how does one go about cleaning a used mattress? are there ways to disinfect it?

Steam is the best choice, not always viable to build a box, tho.

Look through the cleaning aisle at grocery store if a mega mart isn't handy. Spray on upholstery cleaner and a thorough vacuuming , repeat as necessary. Spray on disinfectant (you know the brand name) , the surface should take at least 10 minutes to dry. Repeat as fear or paranoia demands. GET A MATTRESS COVER, there are several styles availible.

You can even get a mattress bag. If you get one of these, you will need a pad over it as they will cause you to sweat with only a sheet between you and the bag.

This should be under $50, depending on the size of your bed. Twin size is the most economical, king size, the most expensive. Hope this helps, good luck.

How To Disinfect A Mattress

It depends on the shape of the new to you mattress... For example if you were buying my mattress you'd be very happy because it's ALWAYS had a washable mattress protector on it so I would require minor cleaning....

However, if you don't know the previous owner.. I would suggest inspecting the mattress throughly for bed bugs and stains/smells...

If everything checks out.. Get your vacuum or shop vac and give it a good vacuum.. If you have some around sprinkle the mattress with baking soda let it sit and vacuum. The BS will pick up any odors in the mattress....

Also, pick-up a can of LYSOL and spray the mattress liberally and let it dry in a ventilated environment.. Open a window or run a fan....

While you are at the store... Get a nice mattress cover- If the mattress is stained/dirty maybe get one that seals around the whole mattress...Waterproof/washable would be best. That way there's a washable barrier between you/mattress....

You should be fine... Good luck

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RE:

how does one go about cleaning a used mattress? are there ways to disinfect it?

I ask because buying a new mattress is not a viable option for me right now. I have been buying air mattress' but it seems I have to buy a new one every three months, which gets to be costly. So is there a way to clean, deodorize, disinfect a used mattress? or if it's dirty it's just dirty and you...

RE:

how does one go about cleaning a used mattress? are there ways to disinfect it?

I ask because buying a new mattress is not a viable option for me right now. I have been buying air mattress' but it seems I have to buy a new one every three months, which gets to be costly. So is there a way to clean, deodorize, disinfect a used mattress? or if it's dirty it's just...

Steam cleaning is the best way for disinfecting for bacteria and insects, lice so forth. It should be about 1 hour at a steam bath of at least 212 F. Be careful this is live steam temperature and very dangerous if you make a mistake. You would need to build a steam box that will enclose the mattress, and a steam making system that will let you heat the whole mattress at one time. The steam box should be pretty tight to keep it at a high temperature, the steam box can be built of some OSB and some 2x2 lumber. Maybe $50 in parts plus the steam machine.

Shane, I would first vacuum both sides, of the mattress very well, get the sides also, then I would take a spray bottle with hot bleach water and spray the mattress, all sides, put a fan on it and let it dry good. Then buy an inexpensive mattress cover, and you will feel good and clean just like a new mattress!

Steam clean or upholstery cleaner, then white vinegar and a good vacuum.

Then leave it for an entire day in sunlight, which will kill any bacteria that may be present.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-&p...

I hope that you're soon able to get yourself a new mattress. Good luck.

Lysol, Lysol and then some more Lysol...