How to Sanitize a Mattress

A mattress can hold germs and bacteria unless you clean it properly. If you have pets or children, you may need to sanitize your mattress to remove any bacteria that can cause an illness. In addition, if you have been sick, your germs are crawling over your bed. If you sanitize your mattress once a month and do regular cleaning once a week, you will become sick less often. Also sanitizing your mattress can remove bed bugs and other small insects that are not visible to the eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet disinfectant sanitizer
• Powder sanitizer
• Bowl
• Rag
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Remove the bedding from the mattress. Wash all of the bedding including sheets, blankets and pillows.

2. Use the bowl for warm water. Dip the rag in and wring out efficiently. Spray or pour a dime-size amount of the disinfectant sanitizer on the rag. These include but are not limited to Zep Speriror Solutions Pine Disinfectant & Cleaner or Windex Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner. Make sure the rag is only slightly moist and not soaking wet. If you apply to much liquid, the mattress will soak it up.

3. Rub the rag up and down the mattress in rows. Add more water or cleaner if the rag is becoming dry. Continue wiping the sanitizer on the bed until the entire mattress is clean. Let air dry for approximately an hour, depending on the warmth in your home.

4. Sprinkle the powder odor sanitizer on the mattress evenly. These include but are not limited to Fresh 'n Clean Odor plus Hair & Allergen Remover or Allersearch X-Mite Carpet Cleaning Treatment. Let the powder sit on the bed for about five minutes. Use your vacuum hose to remove the powder residue.

5. Turn your mattress over. Repeat steps 2 to 4. Replace the clean bedding on the mattress.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase the sanitizers at any local home improvement or department store in your area.

• If you accidentally use too much water or cleaner, do not use the powder until the mattress is completely dry.