When you consider some of life’s pleasures, a good night’s sleep has to be right at the top of most lists. Few things can invigorate and energize a person like seven to nine hours of good sleep. A good night’s sleep all starts with your mattress (yes, the right pillow is important too). But your mattress not only has to feel comfortable; you have to be comfortable with your mattress too. If you’re going to bed every night on a mattress that has never been cleaned or sanitized, it could make for a few restless nights. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to sanitize a used mattress so you can go to sleep without worrying about bedbugs or germs.

Why You Should Disinfect Your Mattress

Even if you the mattress you’re using is one you purchased, the fact that you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for years is reason enough to clean and sanitize it. While your mattress might not look dirty, there are plenty of things on it you can’t see with the naked eye.

Most mattresses are covered in microscopic organisms and irritants like:

• Dust mites
• Germs
• Dead skin cells
• Human and pet hair
• Sweat and saliva residue
• How to Sanitize a Mattress

Vacuum Your Mattress

Once your blankets and sheets have been removed, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dead skin, and hair. This won’t sanitize your mattress, but it will remove any loose debris and give you an opportunity to do a visual inspection to identify any stains or changes in its appearance that might prompt a deeper clean.

Steam Clean Your Mattress

Using a steam cleaner is an excellent way to sanitize your mattress. Buy or rent one that has a steam wand so you can reach the edges and crevices of your mattress. It’s best to do this on a nice, sunny day since the sunlight can help dry your mattress quickly after you stream it. You can place the mattress outside, directly in the sun, or in front of an open window. It’s also a good idea to run a fan in the room to minimize any musty odors.

An Effective Stain Remover and Disinfectant

A solution of hydrogen peroxide can be incredibly useful for removing any urine, sweat, and bloodstains from your mattress. It is also an effective germ killer. Mix the following ingredients and follow the application instructions below:

• 1 tablespoon table salt
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
• ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide

How to Apply to Mattress Stains

Once you you have gathered all the ingredients, mix them in a spray bottle. If your child has an accident, spray the solution on the stained area. The solution will remove the stain and ensure the mattress is safe for the child to sleep on. Once you have applied the solution, use a fan, sunlight, or a blow dryer to dry out the mattress before covering it with bedding. This is also one of the best ways to sanitize a crib mattress.

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