At Home with Bounty

Mattresses often hold germs, dust mites, and other allergens. Getting rid of these pests is usually a challenge but becomes quite easy with a steam cleaner. Cleaning a mattress with a steam cleaner will also remove odors and leave your mattress smelling fresh and clean.

What You'll Need:

• A hand vacuum (or a vacuum with an attachment)
• A steam cleaner
• Fabric freshener (preferably with allergen reducers)
• Distilled or filtered water
• A clean, allergy-proof mattress cover

Instructions:

1. Vacuum the mattress using a hand vacuum or a vacuum with an attachment. This will remove any dust or debris. Be sure to get in the corners and the sides of the mattress.
2. If you have a headboard, slide the mattress down and away from it to prevent steam from getting on it.
3. Spray the mattress down with a fabric freshener. Do not soak it, but cover it liberally.
4. Fill your steam cleaner with distilled or filtered water. Allow it to heat until steam is produced.
5. Begin steam cleaning in the center of the mattress. Work your way to the right and then back again using slow, vertical strokes. Repeat from left to center.
6. Clean all four sides of the mattress, paying particular attention to the corners and edges.
7. Place the mattress cover on a plastic hanger. Next, spray it with the fabric freshener and let it sit for a minute. Finally, clean the cover with your steam cleaner to remove any pollutants.
8. Give the mattress and the mattress cover time to dry.
9. Once dry, put the mattress cover on the mattress to protect it. Mattress covers are crucial to keeping your mattress clean and allergen-free. Be sure to wash your mattress cover monthly, and wash your mattress every spring.