Keeping your mattress clean and well-maintained is essential for a good night’s sleep. However, the process can be time-consuming if done manually.
Fortunately, there are gadgets and cleaning products that can help DIY cleaners refresh dirty mattresses, and one of these tools is a carpet cleaner. This introduces an interesting perspective on the versatility of cleaning products and equipment, specifically addressing the question: Can you use upholstery cleaner on mattress?
Read on to learn more about using a carpet cleaner to maintain and restore your bed
Understanding Carpet Cleaners
A carpet cleaner is a versatile device used in both home and commercial settings to remove dirt and debris from carpets and upholstery. It typically includes a water tank, hose, nozzle, an upholstery hand tool and brush heads for agitating and loosening grime.
While some carpet cleaners extract dirt by creating foam, others use water to tackle surface-level grime. Most consumer-grade carpet cleaners are of the latter type, as they require less preparation, chemicals, and aftercare.
Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Your Mattress?
Using a carpet cleaner on a mattress can be effective, but it’s essential to consider your mattress’s composition. Carpet cleaners push water into upholstery while agitating dirt, which can be problematic for densely-packed foam mattresses, like memory foam. Saturating such mattresses with water can lead to prolonged drying times.
In contrast, using a carpet cleaner on a traditional mattress, like an innerspring bed, is generally acceptable because they are less dense and easier to dry. The amount of water used must be controlled so as not to saturate the fabric too deeply.
Are Carpet Cleaners Harmful to Mattresses?
Most modern water-based carpet cleaners are safe for mattresses. However, it’s crucial to be aware of two factors that can determine whether a carpet cleaner is harmful to your mattress:
1. Harsh Cleaning Products
Some carpet cleaners may come with harsh chemicals that can harm mattresses. These cleaning solutions are often designed for commercial spaces and may be too intense for bedding and soft items. The instructions and recommended use of these detergents are located on the product. Opt for gentle or all-natural cleaning products and recommended upholstery cleaning sanitisers to avoid this issue.
2. Rough Inner Brushes
Certain carpet cleaners use inner brushes to remove dirt. While these brushes may not always be rough, it’s best to avoid them when cleaning a mattress. Instead, choose carpet cleaners primarily using hot water or steam to loosen dirt and grime.
How to Use a Carpet Cleaner on Your Mattress
Using a carpet cleaning machine to maintain your mattress is a straightforward process that involves several steps:
1. Remove All Beddings
Start by removing all bedding, sheets, blankets, pillows, and other sleeping accessories from your mattress. You can toss your sheets into the washing machine while cleaning the mattress.
2. Lift Your Mattress
Lift your mattress from its foundation or bed frame to ensure easy access during cleaning (watch your back and get a friend to help!). Place it against a wall or other sturdy structures like bookcases or tables.
3. Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a hand tool attachment vacuum to thoroughly vacuum both sides of your mattress, including corners and edges. This step helps remove loose dirt, making deep cleaning more effective.
4. Use the Carpet Cleaner
Use your steam or water-powered carpet cleaner with a recommended upholstery cleaning agent to clean each side of the mattress in long, consistent strokes. Avoid oversaturation and pushing dirt deeper into the mattress. Allow one side to dry before moving on to the other. Use the extraction power in the machine to pull as much water out while cleaning, which also assists in the drying process.
5. Let It Dry
Give your mattress ample time to dry completely. Drying times can vary, but ensuring both sides are dry before remaking the bed is crucial.
6. Remake the Bed
Once your mattress is dry, place it back on your bed foundation or frame and remake it with fresh sheets.
Get Your Obligation FREE Quote Now!
Additional Tips for Mattress Maintenance
You don’t necessarily need a carpet cleaner to maintain your mattress. Here are some additional tips for keeping your bed fresh:
- Schedule Regular Deep Cleanings: Consider deep cleaning your mattress every six months to prevent dust, dirt, and debris buildup.
- Flip Your Mattress Regularly: Unless it’s a pillow-top mattress, flip it every six months to ensure even wear and prolong its lifespan.
- Spot Clean Stains Promptly: Address stains immediately to prevent permanent discolouration. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water can be effective for spot cleaning.
- Deodorise: Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, wait a few hours, and then vacuum it to keep your bed smelling fresh.
In conclusion, while carpet and upholstery cleaners are not specifically designed for mattresses, they can effectively give your mattress a deep clean when used properly. Taking good care of your mattress is important for getting a good night’s sleep and preventing a buildup of allergens or dirt over time.
When in doubt about thoroughly cleaning your mattress, trust the experts and hire a professional mattress cleaning service to get the deep clean you want without the risks of DIY methods.
Terry is a professional carpet cleaner with over a decade of experience. He’s passionate about using eco-friendly products to provide a clean and safe home for his clients. With a keen eye for detail, Terry tailors his services to meet his clients’ unique needs. He values transparency and excellent customer service, ensuring his clients are satisfied with the results.
