How to Disinfect Mattress after Covid-19
- By Jessica
- Last Update: Feb 20, 2023
The best process to disinfect the mattress is using stronger chemical to clean the surface of mattresses. For an impermeable mattress, you can use an EPA-approved disinfectant. For permeable mattresses, a spray disinfectant like Lysol is perfect.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways we never thought possible. From social distancing to wearing masks, we are all taking necessary precautions to stay safe. However, have you thought about how Covid-19 could be lurking where you least expect it – your mattress?
Our mattresses are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and with Covid-19 on the rise, it’s essential to ensure that our sleeping arrangements are clean and safe. While hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays are readily available, knowing how to disinfect your mattress could save you from a possible infection.
Disinfecting your mattress may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a crucial step in protecting yourself and your family. With a few steps and some handy tools, you can easily disinfect your mattress and sleep soundly at night. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that – keeping Covid-19 in mind.
Table of Contents
How Long can COVID Live on a Mattress?
The Covid-19 virus may remain on the surface for hours or days. The National Environmental Agency suggests curtains and mattresses can accumulate viruses. It can last for 2-3 days.
How to Clean Mattress after Covid-19?
Here are some steps you can use to clean mattress after Covid-19:
- Vacuum the Mattress
Remove all bedding and use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the mattress surface, including the sides and crevices. Vacuuming the mattress will remove dust, dead skin cells, and other debris.
- Sanitize the Mattress
Using a disinfectant spray or solution recommended by the CDC, sanitize the mattress surface. Spray the disinfectant evenly on the surface and allow it to sit for the recommended time per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wipe the Mattress
After the disinfectant has sat for the recommended time, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the mattress surface. Wiping with a damp cloth will help remove any remaining dirt or disinfectant residue.
- Let the Mattress Dry
Allow the mattress to dry completely before replacing the bedding. It’s important to keep the mattress surface dry to avoid any potential growth of mold or bacteria.
Following these simple steps, you can effectively clean and sanitize your mattress after COVID-19 for a safer and healthier sleeping environment.
How to Disinfect Mattress after Covid?
After cleaning a mattress, the next step is to disinfect it. Disinfecting and cleaning are two separate things. Chemicals used in disinfection kill bacteria on surfaces.
Consider taking the following measures to remove infection by penetrating the mattress.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is the first technique used to sanitize a mattress. A hand-held or garment steamer is good for cleaning the entire mattress surface. Use brief steam bursts to ensure the entire mattress surface can be covert. Let the mattress dry completely.
Antibacterial Sprays
Sprays with antibacterial properties cut harmful microorganisms. It also prevents new infestations.
- Make sure the antibacterial spray doesn’t contain chlorine. Chlorine will damage the mattress fibers.
- Follow the directions and combine a liquid cleaner with the recommended water.
- Make sure to clean the surface of the mattress before using the antibacterial spray.
- The mattress’s top, bottom, and sides must spray with the solution.
- Wipe every mattress surface with a towel dipped in warm water.
- Before sleeping on the mattress, make sure it is dry.
- When the stain is soaked with the vinegar solution, try adding some baking soda on top, letting it dry, and then vacuuming it up to increase the effectiveness.
UV Light
UV light is a powerful technique. A germ’s DNA can be destroyed by UV light. UV not only prevents it from replicating but also kills it. Every square inch of the mattress must be exposed to UV light. This exposure will end bacteria and viruses.
Use of Alcohol
Alcohol can spray to clean a mattress and end COVID-19. Many microorganisms, including COVID-19, can kill by alcohol, particularly rubbing alcohol. You can not kill infection using any alcoholic liquor. The alcohol must have a small alcohol content of 70%. Any diluted alcohol used to disinfect against COVID-19. Remove all bedding before using alcohol to spray the mattress or mattress cover.
Natural Mattress Spray
What’s better than a natural way to disinfect? All you’ll need to make a natural spray is:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
Combine all these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake them well. Spray it onto your mattress, then let it sit for a few hours. When making your bed, vacuum to cut any dead skin and mites.
This spray helps in keeping bugs away while also cleaning your mattress. Spiders, ants, and even mites deter by using vinegar. The oil of peppermint also deters insects.
Enzyme Cleaner
Follow the directions when cleaning your mattress with an enzyme cleaner. Some of these cleaners must dilute. You can use other cleaners straight on your mattress. Spray the enzyme cleaner onto a towel to blot your mattress.
FAQs
How often do I need to disinfect my mattress during Covid-19?
You can disinfect your mattress at least once a month during the global Covid-19 pandemic. This includes any sheets, covers, and pillows in contact with the mattress too. In addition to regularly washing your bedding with detergent and hot water, you should use approved disinfectants–particularly if anyone has been coughing or sneezing right before sleeping on it.
Keep the windows cracked open after applying a spray for proper ventilation and air circulation since breathing in self-made fumes can be dangerous. For best results, you should allow your mattress to dry completely before placing clean sheets back on top of it.
Is it necessary to cover the mattress while disinfecting it?
Yes, it is necessary to cover the mattress while disinfecting it. This is because straight contact with a disinfectant or other cleaning agent will have an adverse effect on the material of which your mattress is made – leading to discoloration, staining and even damage.
Covering your mattress also prevents any airborne particles from being drawn into the ashes, which can be potentially hazardous as well. Lastly, covering the mattress helps stop moisture from entering into the foam structure of your bed, a damp environment acts as a breeding ground for mites and other allergens that can cause allergies or skin irritations.
Does the entire mattress or just the surface need to be disinfected?
It is very important to disinfect not just the mattress surface but the entire mattress. This includes all the crevices and folds on the mattress, where dirt and dust can accumulate. The mattress should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt, and then it should be sprayed with a disinfecting cleaner.
The disinfectant should be allowed to sit for at leat 10 minutes in order for it to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Finally, the mattress should be wiped down with a clean cloth or paper towel. This process will help keep your mattress free of harmful germs.
Can I Spray Alcohol To Disinfect A Mattress From Covid-19?
We don’t recommend to spray alcohol on a mattress to disinfect it from Covid-19. Alcohol can damage the foam and fabric of a mattress and may not effectively kill the virus. Instead, it is recommended to use a disinfectant spray that is specifically formulated to kill viruses and is safe for use on fabric surfaces.
It is important to follow proper cleaning protocols, such as washing your hands before and after cleaning, wearing gloves and a mask, and properly disposing of any cleaning materials.
Can You Get Covid From A Mattress?
It is highly unlikely to get COVID-19 from a mattress. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on surfaces such as the mattress, but the virus can only survive on surfaces for a limited amount of time.
The risk of transmission from surfaces is low compared to direct contact with an infected person. However, it is always a good practice to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces to minimize the risk of any germs.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Help Disinfect Covid 19?
Hydrogen peroxide can be a useful disinfectant, but it is unclear whether it can effectively disinfect Covid-19. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has included hydrogen peroxide in its list of disinfectants that may be effective against Covid-19. However, the EPA notes that more research is needed to determine exactly how effective hydrogen peroxide is against this particular virus.
It is important to note that using hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant can be dangerous if not used properly, so it is essential to follow instructions carefully and use protective equipment when using it.
In any case, hydrogen peroxide should not be used as a treatment for Covid-19 or as a substitute for proven prevention methods like vaccination, social distancing, and wearing masks.
Summary
Maintaining a hygienic mattress is crucial during and after the pandemic. But it’s wise to keep your mattress clean at all times. The best method is to use a mattress protector to prevent fluids from entering your mattress.
This article imparts knowledge on the art of purifying a mattress post-COVID-19. It behooves one to cleanse their mattress, not only post-COVID-19. But clean a mattress as a preventive measure to mitigate allergic reactions. It also maintains a pristine sleeping environment.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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