How To Dry a Mattress

A wet mattress is bad for your health.Regardless of how it got wet, you can dry your mattress with a few simple steps.Direct sunlight and air circulation will help to dry your mattress.If the mattress gets wet, you can toss the cover in the washing machine.

Step 1: Clean and dry the area with towels.

Press a clean, dry towel into the mattress to absorb the liquid after a spill or leak.The towel should be replaced when it becomes soaked.Try to get as much of the liquid as possible.

Step 2: Take care of any stains.

If your mattress is wet from bodily fluids, you will need to use a cleaner.A mixture of 2 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part liquid dishwashing soap can be used to treat stains.After 5 minutes, wipe the stain removal off with a damp cloth.

Step 3: Small spots can be dried with a hairdryer.

If you spilled a small amount of liquid on the mattress, you can quickly dry it with a hairdryer.Use a warm setting for the hairdryer and aim it at the wet spot.The best results come from keeping the hairdryer moving.

Step 4: You can use a wet/dry vacuum.

A portion of your mattress may be soaked if rain blew in from the window.Turn on a wet/dry vacuum and use the nozzle to suck up the liquid from the mattress.If the vacuum nozzle is stuck into the corners of the garage, you don't want to touch it with your mattress.Simply wipe it with an antiseptic wipe and let it dry.

Step 5: Clean the mattress with kitty litter.

It is bound to be pretty wet if your mattress was moved during a rainstorm.Clean kitty litter should be spread over the wet areas of the mattress.Press the kitty litter into the mattress by covering it with a towel.The kitty litter should be vacuumed up with a wet/dry vacuum.If the mattress is still wet, put a fresh layer of kitty litter on it and let it sit for a couple of hours.Then vacuum it up.

Step 6: If possible, dry the soaked mattress in the sun.

After soaking up as much liquid as possible, take the mattress outdoors and set it in the sun.You can choose the hottest spot on your property.It is important to spread plastic or an old blanket beneath the mattress to keep it clean.It is possible to killbacteria in your mattress with the added benefit of sunlight.

Step 7: If you are drying indoors, give plenty of air circulation.

To get the air moving around the mattress, open as many windows as possible.Stand it on one side or lean it against a solid surface if both sides are wet.Depending on what you have handy, set up a fan or a dehumidifier.The fan should be directed to the mattress.

Step 8: Wait a few hours.

Time is important for drying a mattress.If the mattress is soaked, it is best to make alternative sleeping arrangements for the night, as it may take up to 24 hours to fully dry.It is hazardous to your health to cover the mattress with sheets and bedding when it is wet.

Step 9: Baking soda should be placed over the mattress.

Baking soda will absorb odors from your mattress.Sprinkle your mattress with baking soda.The whole mattress needs to be evenly coated.

Step 10: After 30 minutes, vacuum it up.

If you are in a hurry, wait at least 30 minutes before vacuuming.Baking soda can be put on the mattress for up to 24 hours if you have more time.When you are ready, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to vacuum up all the baking soda.

Step 11: On the other side repeat.

If you flip a double-sided mattress, be sure to repeat the process on the other side.Let the mattress sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum it up with an upholstery attachment.

Step 12: You should air out your mattress every few months.

Air out your mattress if you are away for a few days.The mattress should be allowed to air out while you are gone.If you can, leave the shades open in order to allow sunlight into the room.

Step 13: It's a good idea to use a mattress protector.

Not only does a waterproof mattress protector keep spills from coming through to your mattress, it also prevents the mattress from absorbing sweat, dirt, oil, and germs!If you have a wet mattress, cover it with a waterproof mattress protector to make sure you don't have to worry about it again.