4 EASY STEPS TO CLEAN AN AIR MATTRESS
When compared to heavy, conventional spring or memory foam beds, air mattresses are lightweight, portable, and ideal for camping or hosting family over for the holidays.
Variations of blow-up mattresses are quick to set up and have been used for millennia by many families as a fun floating toy or temporary sleeping solution. However you utilize them, air mattresses are extremely convenient but have always been prone to problems like mildew and dirt buildup.
The Reasons Behind Cleaning an Air Mattress
Let's have a look at the reasons why cleaning is necessary before we get into how to clean an air mattress.
Because airbeds are only temporary sleeping arrangements, owners tend to want to store them as soon as they are assembled. Typically, they are stored without the thought and care required to keep mildew, stains, and smells away.
When skin, perspiration, dust mites, and moisture come into touch with air mattresses, microbes thrive there. The risk of an air mattress getting moldy increases when it is put away for the season since they are frequently kept in dimly lit basements or storage units.
Due to oversights like these, many airbeds may lose their effectiveness and start to smell after a few months to a few years, depending on how often they are used.
Owners should get into the practice of washing their air mattresses after every usage, or at least once a season, to guarantee you get the most out of them and don't waste money on a new one.
Here's how to clean an air mattress while avoiding the formation of mold or mildew.
How to Clean an Air Mattress:
Although a wide variety of fabrics and plastics are utilized in the production of air mattresses, the majority of them combine components such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane polymers (PU), and other rubber compounds. On more premium airbeds, you may even get velvet mattress toppers and antibacterial velour (more on this below).
When cleaning your air mattresses, it is recommended to use light or gentle cleaning solutions due to the variations in material. By doing this, the likelihood of surfaces degrading and future holes and/or perforations will be decreased.
Step 1: Dust and Dirt
Similar to the majority of air mattresses, it is most likely that they are being utilized on a floor or within a tent. Additionally, grime and dust gathering are unavoidable for this reason alone. Vacuuming away any loose material and trapped dust is therefore essential before using water and cleaning supplies.In order to release creases and smooth out the surfaces, begin by inflating the mattress.
To get rid of blocked material, you should use a strong vacuum, but if one is not available, a handheld vacuum will do the job just fine. By using a stronger vacuum, owners may avoid possibly embedding loose dust or filth in soft fabrics or surfaces made of non-woven textiles.
Unfortunately, scrubbing dirt forces particles deeper into the fabric, making it more difficult to get rid of stains and other debris.
Step 2: Prevention of Odors
It's likely that you have been keeping your air mattress with moisture if it has begun to smell musty or dirty. In this instance, search for indications of mold or mildew growth.
If any visible germs are discovered, you should postpone this odor reduction procedure until after drying.
Owners should cover the mattress with a coating of baking soda if an inspection reveals no development. Although it's not necessary to completely cover the airbed, employing insufficient baking soda may leave smells behind.
Before vacuuming it clean, let the baking soda stay for three to five minutes.
Step 3: Cleaning Chemical
As previously indicated, you should mix a light, non-damaging cleaning solution. Fortunately, readily available home objects may be used to finish this.
The most popular combinations are rubbing alcohol diluted in warm water (excellent for mildew); mild soap and warm water; or a vinegar-to-water ratio of half-and-half (ideal for mold).
Although you can buy branded disinfectants to clean your mattress, it's better to refer to your user manual or get in touch with the maker of your airbeds for suggestions on what to buy.
It is advised to finish the cleaning procedure in a warm, dry, and well-lit space after determining which solution is ideal for the material of your mattress. This will shorten drying periods and lessen the likelihood of developing more mildew or mold.
All smooth plastic or rubber surfaces should be cleaned with a clean cloth soaked with your mixture. Since air mattresses are made to resist more abuse than usual, don't be afraid to remove stains in these areas aggressively.
However, it's crucial to handle velvet or velour surfaces with a little extra delicacy. The easiest way to remove stains from fabric surfaces is to work from the outside inward, using tiny circular strokes.
PRO TIP: Steer clear of over-wetting your cloth. The ideal approach is to squeeze out as much liquid as you can before cleaning a surface. By doing this, moisture buildup and the eventual growth of mold and other microbes are avoided.
Step 4: Allow Mattress to Air Dry
The easiest way to dry your mattress is to go outside on a warm, sunny day. The outside temperatures and moisture distribution are unparalleled, even if prolonged exposure to UV radiation may cause materials to deteriorate.
The next best thing to leaving an air mattress outside, depending on the weather or where you live, is to put it next to a dehumidifier so that it can dry. Before putting your mattress away, it is crucial to make sure it is totally dry.
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