Can You Steam Clean a Mattress?

As far as doing a deep clean of your home is concerned, there is hardly any better way to do it than steam cleaning. There are many benefits to using a steam cleaner to sanitise and deal with various surfaces around your home. But can you steam clean a mattress? That is what we will explore next!

Should you steam clean your mattress?

Yes, you should. When you steam clean a mattress you are ensuring that its memory foam and entire surface stay free of allergens and dust. However, it is important to always read the care instructions on your mattress. It could be that the manufacturer doesn't recommend using a steam machine or has other guidelines on deep cleaning steps.

Once you are sure your mattress can take such treatment, it's time to put that steam cleaner to good use.

What are the benefits of steam cleaning?

Before you learn more about why it's a good idea to steam clean a mattress, you should know more about the benefits of steam cleaning in general.

• A natural way of cleaning - steam cleaning a mattress is an environmentally friendly way of dealing with impurities on your bed. It relies on hot steam to kill bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs and other allergens to keep the mattress clean and fresh. Cleaning all the bedding without chemicals has never been easier.
• It is effective - steam cleaning on your own or booking a professional mattress cleaning service can be more effective than traditional methods. Where other methods are only good at removing stains and allergens from the surface, the high heat can easily penetrate deep into the mattress and deal with deeply embedded impurities.
• Improve the quality of indoor air - steam cleaning keeps better indoor air quality without employing harsh chemicals in the cleaning process.
• It is a versatile cleaning method - steam cleaning is not just good for your mattress. You can clean a lot more surfaces this way, such as upholstery, curtains and carpets.
• Increase the lifespan of your mattress - preventing the build-up of dirt and allergens, you can extend the life of your mattress a good deal. Of course, the best way to ensure this is the case is through steam cleaning.
• Reduce allergens - steam cleaning can effectively remove dead skin cells and other spoils. It can kill bacteria and many of the typical allergens you'd expect to find on your mattress.

You can learn more about steam cleaning by visiting our post about what is steam cleaning and how does it work.

How does the steam cleaner compare to a vacuum cleaner?

Many people are wondering whether a steam cleaner is even necessary for their mattress when they can just vacuum the area. Your vacuum cleaner can indeed be useful in keeping the mattress and mattress cover clean. You should vacuum your mattress regularly to ensure this is the case.

However, a commercial steamer can get to the deep layers of the fabrics and provide you with a 100% fresh and clean mattress. Your vacuum cleaner, even if you use a hose attachment cannot deal with deeply embedded allergens. On the other hand, a mattress and carpet steamer can be used to clean a mattress and a mattress protector fully.

Preparing the mattress for steam cleaning

Before you start steam cleaning the mattress, there are a few things you should do.

Remove the bedding

First things first, it's time to strip all bedding - sheets, blankets, mattress protectors, pillows and covers. You are better off cleaning those items separately. Make sure there is no clutter around so that you can move freely and be effective in your cleaning efforts.

Vacuum the mattress

When you strip the entire mattress from its coverings, it's time to vacuum it. Be thorough in your efforts. Before you bust out the steam cleaner, you should remove surface dust and allergens with the vacuum and the appropriate attachments.

You can also utilise a clever trick to deal with unpleasant odours. You can easily deodorise the mattress by sprinkling baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oils. Sprinkle baking soda liberally and let it sit for a few hours. Vacuum it afterwards and proceed with the deep clean.

Steam clean the mattress

After you have done the prep work, it is time to get down to steam cleaning. Just follow these simple steps.

• Fill the carpet steamer tank with water. Follow the instructions manual.
• Let the device heat the liquid.
• When the temperature is hot, move the nozzle close to the mattress and move it across its surface with slow strokes.
• Cover the whole mattress topper, with a special focus on fresh stains and other spoils.
• When you are done, let the mattress dry completely before you put mattress toppers and other covers on it.

Tips to make steam cleaning more effective

There are a few ways to make your mattress steam cleaning more effective.

• Try distilled water to prevent stains and mineral build-up in the steam cleaner tank.
• Test the machine on a small spot of the mattress before you clean the surface.
• Move the device slowly across the mattress surface but don't get it soaking wet.
• Open up windows and doors in the room ensuring excess moisture from the mattress can evaporate. It is even better to completely dry the mattress in direct sunlight.

Other cleaning methods you can try

Steam cleaning your mattress regularly is a great way to keep it fresh but there are other ways to approach this task. Here are some alternatives to steam cleaning.

Vinegar and baking soda

This is the most popular DIY method using eco-friendly ingredients. You can clean your mattress with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. First, sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the mattress and let it sit at least an hour. Mix one part water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the mattress again, waiting a few hours till it the mix does its job. Vacuum up the mixture and enjoy a freshly deodorised mattress. You can use the same method for your carpet cleaning.

Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap

Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap are other ways to deodorise and clean the mattress. Combine equal parts of both in a spray bottle and spray it onto the mattress. The solution works as a stain remover so you can use it to spot treat stains. Scrub gently with a clean cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes. Let the mattress dry completely before you put the mattress protector back.

This is a powerful combination that can take care of some stains and unpleasant odours. It can also sanitise the entire surface and deal with allergens like bed bugs and dust mites. It is best to spot test on a small area of the mattress first before you use a stain remover solution on it.

Professional mattress cleaning services

If you cannot do the steam cleaning process on your own, you can always count on professionals for this service. Hiring a professional mattress cleaning service is guaranteed to kill bed bugs, remove mould growth and absorb odours from the area. A cleaning company has the equipment to turn steam cleaning a mattress into a quick and easy process.

Feel free to give us a call if you require deep mattress cleaning anywhere in London.

How to keep your mattress clean and fresh longer?

Steam cleaning, using a commercial stain remover or DIY methods with baking soda can deal with dead skin cells and other impurities on your mattress. But wouldn't you want to keep it clean longer before it requires deep cleaning? Here are a few tips to help you achieve this:

• Use a mattress cover or protector to prevent spills and stains.
• Vacuum regularly to deal with surface dust, pet dander and other allergens.
• Rotate your mattress every several months to even out the wear.
• Read the manufacturer's care instructions.

In conclusion, steaming your mattress is one of the best forms of deep cleaning you should employ. The high heat from the steamer takes care of all allergens on the surface of the mattress and deep within its fabrics. It will refresh it thoroughly and make it that much more comfortable to sleep on.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steam Cleaning a Mattress

Do you include steam mattress cleaning in your end of tenancy cleaning service?

No, professional mattress cleaning is not included but can be added for an extra fee. Vacuum cleaning the mattresses as well as under is included in our move out cleaning service.

How do you deep clean a mattress?

You can read our guide on how to deep clean a mattress yourself.

How long does it take for a mattress to dry after steam cleaning?

After a good steam cleaning session, your mattress will need anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to completely dry. It is best to open all windows and doors in the room to let the mattress air dry. A moist mattress is a breeding ground for bacteria and mould growth so it is important to take drying seriously.

Is steam good for a mattress?

Yes, steaming at high temperatures (120C) is the best way to eliminate all sorts of allergens from the mattress. In addition, it breaks down dirt and stains, leaving the surface fully clean and fresh.

Can steam cleaning get rid of bed bugs/dust mites in mattresses?

The process of steam cleaning generates a high amount of heat. As such, it is ideal for eliminating bed bugs, dust mites and other annoying allergens from your mattress, clothing, upholstered furniture and curtains. The steam easily reaches into the nooks and crannies of every fabric material providing 100% clean results.

Can steam cleaning remove urine stains from mattresses?

Steam cleaning is an effective way of tackling one of the most difficult challenges - fresh urine stains. The high-temperature steam can easily penetrate the fibres and break down the stain in ways that no laundry detergent can.