We finally moved into our home after living with family for almost 3 years, our stuff was in storage for those 3 years, and what im mostly concerned about is our mattress. We had our couches professionally cleaned, but I was wondering what should we do about the mattresses. I have no idea what could have been crawling on them. I want to sanitize/disinfect, you name it, I want it to be safe to sleep on, especially since our little one sleeps with us. So if anyone has any ideas on how to do it yourself, or if I should have a company come, and if anyone knows of one that will.
I don't know anything about professionally cleaning mattresses but all my mattresses are covered in a plastic case that zips. I have allergies and having them completely covered keeps them clean...and keeps my allergies at bay. I'd seach online...maybe you'll find something easier that way.
Hi T.,
We had our mattress in storage for almost 2 years. It was wrapped in plastic and in an air conditioned pod.
Come to think of it, we didn't do anything but let it air out with no sheets for a few days. As long as it was wrapped and in air condition, my husband was not concerned.
I wish I could offer more advice. I always call my pediatrician with all kinds of questions.
Good luck to you and your family.
Why didn't you have them professionally cleaned as well.
You may also want to rent the Rug Doctor and do it yourself.
J. M.
I would call a reputable cleaning company and ask them. If they could guarantee you that it will be cleaned well, go with that.
My concern would be if it was in an non-air conditioned storage unit. With the weather the way it is down here and the number of rainstorms, etc.. and high humidity we have -- I would be very concerned with mold. If it is INSIDE the mattress, I would think that no amount of cleaning will remove it. Mold can cause all sorts of long term respiratory issues. It may be better just to replace the mattress. An expense that's true, but at the cost of future asthma or allergies... definitely worth it.
Best of luck with your decision.
T.
Buy a new mattress!!!
Hey T.,
I do this to my mattress every now and then because my son and I have allergies, use a steamer on the surface of the mattress, both sides, or if you don’t have a steamer use your iron (be careful not to burn it). I like to spray the mattress with some antibacterial spray after I steam them. It works!
M. P.
Dear T.,
I have an ozone air purifier (mine is pretty advanced) but I have used others (not so strong) to disinfect my mattress. I just place the machine on top of the mattress, put a blanket on top (sort of like a tent) and leave it for a few hours. Afterwards just some vacuum, and I'm done.
The ozone kills bacteria, fungi, bad smells, the vacuum picks up the dust and the rest.
Hope that helps.
Hi! I know a spray on product called "Mattress Fresh" you can get in stores and also a good fabric cleaner would probably do the job. Or you could get a nice mattress pad,(like a fitted sheet but more like a 'barrier' than bedding-- I have a waterproof one with soft terry cloth on top that lets nothing through! Then I put my sheets on top in case one of our kids has 'an accident' ! But I agree-is mold is suspect, you just can't keep it, mold is a near impossibility to clean unless you can see it directly.
I can understand how it'd be an 'icky' feeling!! If after you clean it you and your husband are not happy, I'd say invest in a new one, you won't be sorry (if it's within your budget!)
Hi T.,
Since we've moved & stored furniture for extended periods, I can share what I've done. First, you need to vacuum the mattress thoroughly. Do this on each side, before taking it into your home. Make sure you use a clean vacuum. Next, take a cloth with 1/2 water, 1/2 disinfectant & wipe the entire mattress down. You don't want to soak the mattress & will need to leave it to air at least a 1/2 day (preferably in the sun). Once the mattress is fully dry to the touch, both sides, cover with a good mattress cover & you should be all set.
Good Luck!
If there are any stains or spots you want to clean:
Make a solution with warm water, a little bit of dish detergent, and a few capfuls of simple green. Take a scrub brush and brush it on any spots. This works WONDERS. You can also use it on carpet, couches, etc. (Simple green is a solvent, but 100% biodegradable and safe to use). Make sure it dries completely before adding bedding, etc.
For all over freshening:
Spray some antibacterial Febreeze all over the matress. Make sure it dries all the way before putting bedding, etc. on it.
Good luck in your new place!
A.
