Cleaning your mattress is an important part of maintaining a healthy and hygienic sleep environment. But during the COVID-19 pandemic it is especially important to take extra steps to ensure that your mattress is free of any potential viral contaminants.
In this article, we will provide tips and guidance on how to clean a mattress after Covid 19.
Can You Get Covid From A Mattress?
It is possible to contract COVID-19 from a contaminated surface, such as a mattress, although the risk is generally considered to be low.
The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, can survive on some surfaces for several days, depending on factors such as the type of surface, the temperature and humidity, and the amount of virus present.
However, the likelihood of becoming infected with the virus from a contaminated surface decreases over time, as the virus gradually loses its ability to infect.
How Long Can Covid Live On A Mattress?
Covid-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
However, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted when a person touches a surface or object that has been contaminated with the virus and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
The length of time that the covid-19 virus can survive on a mattress depends on a number of factors, including the type of material the mattress is made of and the environmental conditions.
In general, the virus can survive on a mattress for a few hours to several days.
On a porous surface like a mattress, the virus is likely to survive for a shorter period of time compared to a nonporous surface like metal or plastic.
It is important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, including mattresses, to help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
This can be done by using a disinfectant spray or wipe, paying special attention to areas that are frequently touched, such as the corners and edges of the mattress.
In addition, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help to prevent the spread of the virus.
How To Clean A Mattress After Covid 19
Here are the steps you should take to clean a mattress after Covid 19:
Remove All Bedding
To effectively disinfect your mattress, start by removing all bedding and using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and allergens.
This is especially important for people with allergies, as a build-up of these substances on the mattress can worsen symptoms or lead to other illnesses.
Once the mattress is clean, you can use a disinfectant spray or wipe to kill any remaining germs.
It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and to allow the disinfectant to dry completely before replacing the bedding.
This will help to ensure that your mattress is safe and healthy to sleep on.
Consider Removing Your Cover
To determine if your mattress has a cover and if it is impermeable, first inspect the mattress for any type of protective covering.
If you find a cover, check its material and construction to determine if it is waterproof or not.
Impermeable covers are made from materials that prevent liquids from penetrating through, such as plastic or vinyl.
Permeable covers, on the other hand, are made from absorbent materials that allow liquids to soak through to the mattress.
If your mattress has an impermeable cover, you can remove any sheets and blankets to clean any soiled areas with soap and water.
After cleaning, allow the cover to air dry completely before replacing the bedding.
This will help prevent any moisture from getting trapped underneath the cover and damaging the mattress.
Use A Cleaner Proven To Kill Covid 19
After the mattress has been cleaned and allowed to air dry, apply a disinfectant that is effective against the COVID-19 virus to the entire surface of the mattress.
This can be done by spraying the disinfectant onto the mattress or using a cloth to wipe it on.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the disinfectant product label and allow the mattress to dry completely before using it again.
This will help kill any remaining germs and prevent the spread of the virus.
Spot Clean Your Mattress
If your mattress does not have a protective cover and is made from a material that allows liquids to soak through, you will need to clean any soiled or stained areas before disinfecting the entire mattress.
This will help prevent any moisture from getting trapped underneath the mattress and damaging it.
To clean the soiled areas, use a mild soap and water solution and scrub the surface with a soft brush or cloth.
Once the area is clean, allow it to air dry completely before applying a disinfectant to the entire mattress.
This will help ensure that the mattress is completely dry and ready for disinfection.
How To Disinfect A Mattress After Covid 19
Now that you have done everything to clean your mattress from Covid 19, it is time to disinfect your mattress.
What Is The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt and other impurities, such as bacteria and viruses, from a surface.
This is typically done using soap and water, and sometimes with the help of a cleaning agent.
Disinfecting, on the other hand, refers to the process of killing germs and bacteria on a surface. This is typically done using chemicals, such as bleach or alcohol.
It’s important to note that disinfecting a surface does not necessarily mean that it is clean, and vice versa.
Cleaning is typically done first to remove any dirt or debris, and then disinfecting is done to kill any remaining germs.
Steps To Disinfect Your Mattress After Covid 19
To properly disinfect a mattress, follow these steps:
- For impermeable mattresses, wash and dry the mattress or mattress cover first.
- Then, apply an EPA-approved disinfectant over the surface. It is best to use a spray disinfectant that does not need to be wiped off, such as Lysol, and let it air dry for at least 10 minutes. If using wipes or another type of disinfectant that needs to be wiped up, allow it to sit on the mattress cover for 10 minutes before wiping.
- For permeable mattresses, use a spray disinfectant that does not need to be wiped off, such as Lysol. Allow the disinfectant to sit on the mattress until it dries completely.
- When cleaning or disinfecting, make sure the cleaner is compatible with the surface material. Avoid using cleaners with ingredients like bleach or other corrosive chemicals that could damage the mattress or mattress cover. If you are unsure about which chemicals to use, contact the manufacturer or look up the compatibility of the cleaner online.
Will Alcohol Help Disinfect Covid 19?
Yes. Alcohol, including rubbing alcohol, can be used to kill germs.
To create your own hand sanitizer, simply mix alcohol with water or aloe vera.
Remember to keep the alcohol concentration around 70% to effectively kill coronaviruses.(1)
Solutions of 70% alcohol should be left on surfaces for 30 seconds (including cellphones) to ensure that they will be effective against viruses.
Pure alcohol evaporates too quickly to be used in this way.
Unlike bleach, alcohol solutions will remain effective if they are stored properly between uses.
However, a 70% alcohol solution with water can be harsh on the skin and should not be used as a replacement for hand-washing and/or hand sanitizer.
Will Hydrogen Peroxide Help Disinfect Covid 19?
Hydrogen peroxide can be found in stores at a concentration of around 3%.
It can be used as-is or diluted to 0.5% for effective use against coronaviruses on surfaces.
To use it effectively, it should be left on surfaces for at least 60 seconds before being wiped away.