How to Clean a Mattress you Found on the Street
Some people throw things on the street that they no longer use. Such things might be useless for them, but you can actually put them to great use. If you have found a nice mattress on the street, you can bring it home and clean it to use in your home. There is no harm in getting something nice and cheap. However, you need to clean it properly before using it to avoid bed bugs or any other nasty surprises. Here at OneHowTo.com, we are going to tell you how to clean a mattress you found on the street.
Importance of cleaning the mattress you found on the street
Now that you have found a mattress on the street, it is important to remove any dead skin cells and dust mites from it, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or sensitivities. Such a mattress may also contain a high number of allergens, including bacteria, viruses, dust mites, or mold. It might also have a lot of stains that need to be removed and cleaned properly. Cleaning the mattress properly is important not only for its physical appearance but for the health of your family members too. Inspect the seams and underside for insects, droppings, mold, or strong odors; if you find signs of an infestation or mold, do not use it.
Choosing the right time
If possible, clean a mattress you found on the street on a sunny, warm, low humidity day. There are obvious reasons why fall cleaning and spring cleaning are more popular than summer and winter cleaning. Sunlight will definitely help the mattress to dry quickly after cleaning. In addition, direct sunlight exposes the mattress to UV rays, which may help reduce some microorganisms, though it should not be relied on as the only way to disinfect the mattress. If getting the mattress outside is not possible, you may lean it against a wall in your room in front of a window that receives sunlight. Keep it off damp ground and bring it inside before evening.
Removing the dust
First of all, lay the mattress flat on the floor and beat it with a stick to remove as much dust as possible. Then, use the crevice tool and upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to clean its entire surface. In the process, you may be fortunate enough to get rid of some dust mites as well. If there is some moisture in the mattress, it may be due to a pet accident, a fresh spill, or a kid’s urine; soak up the liquid using towels before vacuuming. Work outdoors if possible and wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in loosened dust.
Disinfecting the mattress
After removing the dust, you need to disinfect the mattress. Run a garment steamer or a portable steam cleaner across the surface of the mattress to kill dust mites and germs. Sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress to freshen up the upholstery and get rid of any odors. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes and then vacuum. Click here to know How to Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda. If the mattress is badly infected and has more bacteria than you had expected, you may need to use a specialized disinfectant solution for the purpose. Use steam sparingly, as excess moisture can encourage mold growth.
Use an antibacterial cleaner
Take an antibacterial solution or spray of your favorite scent and use it to kill germs on the mattress. If you are using a liquid cleaner, dilute it in warm water, dip a rag into it, wring it to keep it just damp, and clean the surface of the mattress with it. If you are using a disinfectant spray, sprinkle it lightly all over the mattress and wipe it clean with a damp rag. Allow the mattress to dry completely on both sides before you put it into use. Follow the product label, ventilate the room, and never mix cleaning products.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean a Mattress you Found on the Street, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.
- Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
- Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
