Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Erik Sullivan
Looking for an easiest and the most cost effective ways to clean your mattress? A garment steamer can do the trick!
It does not only remove wrinkles and refreshes clothes, but it also kills bacteria and dust mites from most upholstered surfaces including your mattress. So let’s find out how can you use a garment steamer to clean a mattress.
You can certainly use a garment steamer to clean a mattress and kill bed bugs on it. Just make sure that it can reach temperatures of 122°F that kills both bed bugs and their eggs.
Before using a steamer you should test it on a small area of the mattress first to make sure that it does not damage the fabric. We also strongly recommend to read the mattress manual before steam cleaning the mattress.
Read on to discover how to use a garment steamer to clean and disinfect your mattress.
Table of Contents
How to Use a Cloth Steamer to Clean a Mattress
The Preparation For Steam Cleaning Your Mattress
Before you get started, you should do some prep work. This includes vacuuming and spot cleaning your mattress.
- Spot cleaning tough stains
Before steam cleaning you must spot clean tough stains and bad odor on your mattress. For that mix hydrogen peroxide and dishwasher soap in a spray bottle. Next, spray the mixture over the spotty areas. Now, sprinkle some baking soda over the mixture and let them sit for about 30 mins.
- Vacuuming the entire surface
You’ll need to vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove dust, hair and other particles from the mattress. The vacuuming also removes the baking soda residue that you’ve applied earlier on the surface .
Steps To Deep Clean Your Mattress
Tools Required:
First, you will need to gather a few supplies.
- A garment steamer
- Distilled water
- A Piece of clean cloth
- A table fan
Now follow the steps below:
Step 1: Fill the tank with distilled water
Start by filling the reservoir of your garment steamer with the distilled water. Never use tap water as it can damage the inside metal parts of your steamer.
Step 2: Plug in and turn on your steamer
Now turn on the steamer and power it up. It will produce hot steam within a few minutes.
Step 3: Start applying steam on your mattress
Now, hold the steamer about six inches away from the mattress and start moving it back and forth. Select low to medium steam setting to stay in the safe side. Give the steamer enough time to apply the steam when you move it in a specific area. Make sure to go over the top and bottom surface of your mattress, paying special attention to any areas that are stained or dirty.
Step 4: Let the mattress cool and dry
After steam cleaning the mattress, let it cool down for a few moment. Next, take a blanket or towel, place them over the damp areas of the mattress to absorb the moisture. (You can follow the faster drying process in the next section)
Voila! You have now successfully steam cleaned your mattress with a garment steamer. Wasn’t that easy?
The Best Way to Dry a Mattress After Steaming
To dry a mattress after steaming, follow the methods below.
First, if the mattress is small enough, set up a fan towards the wet area and turn it on. This will help to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. If the mattress is too large to fit in front of a fan, you can try setting it outside in the sun. The sun will help to evaporate the moisture from the mattress.
Additionally, you can use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry out your mattress. Just be sure not to use too much heat, as this could damage the mattress.
Another nice hacks: If you have a heated room (a room with a fireplace), you can raise the temperature of the room to help evaporate any moisture that might be trapped inside the mattress.
Will A Cloth Steamer Kill Bed Bugs From Your Mattress?
A powerful cloth steamer is a great way to kill bed bugs from your mattress. The high pressure steam will penetrate the fabric of the mattress and kill the bugs. Usually, bed bugs hide along the seam or the tape edge of the mattress. When steam cleaning your mattress, pay special attention into these areas. And apply the steam evenly and slowly.
You can also use a cloth steamer to kill dust mites from other items in your home, such as clothing, curtains, and furniture. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a cloth steamer to kill bed bugs.
What’s The Downside of Using a Cloth Steamer?
There are some downsides to use a cloth steamer to clean a mattress, including the fact that it can take longer than cleaning with other methods. Since most garment steamers come with small water reservoir that require frequent refill of water.
Another downside of using a cloth steamer on a mattress is that it can be difficult to get into all of the nooks and crannies of the mattress.
What Type of Mattress is Suitable For Steam Cleaning?
Steam cleaning is a great way to deep clean your mattress, but not all mattresses are suitable for this type of cleaning. If you have a memory foam mattress, for example, steam cleaning can damage the material. If you have a innerspring mattress, it’s still possible to steam clean it, but you’ll need to be extra careful not to damage the surface.
If you’re not sure whether your mattress is suitable for steam cleaning, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They’ll be able to give you specific advice based on the type of mattress you have.
Our Recommended Garment Steamer For Cleaning Mattress
Our recommended garment steamer for cleaning a mattress is the Jiffy Steamer. This steamer is designed specifically for cleaning mattresses and upholstered furniture. It features a number of useful attachments that make it easy to get into all of the nooks and crannies of a mattress. Additionally, the Jiffy Steamer has a large water tank that will allow you to steam clean a mattress in one session.
Conclusion
In summary, using a garment steamer to clean a mattress can indeed be an effective method, provided it’s done with care and consideration. The steam’s high temperature can help kill bacteria, dust mites, and neutralize odors, offering a natural and chemical-free cleaning solution.
However, it’s vital to remember that excessive moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, so ensuring the mattress dries thoroughly after steaming is imperative. Moreover, testing the steamer on a small, inconspicuous area first helps prevent any potential damage. By following these precautions, individuals can harness the power of a garment steamer to refresh and sanitize their mattresses, enhancing both hygiene and overall sleeping experience.
FAQ
Can you steam clean a pillow top mattress?
Yes, you can steam clean a pillow top mattress. However, it is important to note that the warranty may be voided if you do so. So, I recommend to check the manufacturer’s website — weather you can steam clean the pillow top mattress.
Can you steam clean a mattress with an iron?
No, you should not use an iron to steam clean a mattress. This is not a safe method of cleaning a mattress, as the high heat from the iron can damage the mattress. However, you can use stem iron on your mattress. Because, these device use steam just like a dedicated steamer to clean your mattress.
How long does it take to steam clean a mattress thoroughly?
The time it takes to steam clean a mattress depends on the size of the mattress and the extent of cleaning required. Generally, it may take about 20-30 minutes to steam clean an average-sized mattress thoroughly. Focus on each section of the mattress surface to ensure all areas are properly sanitized.
Is there a specific technique for using a garment steamer on a mattress?
When using a garment steamer on a mattress, move the steamer slowly across the surface, allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric. Focus on one section at a time, ensuring thorough coverage. Pay extra attention to stained or odorous areas. Avoid saturating the mattress; a gentle steaming is usually sufficient for effective cleaning.
Are there any types of mattresses that should not be steamed?
Most types of mattresses, including memory foam, innerspring, and latex mattresses, can be safely steamed. However, water and heat can damage certain mattresses, such as waterbeds or mattresses with built-in electronic components. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using a garment steamer on your specific mattress type.
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