Air Mattress is the best way to make an instant sleeping place because of its convenience, lightweights, and portability. We simply inflate our air mattress whenever guests arrive, or we plan for a campaign or want a comfortable sleep in a separate place. There is a high chance of getting dirty from stains, dust, and mold, as air mattresses are widely used here and there.
Moreover, you will be surprised how much saliva, dead skin of our body, hair, and sweat goes into the air mattress with regular use. That’s why a periodic cleaning is a must. But can you wash an air mattress in the washing machine? No, Air mattresses are not designed like traditional mattresses and have different materials that are not suitable for machine washability.
Following my guide will help you if you want to wash your dirty and moldy air mattress without a washing machine.
When To Wash Your Air Mattress?
Air mattresses are specially made for outdoor use, and these sleeping beds can be dirty and unhygienic in numerous ways. Not cleaning over time will damage the quality and longevity of the air mattresses. So, you must identify when to wash your air mattress. Let’s take a look at the reasons when it is time to take a cleaning step:
After Regular Use
Using the air mattress frequently accumulates dead skin, saliva, and sweat, often producing germs and bacteria. To maintain a fit and hygienic life, you should clean the air mattress once or twice every three to four months.
After Outdoor Use
Air mattresses are usually made for outdoor use. It allows you to create a comfortable sleeping place in a simple and short time. After using the air mattress for camping or other activities, you must clean it afterward. Outdoor environments expose the bed to dirt, mud, and other contaminants that should be promptly addressed.
Spills and Stains
Accidents happen, and we unintentionally spill something on the air mattress, creating stains. Our little ones mainly cause it, and it is advisable to clean the air mattress immediately. Quick action can prevent the stain from setting and becoming hard to remove.
After Illness
Contagious viruses cause illness and stay after we are fully cured. If you or someone who used the air mattress has been ill, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly. Cleaning after illness helps eliminate any persistent germs and ensures a clean sleeping surface.
Odor Control
A fresher and more comfortable sleeping environment is essential to have restful sleep. Sometimes, unpleasant odors create a disturbing sleeping situation in the air mattress over time. It’s caused especially by sweat, and cleaning your air mattress can help eliminate unpleasant smells.
If you witness a reason that requires cleaning the air mattress, you must not delay. Stains get more complicated to remove if we don’t wipe them out instantly.
Can You Wash an Air Mattress in the Washing Machine?
Suppose your air mattress is dirty, and you want to clean it, but how will you do it? Most new portable mattress users throw it into the washing machine and then wonder why their mattress is torn and damaged.
Washing an air mattress in a washing machine is generally not recommended. Air mattresses are often made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Textile-reinforced Polyurethane or rubber materials that may not withstand a washing machine and its water pressure.
Therefore, cleaning an air mattress in a machine will create damage, such as tearing, stretching, or warping. So the answer is a big “NO” to the question, Can You Wash an Air Mattress in the Washing Machine?
Instead, it’s typically recommended to clean an air mattress by spot cleaning with a mild detergent or soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific air mattress, as they may provide guidance on cleaning and maintenance.
However, if you want to clean your air mattress manually, keep going, and I will guide you.
How to Wash An Air Mattress?
Unlike traditional mattresses, airbeds are crafted with PVC plastic and other rubber materials. So the cleaning procedure is also different. But don’t worry. This step-by-step guide below will help you quickly and smoothly clean your air mattress.
Materials Needed
- Clear dish soap liquid
- Clean, damp cloth,
- Handheld vacuum or Stand-up vacuum,
- Baking Soda,
- Hairdryer or a well-ventilated area for drying.
Step 1: Inflate the Air Mattress
Firstly, start with the electrical air pump and inflate the mattress to get a suitable surface. Don’t forget to unplug the connection wire or switch it off after inflating it.
Step 2: Vacuum the Dust
Another reason for inflating the mattress is to vacuum it smoothly. The inflating surface is perfect for cleaning any dirt and dust. This debris and other specks of dust usually came from using the mattress on the floor, outside, and camping.
Take the handheld vacuum and gently use it over the air bed until all the dirt is vacuumed. Both the handheld and stand-up vacuum can be used to clean the mattress surface, but the handheld one is easier to use.
Step 3: Deflate the Air Mattress
Now, pull off the air-release knob and deflate the air mattress. Deflating the bed makes the washing process easier without any risk of puncture.
Step 4: Spot and Odor Cleaning
Look at the whole mattress carefully to see if any molds or odors come from any areas where you have spilled something. Detergents remove stains from spilled items and bacteria from molds, providing a pleasant scent.
Make a cleaning solution, sprinkle it over the spot, and rub it with a damp cloth. You can make the cleaning solution by combining baking soda and dish soap liquid in warm water. To make the cleaning solution, pour one cup of warm water into the spray bottle, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dish soap liquid, and mix it well.
Step 5: Dry it Out
Air drying is the final step of your air mattress cleaning process. Dry it under the fan or sunlight to exterminate any remaining water. Done! Your air mattress is cleaned perfectly, and you won’t need to put it on the washing machine.
Air mattresses are not made with soft cotton, like spring mattresses. If you wash them in the washing machine, the mattress layer will be torn and damaged, and if it has an in-built inflation pump then it won’t work. You can clean your air mattress by following these easy steps and ensuring hygienic and comfortable sleep.
Are Regular Mattress and Air Mattress Cleaning the Same?
Regular mattress and air mattress cleaning methods are different, and the air mattress requires a careful handle. Standard mattresses are made with quilted knitting fabrics, latex, and various foam layers. On the other hand, air mattresses are crafted with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and rubber materials.
Steam cleaning is the ideal option for traditional mattresses, but not recommended for air mattresses. The internal structure of an air mattress, including seams and valves, may not be designed to withstand the heat and moisture generated by steam cleaning.
Air mattresses need to be inflated and deflated during the cleaning process, and you can wash them with a handheld vacuum and mild detergent. Purchase the best steam cleaner on a reliable budget that removes stains in a few minutes.
Moreover, Every standard mattress has a lifespan, and after that, you will need to replace it. But air mattresses have no replacement requirement. If it’s damaged, you can repair the leakage or purchase a new one.
Should I buy an Air Mattress?
Investing in an air mattress depends on our sleeping needs and lifestyle. An air mattress is suitable for guests, camping trips, or as a temporary bedding solution. If we often host guests or have limited space, an air mattress can be a comfortable and space-efficient alternative to a traditional mattress. Its versatility and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for an instant bedding solution.
Additionally, the portability of air mattresses makes them a popular choice for camping lovers who are seeking a compact and easily transportable sleeping option.
However, it’s essential to consider your intended use, budget and desired comfort level. Air mattresses may not offer the same long-term durability and support, but they are best for specific circumstances. Purchase one if you’re a traveler, guests often come to your place, or you seek to sleep somewhere else with utmost comfort.
Conclusion
We are now clear to the question of doubt: Can you wash an air mattress in the washing machine? Air mattress specifically designed for outdoor and flooring bedding. So, they will be dirty naturally and will need to be washed after several uses.
However, the outer layer of the air mattress is not machine washable. If you want to clean your air mattress, follow the instructions above on how to do it.
