urine

Steam cleaning can help remove urine stains and odor from a mattress to some extent. The high temperature steam can help to kill bacteria and germs, and the moisture can help to loosen the urine stain and odor from the mattress. However, it’s important to note that steam cleaning may not completely remove all traces of urine from the mattress, especially if the urine has seeped deep into the mattress layers. It’s recommended to use a specialized enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for removing urine stains and odor from mattresses in conjunction with steam cleaning for best results.

Can It Remove Blood?

Steam cleaning can help remove blood stains and odor from some surfaces, such as carpets and upholstery. The high temperature steam can help to break down the proteins in the blood, and the moisture can help to loosen the stain and odor from the surface. However, it’s important to note that steam cleaning may not completely remove all traces of blood from certain surfaces, especially if it has deeply penetrated the fibers or fabric. It’s recommended to clean up any blood as soon as possible and use a specialized cleaner specifically designed for blood stains and odor before steam cleaning for best results.

What Temperature Does Steam Need to Be for Sanitizing?

To effectively sanitize surfaces with steam, the temperature needs to reach at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), which is the boiling point of water. However, some steam cleaners can produce steam at even higher temperatures, which may provide a more thorough and effective sanitation. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using a steam cleaner to sanitize surfaces, and to use appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary.