One of the first steps in cleaning a mattress that has been infested with bed bugs is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris or bugs from the surface. Be sure to use the hose attachment and go over the entire mattress, paying special attention to seams and crevices where bed bugs like to hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use to prevent any bugs from escaping and reinfesting the area.1. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris or bugs from the mattress surface.
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaner that can help remove stubborn bed bug stains from your mattress. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Then, spray the solution onto the stained areas of the mattress. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before moving on to the next step.2. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the stained areas.
After letting the vinegar solution sit, use a clean cloth to scrub the stained areas of the mattress. This will help loosen and remove the stains. You may need to use some elbow grease for tougher stains, but the vinegar solution should help make the process easier.3. Let the vinegar solution sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the stains with a clean cloth.
If the vinegar solution alone is not enough to remove tough bed bug stains, you can create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will help lift the stains from the mattress fibers.4. For tougher stains, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste and apply it to the stains.
After 30 minutes, use a damp cloth to scrub the baking soda paste off of the mattress. This will help remove the stains and any remaining residue. You may need to repeat this step a few times for tougher stains.5. Let the baking soda paste sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing it off with a damp cloth.
For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a steam cleaner on your mattress. The high heat from the steam will not only help remove any remaining stains, but it will also kill any bed bugs that may still be hiding in your mattress. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.6. Use a steam cleaner to deep clean the mattress and kill any remaining bed bugs.
If the above methods do not completely remove the bed bug stains from your mattress, you may need to turn to a commercial enzyme cleaner. These cleaners are specifically designed to break down and remove tough stains, including those left behind by bed bugs.7. If the stains are still present, try using a commercial enzyme cleaner specifically designed for removing bed bug stains.
If your mattress has old bed bug stains that have set in, you may need to use a stronger solution. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and apply it to the stains. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth. This mixture can help lift even the toughest stains.8. For older stains, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and apply it to the stains.
After letting the solution sit, use a clean cloth to blot the stained areas of the mattress. This will help remove the stain and any remaining residue. You may need to repeat this step a few times for older or tougher stains.9. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth.
Even after the stains have been removed, your mattress may still have a lingering odor from the bed bugs. To help eliminate this odor, sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress and let it sit for a few hours. Then, use your vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda and any remaining odors. Your mattress should now be clean and free of any bed bug stains and odors.10. Finally, sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up to remove any remaining odors.