How to clean an air mattress

It’s no secret that air mattresses can be difficult to keep clean – after all, they’re constantly being used, and often come into contact with dirt, dust, and other allergens. However, with a few simple hacks, you can quickly clean and sanitize your air bed so it’s ready for use again.

To clean your air mattress, you will start by vacuuming all of the loose debris off.  After that, you want to wipe it down using water and soap.  Lastly, leave it to air dry or dry in the sun.  After it has dried, your air mattress will be clean.

It’s important to clean your air mattress regularly, especially if you’re storing it for long periods. When dirt and dust build-up on the surface of the mattress, it can create an inviting environment for insects and other pests.

Air mattresses can also be susceptible to developing odors over time. This is due to a build-up of sweat, skin cells, and other debris leftovers from sleeping on them.  Especially if you use your air mattress when camping in the hot weather, you can sweat on it extensively and it will get stinky over time.

One of the most common ways to clean an air mattress is with a vacuum cleaner. This method is quick and easy, and it can help to remove debris, dust, and other particles that may be trapped in the fabric.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Vacuum the top surface of the mattress to remove any dirt or dust.

2. Vacuum the sides and bottom of the mattress if possible.

3. If there is any debris or liquid on the mattress, use a wet vacuum to clean it up.

4. Allow the mattress to air dry before using it again.

Rubbing alcohol is a great way to quickly clean your air mattress before storing it away for another year… or two.

The disinfectant properties of rubbing alcohol help to kill bacteria and remove odors, while its low viscosity allows it to penetrate deep into the fabric.

Rubbing alcohol also evaporates quickly, so there’s no need to worry about damaging the mattress or leaving behind a sticky residue. Rubbing alcohol will not develop mold or mildew.

Follow these steps to clean your air mattress with rubbing alcohol:

1. Shake and turn over the air mattress to remove any loose dirt or dust.

2. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cloth or sponge.

3. Rub the alcohol onto the surface of the air mattress.

4. Allow the mattress to air dry before using it again.

When all else fails, stick to the basics.

If you find yourself in a pinch with 15 minutes until the inlaws come over and need to whip out your dirty air mattress, you might just have to resort to good old-fashioned soap and water.

It’s a fairly simple process that can save you a lot of awkwardness later:

1. Fill a bathtub, sink, or large container with lukewarm water.

2. Add a small amount of mild soap to the water.

3. Place the un-inflated air mattress in the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes.

4. Swish the mattress around to help loosen any dirt or debris.

5. Re-inflate and then rinse the mattress with clean water and allow it to air dry.

You may be tempted to use a steam cleaner to get a “deeper” clean of your air mattress. But, before you do, it’s important to understand the risks.

Steam cleaners work by shooting hot water and steam onto the surface of the mattress. This can cause the fabric to warp and the seams to come apart.

The hot water can also create mildew and mold growth, which can be hazardous to your health. For these reasons, it’s generally not recommended to use a steam cleaner on an air mattress.

If you do decide to steam clean your mattress, you can follow these steps:

1. Preheat your steam cleaner.

2. Add water and/or vinegar to the tank, as directed by the manufacturer.

3. Place the air mattress on a flat surface and attach the nozzle to the steamer.

4. Steaming time may vary depending on the size and type of air mattress, but start by steaming one small section at a time.

5. Hold the steamer about 6 inches away from the mattress and move it slowly back and forth.

6. After steaming, allow the mattress to air dry completely.

Air mattresses are notorious for retaining odors, even after they’ve been cleaned.

Deodorizing your air mattress will help to eliminate these lingering smells and make it more pleasant to use. There are a few simple methods you can use to deodorize your air mattress:

Not only is baking soda a natural and effective way to keep your mattress smelling fresh. It will also dry out any water that seeped into the crevices, leaving little chance for mildew growth! If you don’t remove it all the way, there may be some baking soda residue left over. Don’t worry, it’s easy to wash off,

1. Make sure the mattress is as dry as possible.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.

3. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours, or overnight.

4. Vacuum up the leftover baking soda.

Fabric freshener is a great last-minute way to deodorize an air mattress. It contains enzymes that break down odor-causing molecules.

Follow these simple steps: 

1. Make sure the mattress is as dry as possible.

2. Spray fabric freshener over the entire surface of the mattress.

3. Allow the fabric freshener to sit for a few hours, or overnight.

4. Store Mattress for your next use.

If you accidentally put a hole in your air mattress while cleaning it, don’t worry – it’s an easy fix! All you’ll need is a patch kit, which you can find at most hardware stores.

Once you’ve found a kit, follow these steps: 

1. Locate the hole and clean the area around it with a disinfectant cleaner.

2. Cut a piece of patch material slightly larger than the hole.

3. Apply the adhesive to the patch and attach it to the mattress.

4. Once the patch is in place, allow it to dry for 24 hours before using the mattress.

If you don’t have a patch kit available and you need a quick fix, here are more solutions for fixing an air mattress puncture.

Air mattresses are a convenient way to have an extra bed available when the in-laws come. They’re also great for guests. However, they need to be cleaned and sanitized just like any other piece of furniture in your home. By following some of the great ways we’ve outlined for you to clean your air mattress in this article, you can be sure your air mattress is ready to go the next time you need it!