eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Sanitize Bedding

Contributor
By Emily Lambert
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

You'd be surprised to know just how dirty a mattress can become after a few years of simply sleeping on it. Mattresses collect dead skin, dust, and other dirty things, so it's important to clean and sanitize them regularly. Sanitizing your mattress takes a little time and effort, but it will be worth it in the end when you know you're sleeping on a clean, sanitized bed.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Washing machine
  • Vacuum w/attached hoses
  • Carpet disinfectant foam
  • Dry rag
  • Fan
  • Powder sanitizer
  • Disinfectant spray
  1. Step 1

    Remove all fitted sheets, regular sheets, covers, and blankets from the bed. Remove all of the pillows from the pillowcases. Wash all of the bedding according to the instructions on the tags.

  2. Step 2

    Vacuum your entire mattress to remove dust, dead skin cells, and any other debris that might be left behind. Be sure to use the vacuum's hose attachment to get to both sides of the mattress.

  3. Step 3

    Spray carpet disinfectant foam onto the bare mattress. The mattress should not be drenched in carpet cleaner but have just enough disinfectant on it to wet the surface.

  4. Step 4

    Use a rag to gently rub down the mattress. Rub in small circles until the entire mattress has been washed. Clean the sides of the mattress and the opposite side of the mattress. Stand the mattress up and let it air dry for about three or four hours. Use a fan if necessary, or set the mattress outside if it's a warm day.

  5. Step 5

    Sprinkle a powder sanitizer all over the mattress. You can use carpet powder sanitizer if you cannot find any made specifically for a mattress. Remove the powder by using your vacuum's hose attachment. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the mattress.

  6. Step 6

    Spray the mattress with a disinfectant spray--do not drench the mattress, just spritz it. Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly before putting the clean bedding back on the bed.

Tips & Warnings
  • If your pillows cannot be washed in a washing machine, use a gentle detergent and spot clean using a scrub pad or a soft rag. Allow the pillows to dry in the sun or air-dry in your home. Spray the pillows once with a disinfectant spray before putting the pillowcases back on them.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Sanitize Bedding

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden