How To Steam Clean A Mattress? Best 2-Step Guide

If you want to know how to steam clean a mattress, we simplified it into two easy steps! You will just need a vacuum cleaner and steamer, and your bed should be as fresh as new. We’ll also teach you how to spot-treat stains, so you don’t have to open multiple tabs to master mattress maintenance.

Knowing the right way to steam clean a bed is helpful for multiple materials. Perhaps you’re using memory foam or another bed that shouldn’t be cleaned too harshly. Without further ado, here is how to steam clean a mattress the most straightforward way!

How To Steam Clean A Mattress

 

How To Steam Clean A Mattress At Home

 

Step #1. Vacuum

Much like cleaning any mattress, you have to freshen and deodorize your mattress before using the steam cleaner. This step will also prepare the bed and remove the particles that have build up on the surface. You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner with a smaller attachment to reach all the mattress areas and crevices. 

By vacuuming the mattress surface thoroughly, the steam will be more effective later since no dust or debris will block it from penetrating deeper. You also won’t risk developing any stains since no dirt will get dissolved when you steam the bed. Now, how do you deodorize and freshen the mattress?

After vacuuming it off, sprinkle some baking soda all over the surface and let it sit for a few minutes or hours, depending on how stinky your mattress is. The baking soda should absorb the odors or oils and moisture that are in bed. Then, use the vacuum to remove the baking soda in short strokes to ensure that all the areas get pre-cleaned. 

 

Step #2. Steam

You are now ready to use the steam cleaner, but you have to treat them first if there are mattress stains. Make a mild detergent and water solution, then dab the areas with a sponge in a circular motion. You can also use white vinegar for tougher stains and then use baking soda to absorb the smell and moisture.

Do note that you shouldn’t get the mattress oversaturated with liquid at this step. Otherwise, you risk having difficulty drying it, which can lead to mold or mildew. With these pre-cleaning steps done, you can start steam cleaning a few inches away from the surface in long and low strokes. 

Again, you’re not aiming to get the bed soaking, so you have to adjust the steamer’s position and movement. Once one side is done, please wait for it to dry before cleaning the other side. You also want to reach the sides of the bed to finish. 

 

How to dry a steam cleaned mattress

You shouldn’t be intimidated by using steam for cleaning your bed because it introduces some wetness. You’re not oversaturating it anyway, so drying should only take a few hours. You can place the mattress outside on a slatted surface, so all sides are aerated, but still, flip it to ensure that it’s dried thoroughly. 

It’s common knowledge only to use your mattress after it has thoroughly dried. You can test it by pressing the surface with a dry towel if it’ll absorb any moisture. If the weather is too cool, you can finish the drying indoors with a circulating fan and opened windows to avoid dampness. 

 

Can You Steam Clean A Mattress With A Carpet Cleaner?

You definitely won’t need fancy cleaners and pieces of equipment to steam clean your bed. You can use a carpet cleaner to do the job twice a year and prevent allergens, fungi, or bugs from collecting in the mattress. Follow our two-step guide above and ensure that the bed won’t end up getting too soaked. 

Once done, you want to dry it thoroughly to prevent mold growth. The emphasis is also necessary in ensuring that the carpet cleaner is free of any dirt, so check its reservoir before using it. Finally, make a steam cleaning schedule to have a routine and keep your mattress hygienic and healthy for daily use. 

 

Will Steam Cleaning Remove Urine Stains From Mattress?

Stains from sweat and urine can be stubborn to eliminate because they reach deeply into the material. The excellent news is steam cleaning should work against them as long as you know the proper techniques. It’s also ideal that you never let any moisture or spills sit too long on the mattress so they won’t penetrate deep and become harder to remove. 

To steam clean urine stains, follow the guide above but run the steam cleaner on the stains to target them. The pre-cleaning step that spot treats the stains will also help eliminate not just the discoloration but also the odor of urine. However, don’t oversaturate the mattress even if you focus on the stained areas.  

 

Conclusion

Did you know that steam also works well in sanitizing a bed? You can quickly learn how to steam clean a mattress in two steps. One, vacuum and spot treat the mattress to prepare it for steam cleaning. 

Afterward, you can make long and low strokes with the steam cleaner throughout the bed. Let one side dry first before steam cleaning the other side. Finally, air-dry the mattress thoroughly, and you can do this practice twice a year.