Chemicals for carpet cleaning used to loosen the soil so it can be removed more easily. However, some of these chemicals may cause discoloration or damage to the surface of your mattress. Some chemicals used in water-based cleaners may also be irritating to the respiratory system and even cause skin irritation if spilled or splashed on skin. Therefore, you should never clean your mattress with a carpet cleaner unless it specifically says “safe for use on mattresses.
Types of Carpet Cleaners
Carpet cleaners can be divided into two categories: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based carpet cleaners contain surfactants, which are detergents that reduce the surface tension of water. It makes it easier for dirt to be lifted from surfaces. Solvent-based carpet cleaners contain petroleum distillates that dissolve greases, oils and other organic material.
Can You Use A Carpet Cleaner On A Mattress?
Well, it’s not going to hurt anything if you do. But it is likely to leave the mattress wet and may even cause mildew to form. If you have any stains on your mattress, they may become more difficult to remove. However, if you have a steam cleaner that is safe for cleaning mattresses then by all means go ahead and give it a try.
The most common type of carpet cleaner uses hot water, detergent and shampoo to dissolve dirt and stains on carpets. This method is also effective for mattresses. However, to avoid damaging your mattress, don’t use an upright vacuum or steam cleaner on the bedding.
Are you concerned about is the smell of your mattress? Don’t care about removing stains or getting rid of dust mites, then yes, this will work. The steam from the cleaner will help eliminate any smells in the mattress and refresh your bedding.
If you need a quick refresher, here are some tips on how to get rid of stains and odors in your mattress.
Treatment for Mattress Stains:
If the stain has already set in, you can try to remove it with a carpet cleaner. Just mix up a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water and spray it on the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot the area with a clean cloth until the stain is gone.
Preventative Measures:
You can also use vinegar as an overall treatment to keep your mattress clean and smelling fresh. The acidity in vinegar kills bacteria, which prevents mold and mildew from growing inside your mattress. Spray once or twice a month with white vinegar – let dry – and then tumble on low heat for 30 minutes to freshen up your mattress.
Bottom line, you can use your carpet cleaner on a mattress because technically they both clean the same thing. The detergent in the shampoo is designed to clean away bacteria and other germs that can make you sick from contact. And if the thought of using it concerns you don’t be afraid because your carpet cleaning company uses these products too. Because this is an area that accumulates a lot of germs, chemicals and grime it will really do the job of keeping your mattress clean.
The same chemicals that help clean resolve odors in your carpets will also eliminate smells and bacteria from your mattress as well. So there you go, now you know that you can use a carpet cleaner on a mattress by adding some vinegar (always good for washing) and hot water to the shampoo and cleaning away all the bacteria and germs naturally.
