Using Disinfectants To Clean Mattresses May Be Costing You.

Your organization's health and sanitary standards are a top priority, whether you’re managing a summer camp, senior living, or detention facility. When it comes to cleaning mattresses, you may assume the more powerful a cleaner you use, the better. However, even an adequately diluted mild disinfectant uses chemicals that can leave a residue on your mattress's surface, which may reduce longevity and sanitary conditions over time. Improper cleaning methods can degrade your mattresses more quickly, which means you’ll spend more on replacing mattresses when you could be using those resources in other areas of your facility.

Using disinfectants to clean your mattresses may lead to:

1. The removal of the antimicrobial treatment on the fabric, which makes it easier for harmful bacteria to form on the cover. 

2. Degradation of the fabric, including premature cracking or delamination of certain cover materials, which would allow bodily fluids, bed bugs, and dirt to penetrate the formerly water-resistant mattress cover.

We recommend using a mixture of 25% mild detergent and 75% distilled water. The original Woolite detergent formula has a low pH balance that does not damage polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane-coated nylon. To ensure proper care of your mattresses with nylon/ vinyl covers, follow these instructions:

1. Gather the supplies you’ll need: 

1. A spray bottle filled with 25% mild detergent and 75% distilled water. 

2. Dry towels

3. Personal protective equipment 

2. Wear personal protective equipment according to your local guidelines. 

3. Remove all toppers, pads, and sheets from the mattress, if applicable. 

4. Lightly spray the cleaning solution over the surface area of the mattress. 

5. Wipe the surface of the mattress with towels until it is sufficiently clean and free of moisture from the cleaning solution. 

6. Allow the mattress to air dry before use.

Following these steps will increase the longevity and protect the sanitary features of your mattresses, which will benefit both your facility and the people who sleep on your beds.