Can You Steam Clean A Mattress?

If you’re scratching your head over how to get rid of a stubborn stain on your mattress, steam cleaning may have crossed your mind. Is it safe, though? Steam cleaners can reach scorching temperatures, and the last thing you want is for your mattress to become burnt or ‘overcooked.’

The short answer is yes, you can steam clean a mattress, depending on its material type. However, it’s essential to know what types of mattresses are compatible with steam cleaning and how to steam clean effectively.

This article will answer the question, ‘Can you steam clean a mattress?’ It will also guide you through all the tools of the trade so you can safely and confidently steam clean a mattress to a sanitized and squeaky-clean perfection.

Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Innerspring mattresses benefit most from steam cleaning, while memory foam and latex may not be compatible.
• Steam clean a mattress slowly so the steam has time to penetrate and break up dirt, oils, and allergens.

Can You Steam Clean a Mattress?

Yes, you can steam clean a mattress if it is an innerspring mattress. The cotton, polyester, or wool mix can handle the excessive heat. The coils will not lose shape or durability while subject to hot steam. This allows the steam cleaner to penetrate the mattress thoroughly, breaking up stains, residue, and allergens like dust mites.

How To Steam Clean a Mattress

To understand how to steam clean a mattress, follow these easy steps:

1. Remove the top sheets, comforter, and pillows so the mattress is exposed.
2. Vacuum the top and sides of the mattress to remove the top layer of dust and soil, opening up the channels in the bed for the steam to have easier access.
3. Take your steam cleaner with an optional microfibre cloth and methodically press it along the top and sides of your mattress. Go over areas with deeper stains more slowly to break up the stain thoroughly.
4. Let the mattress air out for a few hours in a well-ventilated room.
5. Once the mattress is dry, go over the bed again with the nozzle of your vacuum to remove any excess allergens and debris that was broken up by the steamer.

In my experience, placing one or two fans on top of the mattress can help speed up the airing out process, as it circulates the air quickly. 

How To Steam Clean Different Types of Mattresses?

Steam cleaning a mattress differs depending on the material your mattress is made of. Some mattresses, such as memory foam and latex, may not be able to handle the excess heat, while innerspring mattresses will benefit significantly from steam cleaning.

Memory Foam Mattresses

The memory foam of these mattresses is sensitive to heat, as the foam loosens when warmed against body heat for personalized contour. Higher temperatures could warp the foam, weakening its integrity. Due to this, it is best to consult with the manufacturer regarding using a steam cleaner on the best memory foam mattresses in Canada.

From my tests, I have found that a memory foam mattress with a removable cover, like the Puffy, can help clean the mattress in a different, safer way. The cover can be washed in water hot enough to kill allergens like dust mites, and dust and dirt residue can be removed.

Benefits of Steam Cleaning a Mattress

There are many benefits to steam cleaning a mattress, which include sanitization, stain removal, allergen removal, and restoring your mattress to its former glory.

Mattress Satizization

One of the most crucial benefits steam cleaning can offer is its sanitization ability. Hot steam has such extreme temperatures that it can kill bacteria and microscopic critters in your bed.

For example, dust mites are infinitely small, live off your fallen skin cells, and are impossible to see, never mind remove by hand. A steam cleaner can effectively cut through the top layers of your mattress, deep cleaning your mattress and neutralizing dust mites instantly.

Steam cleaners are used to sanitize mattresses in hospitals and nursing homes. These places require the highest level of cleanliness, which means you’ll enjoy that same level of sanitization when you steam clean your mattress. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, steam cleaning was as effective as expensive chemical cleaners and less labor-intensive (1). 

Stain Removal

Stubborn stains that won’t react to baking soda and vinegar sometimes need an extra kick. Luckily, the hot blast of steam from a steamer can break up hard-to-remove stains. It loosens dirt and grime and cuts through residue with the pressure from the steam. This high pressure and heat help return your mattress to a pristine condition.

Allergen Removal

Sleepers sensitive to allergens will benefit most from steam cleaning a mattress. The heat in the steam kills all types of allergens like dust mites. It also removes dust mite bodies, by-products, and dead skin cell build-up, all contributing to allergen-free sleep.

According to a study by MDPI, steam was effective against drug-resistant bacteria, sterilizing areas near hospital patients (2). From this, we can determine that steam can eliminate all types of microscopic organisms, some that cause allergies and others that can harm healthy sleep.

Mattress Restoration

Sleepers tired of having a stained or odorous mattress or want better chances of selling the mattress benefit greatly from steam cleaning. The steam deep cleans a mattress more than traditional methods, like vacuuming or spot cleaning. It’s the most effective do-it-yourself cleaning method that can restore a mattress to an almost perfect condition.

How Often Should You Steam Clean A Mattress?

Mattresses should be steam-cleaned 1-2 times yearly to once every two years. This varies on different factors, such as if you have pets in your home, if dirt and debris are often tracked inside, if you have allergies, and if you do any mattress maintenance for holistic care.

Mattresses with Pets and High Foot Traffic

Homes with pets and a lot of foot traffic, or if outside shoes and soiled socks are used when climbing on the bed, will need more frequent steam cleaning, at least 1-2 times a year. This will keep allergens from pet dander to a minimum and remove the quickly building dirt and debris so your bed stays in a better condition. 

Mattress Without Pets and Minimal Foot Traffic

Homes without pets, minimal foot traffic, and excellent hygiene around the home can typically benefit from steam cleaning a mattress once every two years. This is because dirt, residue, and stains build up much slower.

I find allergens affect sleepers differently. If you are highly sensitive to allergens, you may benefit from steam cleaning a mattress once every 3-6 months or more frequently, depending on how quickly you react after cleaning.

Mattresses Without Maintenance

It’s essential to remember that steam cleaning is only part of mattress maintenance. Along with steam cleaning, you should occasionally vacuum your mattress and spot-clean it immediately in case of a spill.

Depending on how busy your home is, poorly maintained mattresses may need steam cleaning 1-2 times a year, while well-maintained mattresses may only need it once every 1-2 years.

My Experience with Steam Cleaning a Mattress

In my experience with steam cleaning a mattress, I noticed many sweat stains building up on my older mattress, causing a funny smell. I tried using baking soda and vinegar but wasn’t satisfied with their cleaning ability. I ended up renting a steam cleaner and finally got the desired results. It cut through the stains and actually brought my mattress back from a dull gray to a more vibrant white. The ‘funny smell’ was eliminated.

Renting was slightly expensive, so I started using a waterproof mattress protector that kept the sweat stains from seeping into the mattress, so I didn’t have to steam clean as much in the future.

Ineffective Methods of Steam Cleaning a Mattress

A few methods are ineffective when it comes to steam cleaning a mattress, including not pre-treating stains, using tap water while steam cleaning, and neglecting drying time.

Not Pre-Treating Stains

Certain stains need different pre-treatments, like urine stains. If you avoid pre-treating the area with a detergent and hydrogen peroxide mix, you may risk worsening the stain or not lifting it entirely. Instead, pre-treat a stain to ensure maximum lift when steam cleaning it.

Using Tap Water

Most steam cleaners can become clogged if you use tap water, which can cause them to fail and leave your mattress half-soaked during incomplete steaming. Instead, use distilled or demineralized water to complete the steaming effectively.

Neglecting Drying Time

Neglecting the drying time of a mattress after steam cleaning can be detrimental to your bed. This can promote the growth of mould and bacteria, making your mattress worse off than it was previously. Instead, allow it to dry with fans in a well-ventilated area. If you don’t have access to a fan, using a blowdryer or sticking it outside in indirect sunlight will work wonders. These methods encourage airflow, which will help your mattress dry fast.

Conclusion

Steam cleaning is practical and an almost effortless way to deep-clean a mattress. As long as you know which types of mattresses are best suited for steam cleaning, like innerspring mattresses, you will be well on your way to a cleaner home.

Always ensure the mattress fully dries after steam cleaning to keep it as sanitized as possible. A mattress protector and regular maintenance can also help reduce the need to steam clean as frequently, making your home fresh for longer.

Still have questions about how you can steam clean a mattress? Alex Savy, the Co-Founder and Chief Editor at Comfynorth has reviewed countless sleep products with over 4 years in the industry and can help you find what you’re looking for. Reach out through email at [email protected]. When emailing Alex, include your full name and phone number or email address.