What Is the Best Way to Clean & Disinfect a Child's Mattress?

What Is the Best Way to Clean & Disinfect a Child's Mattress?
Written By
Kimbry Parker
Kimbry Parker
Published: Jun 14, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
  • 1 qt. Cold water
  • 1 tbsp. Laundry soap
  • Bucket
  • Whisk
  • Sponge
  • Empty spray bottle
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda

The best way to clean and disinfect your child’s mattress is with common household products you likely already have in your pantry.

  1. Vacuum loose dust, dirt and debris from the mattress with a vacuum cleaner attachment hose. Flip the mattress over and vacuum the other side, too.

  2. Combine 1 qt. cold water and 1 tbsp. laundry soap into a bucket. Use a whisk to mix up the soapy water to form thick suds.

  3. Dip a sponge into the soapy water to scoop out the suds. Treat any soiled areas of the mattress with the sponge and soapy water. Rub the soiled spots firmly, using a circular motion until the spot is gone.

  4. Fill an empty spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray down the entire mattress with the vinegar, then sprinkle a light coating of baking soda on top. Let the vinegar and baking soda dry for several hours.

  5. Vacuum the dry powder from the mattress. Flip the mattress over and treat the other side in the same manner. The vinegar will clean and disinfect the mattress while the baking soda will eliminate any odors.

Photo Credits

babies crib image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com

babies crib image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com

Kimbry Parker

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue…

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