You may have heard that an air mattress can be the perfect sleeping solution for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
However, dirt and dust may gather as you often use them outdoors.
Lack of cleaning could result in an unpleasant odor, the development of allergies, and the growth of molds or mildew.
But did you know that it’s also effortless to clean?
This article shows a step-by-step guide on how to clean your airbed so you can get rid of the odor, molds, and strange stains that seem to happen out of nowhere.
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Mattress For Cleaning
Before anything else, preparation is a must.
How to prepare your air mattress for cleaning?
First, you have to unplug it from the power source.
Then, remove all the sheets.
To elaborate on these preparations:
Remove from the power source
Most contemporary air mattresses use electric pumps that plug into a wall outlet or a battery.
So, unplug your air mattress from all power sources and place it far from adjacent outlets before washing it.
If the pump is removable, you should take it out of the bed so you may move around more easily when cleaning your air mattress.
Take off all the sheets
Take off any covers for the blow-up mattress, including any sheets and blankets.
While you continue to clean the air mattress, we suggest putting the sheets in the washing machine.
Be aware that you wash the bedding for an air mattress at least once every few weeks.
Dust, dirt, and other debris can readily gather over time between the blankets of an air mattress because it is on the ground.
Step 2: Grab Your Cleaning Materials To Use
You should now gather your cleaning supplies after preparing your mattress.
Depending on the level of cleaning you wish to accomplish, you’ll need specific materials.
If you perform basic cleaning of a polyvinyl air mattress, use warm water and dish soap solution.
You will need vinegar and baking soda to get rid of scents of cat or human urine stains on the bed.
Applying an equal mixture of water and rubbing alcohol to any polluted places is advised if you need to eradicate mold or mildew from the mattress.
Step 3: Start Cleaning Your Air Mattress
Before cleaning it with any solution, vacuum your air mattress to remove any external dust and debris.
Do this by carefully covering every square inch as you slowly move the hose attachment down the top material.
After finishing the sides of the mattress, turn it over and vacuum the bottom.
Once you have prepared everything from unplugging to cleaning materials ready, you can start washing your air mattress for cleaning.
Simple ways of thorough cleaning.
It’s best to clean your air mattress every week or once a month if the former isn’t possible.
Depending on how often you use it, you should at least clean it once per season.
If you notice any mold or mildew growth, however, clean the air mattress right away.
Another good practice is to take the mattress outside and leave it there on a nice, sunny day every month or so.
The sunlight will evaporate the moisture that has accumulated inside and kill any lingering microorganisms.
How To Get Stains Out of an Air Mattress
To prevent harming the top layer of your air mattress, it is essential to only clean stains on the spot, like scents of cat or human urine.
You can spot-clean by doing light washing.
Add a few drops of mild soap to a basin of water.
With the water and soap, wet a clean cloth.
Gently scrub the mattress’s entire surface with a cloth, paying close attention to stains on the damp air mattress.
On the other hand, how do you get stains out of an air mattress for routine deep washing?
First, make a solution that contains equal parts vinegar and water.
Use one cup each of water and white vinegar, for example.
Apply the mixture to a sponge or cloth and gently massage it over the air mattress.
After giving a good rinse, let it air dry.
How to Remove and Prevent Molds
Removing molds or mildew requires a deep washing that won’t harm the mattress.
Doing so can prolong the lifespan of an air mattress.
So how do you do it? In a container, combine warm water and alcohol.
With that mixture, wet a sponge and use it to spot-clean the mattress.
After cleaning, rinse it with water and let the wet air mattress dry.
To prevent your air mattress from molds or mildew, you should completely dry your bed before putting it in its storage space.
Moreover, to minimize moisture buildup within the folds, you must keep your air mattress in dry, well-ventilated storage.
If mold development is a persistent issue, get a vinyl zip cover.
You can wash this cover frequently to avoid mold growth and maintain the cleanliness of the mattress.
Step 4. Dry It Completely
Your airbed will dry most quickly and effectively under the sun after being washed.
The ambient outside temperatures and moisture dispersion are unmatched, notwithstanding the possibility of UV radiation harming materials if exposed over extended periods.
If it’s chilly or rainy outside, place your wet air mattress close to a fan to hasten the drying process.
It should air dry quite quickly if made from rubber or plastic.
The drying process, however, may take several hours for softer textiles like velour and velvet and can be sped up by maintaining the mattress’s inflation.
Make sure to dry your air mattress completely.
How to Clean an Air Mattress – Conclusion
There you have it, simple steps to clean your blow-up mattress.
By thorough cleaning, you can have a clean and fresh air mattress ready for use, whether it’s for you or a visitor.
Some reminders to note:
1. Don’t try to wash your air mattress through a machine unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify that you can.
2. Avoid jumping on the air mattress while it is deflating.
3. Fold the mattress carefully.
4. Your mattress will last longer if you use a cover to keep pests, liquids, and mold off.
5. A shorter lifespan for your air mattress may result from storing it in a hot, humid environment.
