Can You Steam Clean a Mattress? [Step-by-Step Guide]

This in-depth guide will seek to answer all your questions about steam cleaning a mattress, how it can be done, what you must take care of as well as some pros and cons of doing so.

In addition, the end of this guide will also answer some frequently asked questions that will solve any queries that you might have.

Let’s begin!

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Can You Steam Clean a Mattress?

It is entirely possible to steam clean a mattress. In fact, it is a great and simple method that you can follow and must be done regularly.

You can use a steam cleaner to clean a mattress easily. This can help you get rid of dust, sweat, urine, bacteria, bed bugs and more and can be an efficient way of regular maintenance. For some deeper stains, however, you might need to opt for some other measures or combine them with steam cleaning.

If you notice any of the above stains or smells, it might be time for you to steam clean.

Steam cleaning your mattress can also be highly beneficial to your general health and well-being as it will get rid of bacteria that can be potentially harmful to you. It can also ensure that you are living under sanitary conditions.

Pros and Cons of Steam Cleaning a Mattress

As important as it is to clean your mattress regularly, is it necessary to steam clean your mattress? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of this? Let’s find out.

Pros

High steam temperatures of nearly 250℉ can be extremely effective in killing bacteria, dust mites, germs, mold and dead cells that may have accumulated over a period of time.
It helps remove sweat and urine stains while also eliminating unpleasant odors and dirt. This is particularly useful if you have a bed-wetting child or member in your family. Sweat, on the other hand, is something that will inevitably develop for everyone.
Steam can also be a good way to get rid of bed bugs, fleas and other insects and pests.
Since steam cleaning only makes use of water and heat, it can be an extremely safe and healthy way to clean without the use of chemicals. This also makes it an environmentally friendly method.

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Cons

If you use too much moisture to steam clean the mattress, it can make its way into it, leading to mold and mildew. This is particularly the case if you do not let it dry out fully. This can also lead to health issues and allergies.
If you steam clean a mattress incorrectly, it can end up causing a lot of damage to it. Thus, you must ensure that you look through the manual for any instructions before undertaking this process.
Too much steam can end up damaging certain parts of the mattress, such as the elastic.
If you ask a professional to steam clean a mattress, it might be an added expense.

Generally, however, the pros outweigh the cons of steam cleaning a mattress. It can be a good way to ensure its condition and durability.

How to Steam Clean a Mattress: Step-by-Step Guide

Let us now take a look at the step-by-step method of steam cleaning a mattress.

First, you must remove all the layers on your mattress, including the bed sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow covers. Make sure you wash all of these sheets and covers separately in the washing machine.

If you notice any unpleasant odors or smells in your mattress after stripping it bare, it might help to sprinkle some baking soda, a splash of vinegar or detergent and essential oils onto the mattress and let this mixture rest for an hour or so on the mattress. This will allow it to soak the stains and smells up.

After an hour is up, run a vacuum over it to get rid of dead cells, hair and any other dirt that may have accumulated on it. Do this in strokes throughout the mattress to help the hose pick up any dirty material. It would be best to use a hose attachment for this kind of vacuuming so that you can perfectly control the process.

Figure out which steam cleaner you want to use. You can either buy one specifically or use a clothes steamer or iron if they can fit the requirements. You want to make sure that the machine heats up the water sufficiently.

Fill up the water tank of the steam cleaner up to the required level and turn it on to start the motor. This will begin to heat up the water to form steam.

Now, begin steaming the mattress in long strokes by holding the cleaner just a little above the mattress. Make sure you cover the entire length and width evenly and thoroughly. Also, make sure that the mattress gets moist but not wet.

Steam the sides of the mattress as well and if you can flip it around, steam the bottom or base thoroughly as well.

After you are done steaming it thoroughly, let your mattress rest for 3-4 hours until it is completely dry. Keep it under a fan and open the windows to quicken the process. You can also dry it under the sun.

Make sure you check it thoroughly for its dryness before covering it back up. You don’t want to leave a single spot moist as this could lead to mold.

Once it is completely dry, you can cover it up again with clean bedsheets, covers and blankets. You can now start using the mattress again.

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This marks the end of the steam cleaning process for your mattress. When it comes to your bedsheets and pillow covers, make sure you wash them a lot more regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

We will now try to answer some frequently asked questions that will hopefully solve all your doubts and queries.

Does a Steam Cleaner Kill Bed Bugs?

Yes, a steam cleaner can kill bed bugs. This is because the high temperatures of steam are capable of killing them as they are unable to survive in such extreme heat. Steam will also end up killing their eggs, so you don’t have to worry too much about them surviving or hatching after the process is finished.

Will Steam Cleaning Remove Urine Stains from a Mattress?

Steam cleaning will remove urine stains from a mattress as long as you use a high-quality cleaner that can serve multiple purposes. Make sure that you sprinkle enough baking soda and a bit of vinegar while you are deodorizing the mattress right before vacuuming.

If the stain is too deep, you might need to ask a professional to steam or dry clean it for you.

How Long Does a Mattress Take to Dry after Steam Cleaning?

After steam cleaning, a mattress takes at least two hours to dry. To be safe, you should leave it for 3-4 hours to ensure that it is completely dry. If you find any wet spots, leave the mattress out for longer. You can also improve ventilation or place it under the sun to quicken the process.

Is a Mattress Ruined If It Gets Wet?

If your mattress gets wet, it can easily give way to mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria. The moisture may also get into the pores of the mattress and cause damage to the material. This could weaken the mattress quite a bit. This is why you must make sure that you thoroughly dry it.

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How Do Professionals Clean Mattresses?

Professionals use advanced tools and equipment to steam clean your mattress in a non-toxic way that can leave your mattress feeling completely fresh and clean. This includes vacuuming, deep cleaning, removing stains and odors, sanitizing the mattress and more. You can also choose which kind of service you opt for.

How Much Does It Cost to Steam Clean a Mattress?

This depends on the kind of mattress you have, its size, the cleaning method and service you opt for, the presence of bed bugs and more. Generally, a professional service can cost you $60-$200 but it could be more in the case of bed bugs.

It would be much cheaper for you to buy a steam cleaner and do it yourself unless you require professional help.

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Concluding Remarks

That was all that you needed to know about steam cleaning your mattress. Hopefully, we were able to answer all your doubts and queries about the entire process.

Now that you are aware of everything, you can start cleaning and get rid of all the issues. Don’t let the bedbugs bite!