Are you looking to give your mattress a deep clean to remove dirt, stains, and allergens? Have you heard that carpet cleaners can be used on mattresses? Many people believe that a carpet cleaner is the best way to clean their mattresses, but is this really the case?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using a carpet cleaner or carpet shampooer on a mattress and look at some alternative solutions. We’ll also discuss safety considerations to keep in mind when using a carpet cleaner on your mattress. By the end, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not a carpet cleaner is right for your mattress cleaning needs.
What Is A Carpet Cleaner?
A carpet cleaner is a powerful machine specifically designed to remove deep-set dirt, dust and allergens from carpets and upholstery. It works by spraying hot water and special detergent into your carpets, then using a suction system to extract the dirt that has been loosened by the water. This leaves your carpets looking like new, free of dirt, odors and allergens. Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners can get deep into the fibers of your carpet to eliminate the dirt and grime that traditional vacuums don’t have the power to do.
Can I Use A Carpet Cleaner On My Mattress?
If you have a traditional spring mattress then you may be able to use a carpet cleaner on it, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a carpet cleaner.
It is tempting to use a carpet cleaner on a mattress because it provides a way to deep clean the mattress. However, you need to be careful when using a carpet cleaner on your mattress. Depending on the type of mattress you have, the hot water and suction system used in a carpet cleaner could damage the material or cause permanent stains.
What About Carpet Cleaner Spray?
While most carpet cleaner sprays or upholstery cleaners can be used on your mattress, the harsh chemicals they contain can be harmful, particularly on memory foam mattresses which trap the chemicals in the foam. Although it may be tempting to use carpet cleaner spray to remove stubborn stains, you should always try less harmful techniques first. See below for the best alternatives, or read this guide on how to clean your mattress.
Read also: Will bleach get blood out of a mattress?
Can You Use A Carpet Cleaner On Any Mattress?
If your mattress is made of memory foam or latex, then you definitely should not use a carpet cleaner – these materials are too delicate to withstand the force of a carpet cleaner and could be damaged as a result.
Are Carpet Cleaners Harmful to the Mattress?
Yes, using a carpet cleaner on a mattress can permanently harm your mattress for several reasons:
Heat
A carpet cleaner can be very harmful to a memory foam or latex mattress, as the heat they generate can permanently damage the mattress.
Suction
In addition, the suction system used by carpet cleaners can pull the fabric of your mattress and cause permanent damage. This means that using a carpet cleaner on any type of mattress is not advisable.
Harsh Carpet Cleaning Products
Another thing to consider is that the carpet cleaning detergents used in many machines are quite harsh. These products could leave behind a residue on your mattress and make it less comfortable to sleep on, even after being cleaned.
Cheap Or Rough Inner Brushes
In addition, many carpet cleaners come with inner brushes that can be too rough for a mattress. These brushes can snag the fabric of your mattress and cause permanent damage.
How Do I Use A Carpet Cleaner To Clean My Mattress?
If, despite our advice above not to use a carpet cleaner to clean your mattress, you do decide to go ahead with this method of cleaning – use the following guide. Again, be aware that this can only be attempted with traditional spring mattresses and should never be used on a foam mattress.
1. Remove All Bedding
Take off all bedding, including sheets and mattress covers to ensure that the whole mattress is exposed.
2. Lift Your Mattress
Gently lift your mattress off the bed frame and move it to a space where you can use your carpet cleaner.
3. Vacuum Thoroughly
Using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, give your mattress a thorough vacuuming to remove surface dirt and dust.
4. Test Solution On A Small Area
Test out a small amount of the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous place to make sure that it does not damage the material of your mattress before attempting to use it on your entire mattress.
5. Bring Out The Carpet Cleaner
Use the carpet cleaner on your mattress with slow and steady movements, making sure to cover all areas.
6. Let It Dry
Allow your mattress to air dry completely before replacing bedding or using it. Open windows and place a fan near the mattress to speed up the drying process if needed.
Read also: How to dry a mattress fast
6. Remake The Bed
Once your mattress is dry, remake the bed and enjoy a freshly cleaned mattress.
What is the best thing to clean a mattress with?
The first step is vacuuming your mattress using an upholstery attachment or hand tool—this will help remove dust mites, pet hair, dead human skin cells and other debris that has accumulated over time. Next, spot-clean any stains with a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar—the vinegar helps break down dirt and bacteria without damaging the fabric of your mattress. Once you’ve spot-cleaned any stains, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of your mattress. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it off again with an upholstery attachment. Finally, let your mattress air dry before replacing your bedding or sleeping on it again!
As with a carpet shampooer, you cannot use a steam cleaner on a foam mattress, but may be able to use it to treat stains on a traditional foam mattress. You can find out why in our post: Can you steam clean a memory foam mattress?
Tips For Keeping Your Mattress Fresh
Schedule A Deep Cleaning Every Six Months
Regularly cleaning your mattress has many benefits. Not only will it help keep dust mites away, but you will also sleep more comfortably at night. Dust mites feed on human skin cells and they can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itching, and watery eyes. They are particularly problematic for people with asthma or allergies. So regular mattress cleaning is not only good hygiene practice; it will help you get a better night’s sleep too!
Flip Your Mattress Regularly (Unless It’s A Pillow Top)
Flipping your mattress every six months will help it wear more evenly, which in turn can extend its life. However, with pillow top mattresses, flipping is not recommended as this type of mattress is designed to be slept on on one side only. Instead, you can simply rotate a pillow top mattress so that the ‘head’ and ‘feet’ ends are changed.
Read also: Can you flip a pillow top mattress?
Spot Clean Right Away
If you spill something on your mattress, make sure to clean it up right away. As soon as you notice the stain, blot it with a damp cloth or sponge and some mild detergent. Do not scrub or rub—just blot gently until the stain is gone. The same is true for urine accidents – make sure to blot as much liquid away as possible, before using a spray bottle with white vinegar and water solution. This will act as a stain remover as well as a disinfectant for your mattress. Make sure to remove any excess water and allow the mattress to completely dry before you use it again.
Read also: Will urine ruin a memory foam mattress?
Use A Mattress Protector
A mattress protector will help keep your mattress clean and free from dust mites and other allergens. It is also water-resistant, so it will help protect your mattress from spills. Look for a protector that is breathable yet still provides protection. This type of protector won’t trap heat like some plastic covers do.
Read also: Do mattress protectors make you sweat?
Deodorize
If you notice your mattress starting to smell stale, a few simple ingredients can help freshen it up. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of your mattress and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it off with an upholstery attachment. You can also spray a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar over the surface of your mattress and allow it to dry before remaking the bed.
Conclusion: Can you use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
In conclusion, using a carpet cleaner can be tempting but should only be attempted on traditional spring mattresses. It is important to weigh up the potential risks before you take this course of action. If in doubt, it is best to choose an alternative cleaning method, such as vacuuming and spot cleaning. Additionally, following the tips above can help keep your mattress clean and fresh in between deep cleans.
FAQs:
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a memory foam mattress?
No, it is not recommended to use a carpet cleaner on a memory foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses are more delicate and can easily be damaged by heat from a carpet shampooer and may retain any chemicals in the cleaning solution.
Can you use a carpet cleaner on an air mattress?
No, it is not recommended to use a carpet cleaner on an air mattress. Air mattresses are made from nylon and vinyl materials, which could be damaged by the heat or chemicals in a carpet shampooer.
Read also: How to clean an air mattress
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a spring mattress?
Yes, you can use a carpet cleaner on a spring mattress as long as you take precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to vacuum away any remaining suds or residue after cleaning with a carpet shampooer.
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a hybrid mattress?
No, it is not recommended to use a carpet cleaner on a hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses contain both foam and innerspring components which could be damaged by heat or chemicals from a carpet shampooer.
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a latex mattress?
No, it is not recommended to use a carpet cleaner on a latex mattress. Latex mattresses are sensitive to heat and could be damaged by the hot water from a carpet cleaner. They may also retain any chemicals used in the cleaning solution.