When you think about bed bugs, you probably picture them crawling around on your mattress. But did you know that they can also infest air mattresses? If you’ve found bed bugs in your home, it’s important to clean all of your bedding, including your air mattress.
- Remove the air mattress from the bed frame and take it outside
- Vacuum the mattress with a high-powered vacuum to remove any bed bugs or eggs that are on the surface
- Mix a solution of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water in a large bucket
- Submerge the air mattress in the mixture and allow it to soak for 30 minutes
- Rinse the air mattress thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely in direct sunlight before using again
How to Keep Bed Bugs off Air Mattress
Air mattresses are a great way to get a good night’s sleep, but they can also be a breeding ground for bed bugs. These pests are attracted to the warmth and darkness of mattresses, and they can quickly multiply if not kept in check. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent bed bugs from infesting your air mattress.
The first step is to keep your mattress clean. Vacuum it regularly to remove any dust or dirt that might attract bed bugs. If you see any stains, spot clean them with soap and water or a mild bleach solution.
Be sure to dry the mattress completely before using it again.
The second step is to use a protective cover on your mattress. This will create a barrier between you and the bed bugs and make it harder for them to climb onto the mattress.
Look for covers made of tightly woven fabric that fits snugly over the mattress. You may also want to consider putting your mattress in a zippered storage bag when not in use.
The third step is to inspect your air mattress regularly for signs of bed bug activity.
Check both the top and bottom of the mattress for small brown spots (fecal matter) or red streaks (bloodstains). If you see anything suspicious, take action immediately by vacuuming up thebugs and washing all affected fabrics in hot water. You may also need to treat your air mattress with an insecticide designed specifically for bed bugs.
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Can Bed Bugs Survive on an Air Mattress?
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about bed bugs, and one of the most common is that they can’t survive on an air mattress. This simply isn’t true – bed bugs are highly adaptable creatures and can survive in a variety of environments, including on an air mattress.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should start sleeping on an air mattress if you’re trying to avoid bed bugs!
They can still infest these mattresses, and it’s much harder to spot and treat them when they’re hiding in the crevices and folds of an air mattress. If you do have bedbugs on an air mattress, your best bet is to throw it away and get a new one. But if you’re camping or traveling and don’t have access to a new mattress, don’t worry – your bedbugs will be just fine surviving on an air mattress.
How Do You Disinfect an Air Mattress?
- Assuming you would like tips on how to clean and disinfect an air mattress: Cleaning and disinfecting your air mattress is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for health reasons. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Start by vacuuming the entire surface of the mattress with a handheld vacuum or the attachment tool of your choice. This will help remove any surface dirt, dust, and debris.
- Next, mix together a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Using a clean cloth, sponge, or spray bottle, apply this solution to the entire surface of the mattress. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- Rinse the vinegar solution off with clean water. You can either use a spray bottle or a wet cloth for this step. Make sure to rinse thoroughly until all traces of vinegar are gone.
- Now it’s time to disinfect! Mix together a solution of 1 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon bleach (or 2 teaspoons hydrogen peroxide). Apply this mixture to the entire surface of the mattress using a clean cloth, sponge, or spray bottle. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping it off with a wet cloth or rinsing it away with clean water. Be sure to ventilate the area well while you’re doing this step.
- Open windows if possible! Your air mattress is now clean and disinfected!
#How to Care and Clean an Air Mattress | Missyee Home Series
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with bed bugs, one of the first places you’ll want to treat is your air mattress. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean an air mattress from bed bugs:
Remove all sheets and pillowcases from the mattress. Wash all affected linens in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting possible. Vacuum the entire surface of the air mattress, paying special attention to any seams or crevices where bed bugs may be hiding. Use a stiff brush to scrub the mattress surface, working up a lather of soap and water.
Rinse thoroughly and allow the mattress to air dry completely. If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it on your air mattress as well. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning products or appliances.
