How to Sanitize a Mattress at Home

A used mattress can be brought back to nearly new condition with a few simple steps.

Sanitizing an older or used mattress at home is a simple process that can be accomplished by the owner rather than a cleaning professional. The mattress owner can clean the mattress to be like new with a few cleaning products and a little time.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Bleach
• Pet stain cleaner
• Upholstery stain cleaner

Instructions

1. Strip the blankets, sheets and mattress cover from the mattress to begin with a bare surface to clean.

2. Vacuum the bare mattress with the upholstery attachment. Afterward, flip the mattress and repeat on the opposite side.

3. Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda to neutralize any odors and vacuum the baking soda up. Repeat on the opposite side.

4. If the mattress has a cover, wash with chlorine bleach on the hot water cycle.

5. If stains are a problem, the mattress should be cleaned with either a pet stain remover or an upholstery cleaner. Follow the cleaner directions, but use the fluids sparingly so they do not soak into the mattress.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Mattress Sanitizing
• Housekeeping Channel: Mattresses