To make sure Velour mattress last longer, it’s important to know the correct way to wash and clean that material. Without a proper cleaning process you’re bound to run into issues with durability and odor.
Air mattresses should be cleaned regularly in order to remove dirt and odors. Cleaning regularly and storing properly will allow you to enjoy your air mattress for years to come.
Continue reading in order to learn the most efficient way to clean a velour air mattress in this step-by-step guide.
Why Should You Clean a Velour Air Mattress?
There are several reasons that you should regularly clean your air mattress. First, they are often stored in storage units or drafty basements. Further, air mattresses are subjected to moisture, skin, and dust mites when in use.
With these instances, your air mattress can develop odors, mold, or even mildew. If you don’t take these things into account, your air mattress may develop an odor that is difficult or impossible to get out.
How Often Should You Clean Your Velour Air Mattress?
Now that you know why it is important to clean your air mattress, let’s talk about frequency. Ideally, you should clean it after every use. Even if you use a sheet or even if you don’t see any visible dirt, it is always a great idea to clean it.
This will help reduce or eliminate future problems. Sometimes cleaning it after every use is not possible. Aim to wash your air mattress at least once every season.
How to Clean Velour Air Mattress
Follow these 6 easy steps in order to quickly clean your air mattress well.
Step 1 – Preparation
Inflate your air mattress to capacity. This will let you clean every nook and cranny and ensure no liquid used in cleaning remains when you are done. Once inflated, unplug it from its power source.
Step 2 – Getting Rid of Dirt
Despite the obvious temptation when removing dirt and dust, you do not scrub the spots. Scrubbing will just push the soil into the fabric deeper, thereby making it harder to remove.
Use a handheld or regular vacuum to vacuum the entire surface of your air mattress. The more powerful the vacuum the more thorough a job it will do.
Step 3 – Remove Mattress Odors
Odors coming from your mattress indicate that there may be mold or mildew. Thoroughly check the mattress for active spots. If there are active spots, use a solution to clean the spot. For mold, you can use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.
For mildew, mix a small amount of rubbing alcohol with warm water. Wait for this to thoroughly dry before moving on to the next part in this step.
Take baking soda and liberally sprinkle it on the air mattress. Wait 3-5 minutes before vacuuming it.
Step 4 – Give Your Mattress a Sponge Bath
Create a cleaning mixture of dawn and warm water. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought cleaner as well. If you do choose store-bought, ensure that you read your pamphlet and the cleaner information well beforehand.
Wet your cloth with the mixture (or you could put it in a spray bottle) and wipe down all the plastic and rubber surfaces of your mattress.
For the velour top of your mattress, create small circles with your cloth working from the edges towards the middle. This is particularly useful for areas that are visibly soiled.
Step 5 – Allow Your Mattress to Dry
If it is a sunny day, you may want to simply lay it outside to soak up the rays. If it isn’t sunny or it is cold, you can leave it inside. Adding a humidifier will reduce drying time inside.
Ensure that your mattress is completely dry before moving to the next step. It is better to err on the side of caution and let it draw longer than you think it should.
Step 6 – Prepare for Storage
Consider adding a desiccant pack to your air mattress bag. These are usually found inside shoe boxes, so you may not need to purchase any.
If possible, opt to store it in the main living area of your home, such as a linen closet or coat closet inside. Due to their fluctuating temperatures and darkness, garages, storage units, and basements are not prime places to store your mattress.
Final Thoughts
Air mattresses are an item of convenience, but they need proper care to last long. Ensure that you clean and inspect it for mold regularly. Using baking soda or a gentle cleaner will allow you to keep it clean and smelling fresh.
Not only is regularly cleaning important, but you also need to consider if you are storing it in the correct location for longevity. If you can make space for it in a place that is well ventilated and temperature-regulated, your mattress will serve you for much longer.
