what's the best way to sanitize a used mattress?

Question

i'm about to buy one in very good shape, but i'm concerned about hygiene issues.

Answer 1

Gasoline and a match.

Answer 2

If you're concerned, don't buy a used mattress.

Bedbugs and fleas can live in them. Urine, semen, feces or other bodily fluids may be trapped in the padding but washed successfully out of the cover. And so on and so forth.

Wash the cover (top, bottom and sides) with a spraying (not brushed) carpet shampooer. Let it dry thoroughly, preferably in sunlight (the natural UV is a powerful sterilizer). Wrap it in a plastic mattress wrap so that any bedbugs, etc. are trapped inside and cannot get out to feed on you.

Now, about the hygienic issues of a mattress, those are the problems. The reality? Think about how many people slept in that hotel room you last stayed in: Even Four Seasons doesn't change the mattress after every guest. Though it may be gross, anything you can catch from a mattress is a nuisance, not a danger.

Answer 3

You could use a rug steam cleaner with rug shampoo on both side (one side at a time until the other side dried completely) or a steamer like scunci or similar. You could also use a quilted mattress cover as a barrier. You would have to be careful to use one with powerful enough suction to get the excess shampoo out and not put too much in or else you could have mold growing inside the mattress.

Answer 4

LIGHT IT UP BABY!!

I guess you can use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (scented one) that way you can clean and kill the bacteria and at the same time kill the odor. When you're done with that make a trip to Wal Mart and get yourself one of those allergy mattress covers. Put that ON! In my opinion buying a used mattress is a really bad idea. You don't know what it has-molds-bed bugs-etc

Answer 5

I've bought a used mattress before but it was from rent-to-own type clearance center where they have a special disinfectant process. But when I brought the mattress home, I still used a spray disinfectant like Lysol and also a odor remover like febreeze. Try to Stay away from anything involving water and soap suds...

Answer 6

I'm with G Henry. Use an iron with a steam setting and iron the whole bed. That will kill bed bugs, lice, crabs, whatever the bed may have. Then, spray some lysol or Febreeze Allergen reducing spray (kills dust mites) and then put some type of cover over your mattress in additionto your regular sheets.

Answer 7

Clean it w/lysol and a sponge or those clorox wipes, spray it w/lysol, sprinkle baking soda on it, then get a plastic mattress wrap and then an allergy mattress pad. Rather be safe than sorry. Personally, I would NEVER buy a used mattress-not even from my best friend. Just save your money and buy a new unsued one.

Answer 8

You could try a steam cleaner. It will kill the bugs and odors at the same time. Just make sure to let it air out before you put covers on it. Natural sunlight would be best. And if you could put it outside for a couple of days it would air it out even better.
If you are still concerned get a plastic cover to keep it all wrapped up.
hope this helps

Answer 9

Spray Lysol on it & let it air out on the bed, then buy a new mattress cover & put overtop of the mattress. (I like the Lysol in the white can...nice smell. I also remove the cover from time to time & spray Febreeze on the mattress. They have one especially for fabrics & it has a nice aroma.

Answer 10

Use a electric clothes iron. Use the high heat setting with out steam. The heat will kill all the germs and bacteria. Use a spray disinfectant like Lysol after the surface has cooled off. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Answer 11

Personally If I was to buy an used mattress, I would have to get one of those plastic covers that zips up and keeps everything inside.