If you're dealing with a bed bug infestation, the first step in cleaning your mattress is to vacuum it thoroughly. This will help remove any loose debris, bugs, or eggs from the surface of the mattress, making it easier to tackle the stains. Make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that the bugs and debris are not released back into the air. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, paying extra attention to the seams and crevices where bed bugs like to hide.1. Use a Vacuum Cleaner to Remove Any Loose Debris or Bugs from the Mattress Surface.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help kill any remaining bed bugs and their eggs on the mattress. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well to combine. Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree, can also help repel bed bugs.2. Mix Equal Parts of Water and White Vinegar in a Spray Bottle.
Once you have your vinegar and water mixture ready, spray it onto the stained areas of the mattress. Make sure to saturate the stains well, as this will help loosen and lift them off the fabric. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to allow it to penetrate the stains and kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs.3. Spray the Solution onto the Stained Areas of the Mattress.
While the vinegar solution is working its magic, make sure to keep the mattress in a well-ventilated area. This will help the solution dry faster and prevent any musty odors from developing. You can also open windows or turn on fans to speed up the drying process.4. Let the Solution Sit for 10-15 Minutes.
After 10-15 minutes, grab a clean cloth and start blotting the stained areas of the mattress. It's important not to rub the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fabric and make it harder to remove. Continue blotting until the stain is lifted from the mattress. You may need to repeat this step a few times for heavily stained areas.5. Use a Clean Cloth to Blot the Stained Areas, Being Careful Not to Rub the Stain Further into the Mattress.
If the vinegar solution wasn't enough to remove the stain, it's time to bring out the big guns. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle and shake well. Note: Hydrogen peroxide can act as a bleaching agent, so it's important to spot test in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire stain.6. If the Stain Persists, Mix Equal Parts of Hydrogen Peroxide and Water in a Spray Bottle.
Just like with the vinegar solution, spray the hydrogen peroxide mixture onto the stained areas of the mattress and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the stain and help break it down.7. Spray the Solution onto the Stained Areas and Let It Sit for 5-10 Minutes.
After 5-10 minutes, use a clean cloth to blot the stained areas once again. You should start to see the stain lifting and disappearing. If the stain is still present, you can repeat this step a few times until it is completely gone.8. Use a Clean Cloth to Blot the Stained Areas Again.
If the stain persists even after using the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide solutions, it's time to bring in the baking soda. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl to create a paste. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help remove any lingering odors from the mattress.9. If the Stain Is Still Present, Mix Equal Parts of Baking Soda and Water to Create a Paste.
Apply the baking soda paste to the stained areas of the mattress and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will give the baking soda time to absorb any remaining moisture and odors. After 30 minutes, use your vacuum cleaner to remove the dried baking soda from the mattress. You should notice that the stain is completely gone and your mattress is fresh and clean.10. Apply the Paste to the Stained Areas and Let It Sit for 30 Minutes Before Vacuuming It Off.