RV mattresses can collect mud, bits of food, bugs, and liquid spills much more quickly than a mattress inside a house. Because of this, an RV mattress may need to be cleaned frequently. Using the right cleaning techniques can help preserve the life of the mattress.
The first step in cleaning an RV mattress is to remove the dry dirt, crumbs, and debris from the mattress’ top and bottom surfaces using the hose of a vacuum cleaner. After that, there are many kinds of spray cleaners and natural products that can be used to remove odors and stains from the mattress.
An Important Caution
Be careful to never soak your RV mattress. Soaked mattresses dry very slowly and can be susceptible to mold growth if not dried completely. Some RV mattresses are made of materials that clump together when wet, causing lumps in the surface of the mattress even after it has dried.
Dry Cleanup
Regardless of the type of RV mattress you are cleaning, it is always a good idea to start with a dry cleanup. This gets rid of dirt, crumbs, and bugs before they have a chance to stain the mattress or work their way into the material of the mattress.
Step 1:
Most RV mattresses can be removed from the bed and should be placed on a clean, flat surface for the dry cleanup process.
Step 2:
Use the hose from a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dry debris from the top surface of the mattress. Make sure to clean thoroughly in any creases or folds in the mattress’ surface. Using a nozzle for the hose can help. The bristles on a brush nozzle knock away stuck debris for a deeper clean.
Step 3:
After the top surface of the mattress has been cleaned, flip the mattress over and apply the same dry cleanup technique to the bottom surface.
Tips And Tricks:
For all-foam RV mattresses or bed cushions, remove the fabric coverings and wash them according to their specific washing instructions. Lay the foam pieces out on a clean, flat surface. Use the vacuum hose for removing the large pieces of debris from the foam surfaces (top and bottom).
It can be difficult to get smaller debris like dust and dirt out of the foam with a vacuum cleaner, even when using a hose nozzle. Instead, simply take the foam pieces to a well-ventilated area and shake them or beat them like you would shake out or beat a floor rug.
Using Spray Cleaners
There are many different kinds of spray cleaners that can be used to clean or deodorize an RV mattress. Some mattress companies produce cleaning solutions that are specifically designed to be used on mattress surfaces. Other appropriate cleaning solutions include general household spray cleaners like 409, Clorox surface cleaner, and Mr. Clean surface cleaner.
Fabric cleaners and stain removers can also be used, especially when targeting tough stains. For a simpler solution, mix dish soap with water and pour it into a spray bottle.
Use A Spray Bottle
To avoid soaking the mattress, make sure that you are spraying the cleaning solution from a spray bottle or mister. The nozzle of the spray bottle should be at least 2 feet away from the surface of the mattress.
Spot-Cleaning
To target specific stains on the mattress, spray a moderate amount of the cleaning solution on top of each stain and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Next, dab the area of the stain with a dry cloth or towel until the area is mostly dry.
All-Over Clean
For an all-over clean, spray the cleaning solution evenly over the whole surface of the mattress and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Dab the surface evenly with a dry cloth or towel until it is mostly dry.
Using Natural Cleaners
For a more earth-conscious approach, there are many natural products that can be used to clean an RV mattress. Often natural cleaners can be made from common household supplies. For example, vinegar is a potent cleaner that can be mixed with water and used just like a cleaning solution spray.
Tips And Tricks
For foam mattress cushions, baking soda can be sprinkled liberally over the surface of the foam on both sides. After the cushions sit in the sun for 1-2 hours, shake off the baking soda thoroughly and then spray vinegar mixed with water evenly over the surface of the foam on both sides. Let the cushions dry completely in the sun.
Drying An RV Mattress
Because RV mattresses can take a long time to dry and are susceptible to mold growth if not dried completely, drying the mattress after it has been cleaned is arguably the most important step in the process of RV mattress cleaning.
There are a couple of different ways to dry an RV mattress. The best way to dry the mattress is to let it sit outside in the sun for a few hours on a warm, clear day, but only if this can be accomplished without getting it dirty.
Laying a clean blanket or sheet on the ground away from puddles, bugs, and dirt and drying the mattress on top of the blanket is one effective strategy for keeping the mattress clean while outdoors.
If it is not possible to dry the mattress outdoors without getting it dirty, dry the mattress indoors in a well-ventilated area. Keeping air moving in the room where the mattress is drying helps speed up the process, which can take a few hours.
Try pointing a fan at the mattress or leaving a window open to let in the fresh air. Be careful to make sure an open window will not soil the mattress by letting rain, bugs, or debris inside.
How Do I Make My Own Cleaning Solution?
You can make your own cleaning solution at home by mixing 1 cup of water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar together in a spray bottle. To add a nice smell to the solution, a few drops of essential oils in your favorite scent can be mixed with vinegar and water.
How Do I Preserve The Life Of My RV Mattress?
Using a mattress cover and regularly cleaning your RV mattress can help it stay in great condition for a long time. A waterproof mattress cover is the best defense against spills, messes, and daily wear on an RV mattress.