Hey everyone! I have a queen mattress that's been sitting in storage for about four years, and I want to clean it up for regular use again. It spent roughly 21 months in an outdoor storage unit (with a minor rip in the plastic protector but no mold or pests) and then about 24 months in my garage. During both phases, I kept a fabric cover on it the whole time. The mattress looks and smells like new, but since it has memory foam, I can't use steam cleaning. What's the best way to thoroughly clean and refresh this mattress? Also, are methods like HEPA vacuuming, airing it out in the sun, using disinfectant sprays, and putting it in a new encasement enough? Lastly, what signs should I look for to determine if the mattress is beyond saving? I'm pretty new to mattress maintenance and would love any tips you have. Thanks a bunch!
1 Answer
Honestly, after four years, it’s a bit of a gamble. I'd suggest giving it a good vacuuming first. Then, using a light spray of rubbing alcohol or vodka could help freshen it up. Keep an eye out for any visible signs of mold or pests; if you find rodent droppings, that's a clear sign you should just get rid of it. Better safe than sorry!
Yeah, I get the concern. Wouldn’t steam cleaning be risky for the memory foam, though?