A large mattress can be difficult to clean, whether you have a stain or it has just started to smell funky. There’s no way (unless you actually cut it, which we wouldn’t recommend) to put your mattress into your washing machine, so how can you get it looking and smelling fresh again? Steam clean mattress is one great option, but before you use it, be sure to understand how it works first.
Signs you need to steam clean mattress
The cleanliness of your mattress is probably not something you spend a lot of time thinking about, but it is actually very important, especially given that we spend a third of our lives in bed.
The mattress is also in close contact with the body and will, therefore, collect sweat, skin cells, bacteria, stains, odors, dust mites, etc. in time. Apparently, a typical mattress can contain anywhere between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites, that’s a lot of dust!
If you suffer from breathing problems like allergies, asthma, or sleep apnea, it is especially important that your mattress remains clean. Sleeping on a clean mattress can actually improve your health, your home’s air quality, and your sleep.
Steam clean mattress: pros and cons
Keeping your mattress clean is essential, but is a steam clean mattress really necessary? That depends on a few factors.
Start by thinking about the steps you already take to keep your mattress clean. If you sleep on a hypoallergenic mattress, like most natural latex mattresses, you won’t need to clean your mattress as often.
For those who sweat at night, sleep with pets, eat in bed, or have kids who are potty training, your mattress will likely need more attention to prevent odors and stains.
Also, steam cleaning your mattress is a good idea if you have slept with a bloody nose or were sick on it. Any of these situations will require you to steam clean your mattress more often.
Pros
If you want to keep any upholstered item clean, steam cleaning can be a great option. With a temperature of up to 250°F, steam can kill everything from dust mites to bacteria while also breaking down stains and dirt.
Because steam cleaning consists simply of water and heat, it is also an incredibly environmentally friendly way to clean. Additionally, when steam cleaning any upholstered item, it is advised that you use a gentle cleanser, not one with harsh chemicals that will negatively affect your skin and the environment.
Cons
Despite this, steam cleaning mattresses have received mixed reviews, and the most common issue is (get it?!) moisture. Any upholstered furniture item that has excess moisture can develop mold and mildew, which will worsen allergies caused by a dirty mattress. When steam-cleaning your mattress, you need to be mindful of the amount of moisture it collects, as well as allow your bed to dry completely before putting sheets back on it. Steam cleaning, as long as you let the bed properly dry, has some benefits that no other method can match.
A Guide To Steam Clean Mattress
Okay, so how do you steam clean a mattress? That’s pretty simple. Before you begin, you should ensure that you have all the materials you will need on hand. You should have:
- A vacuum that can be attached to a hose
- A neutral cleaner like laundry detergent or baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dry towels
- Plenty of water
- Steam cleaner.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Process
1. Remove odors and vacuum:
Vacuum the mattress thoroughly once you have removed all sheets, blankets, pillows, and additional mattress pads. It is very important that you perform this step to ensure that the steam can penetrate deeper into the bed. By vacuuming, any hair, skin cells, dirt, and other materials that won’t dissolve will be removed.
To have better results, consider using a water filtration vacuum for deep cleaning before doing a steam clean mattress. We recommend you use Lura water vacuum, an eco-friendly vacuum cleaner that removes dirt, bacteria, pet hair, and environmental allergens that are harmful to your skin and respiratory system like dust mites. Lura cleaning system also can be used to do a lot of deep cleaning work in your house such as mattress cleaning, carpet cleaning, sofa cleaning, or even air treatment.
2. Remove Stains:
If your mattress has stains, you should spot clean them when preparing to steam clean it. A gentle detergent solution dabbed with water is a great option for stain removal. You can also sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the stain and then dab at it with some white vinegar if you already have it out. However, it is important that you do not saturate the stain with too much liquid because, as we have already mentioned, it is important that your mattress can fully dry after washing.
3. Steam the Mattress:
Get your steam cleaner ready by filling the water tank and attaching all the parts, then start steaming. As you move the steamer slowly across the bed in long and low strokes, keep it a few inches above the mattress, not actually touching it. Try to feel the dampness of the mattress: it should feel slightly moist, but not soaking wet, like a gentle drizzle rather than a thunderstorm. If it seems that the steamer is becoming too saturated by moisture, move it up and away from the surface, and continue as usual. If you want an even deeper clean, steam the sides of the mattress as well.
4. Let the Mattress Dry:
After steaming the entire bed, allow it to dry for at least three hours. You can speed up the drying process by opening the windows, setting up a fan or two to blow directly at the mattress, or moving the mattress outside to dry in direct sunlight if you have a clean space outside. Make sure your mattress is completely dry before you put the sheets back on.
That is all you need to know about steam clean mattress at home. If you need someone to help you steam clean mattress, don’t hesitate to contact Ocean Cleans – a professional cleaning service in Singapore – via +6563343309.
