Blog > How To Clean A Mattress After Covid-19 [Purging Coronavirus 2024]
How To Clean A Mattress After Covid-19 [Purging Coronavirus 2024]
How To Clean A Bed After Covid-19?
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, the world forever changed and so did how we clean our homes and belongings. We’ve all been washing our hands more than ever, disinfecting our doorknobs, and even wiping down our groceries! There is likely one very important item you are forgetting to clean—your mattress.
After you’ve been sick in bed, you’ll obviously want to change your sheets, but there can be some residual particles on your mattress. Changing and washing your sheets alone won’t remove all of the germs that have accumulated on your mattress while you’ve been sick in bed. It’s crucial to clean your mattress as well.
Here’s how to clean a bed after COVID-19 and some answers to common questions you might have about mattresses and COVID-19.
Can You Get Covid From A Mattress?
No, there is currently no evidence that the Coronavirus can spread on mattresses. So, you cannot get COVID-19 from a mattress. As research on the COVID-19 virus improves and increases, there have been new developments in learning about how the Coronavirus spreads and what surfaces it lives on. If your family has COVID-19 or is suspected of having it, health professionals suggest cleaning and disinfecting your entire home, mattress, sheets, and laundry included.
Remember that there is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning, according to the CDC, "physically eliminates germs from surfaces" by using soap or detergent to remove germs from surfaces or items. According to the CDC, disinfecting destroys germs on surfaces with chemicals but does not remove dirt. It’s vital to do both for optimal cleanliness. The best way to protect your mattress from COVID-19, allergens, and other gems is by using a mattress protector. Adding the protective layer of a mattress protector will cover up your mattress and prevent any germs from contaminating your mattress.
How Long Can The Coronavirus Live On A Mattress?
It has been suspected that the Coronavirus can live on a mattress anywhere between 2 hours and 2 days, according to Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an Infectious Disease Specialist at the University of Toronto. There haven’t been any studies since 2020 to determine how long COVID-19 can live on a mattress. However, this information was revealed to the CBC in 2020, in the early days of the pandemic, when research about how long the Coronavirus can live on surfaces was limited.
Additionally, the National Environmental Agency advises that as of October 2021, the virus can live on “surfaces such as curtains, bedsheets, carpets, mattresses, pillows or cushions for 2-3 days.”
How To Clean A Mattress From Covid-19
Even though evidence and research is divided on how long COVID-19 can live on a mattress, it is recommended to clean your mattress after you or a family member has contracted COVID-19 to air on the side of caution. Cleaning a mattress can be a challenge and it can be difficult to know what cleaning products you can use on the mattress.
The following steps will help you get your mattress clean from COVID-19
Before spraying any disinfectant, remove all bedding and vacuum the surface of the mattress. You can do this for either type of mattress or mattress cover. It’s not possible to vacuum up germs, but the accumulation of dust and allergens on your mattress might lead to worse symptoms or another illness. This is especially true if you suffer from allergies, anyway. Make sure to use your vacuum's upholstery attachment.
Find out if your mattress has a cover. Then, determine if the cover is impermeable or not. Impermeable mattress covers are waterproof, and liquids will not penetrate them. Permeable mattress covers are not waterproof and liquids will soak through the cover to your mattress.
For impermeable covers, remove sheets and blankets. Clean any soiled areas with soap and water, then air dry it.
Once the mattress is dry, spray or wipe the entire surface with a cleaner that is proven to kill the COVID-19 virus and allow it to dry.
If the mattress is permeable and there is no mattress pad, clean any soiled or stained areas before disinfecting. Allow the surface to dry.
If there is a mattress cover on the permanent mattress, remove the cover and wash with pillowcases, sheets, pillows, and any other blankets or bedding. Wash linens separately from another laundry on hot water.
Another important thing to remember when cleaning and washing bed linens after COVID-19 is to not shake out the linens and to keep them separate from another dirty laundry. Place the laundry directly into the washing machine. Do not let it sit in a laundry basket. Do not throw or toss fabrics as this might spread the virus in the air, which is how it is primarily transmitted.
How To Disinfect A Mattress From Covid-19
As mentioned above, there is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. After the top layer of the mattress has been thoroughly scrubbed, the disinfectant will be able to penetrate the mattress to its core and effectively eradicate the virus.
Effectively Eradicate the Coronavirus
For impermeable mattresses, spray or wipe an EPA-approved disinfectant over the surface after the mattress or mattress cover has been washed and dried. It is best to let spray disinfectants like Lysol, which do not need wiping, air dry after using them for at least 10 minutes. If using wipes or another type of disinfectant that needs to be wiped up, allow it to sit on the mattress cover for 10 minutes before wiping.
For permeable mattresses, use a spray disinfectant that does not need to be wiped off, such as Lysol.
Allow the disinfectant to sit on the mattress until it dries completely. Spraying a disinfectant on porous surfaces, like mattress or cloth mattress pad, is the only method that is recommended for proper disinfection on this type or surface.
For both cleaning and disinfection, make sure the cleaner is compatible with the surface material. Check the ingredients of the solution and check for ingredients like bleach or corrosive chemicals that might damage the surface of the mattress cover or the mattress itself. If you aren’t sure about what chemicals to use on what surface, contact the manufacturer or look up cleaner to see if they are compatible.
Cleaning and Disinfecting a Mattress
Make sure to clean surfaces before disinfecting with a solution. Remember that disinfection does not remove dirt from surfaces. Cleaning before disinfecting will make sure that the disinfectant fully penetrates the surface and kills the virus.
Leave the windows open in the room where the positive person has been for at least 3 hours. This will allow for the room to be adequately aired out.
Before cleaning, put on gloves and a medical mask. When cleaning, keep your hands away from your face and eyes. During cleaning, keep all rooms well ventilated by continuing to keep the windows opened.
Along with washing sheets and bedding, launder all linens that the sick person has used, like towels and blankets. Also, wash any curtains in the room as the virus can possibly live on fabrics for up to 2 days.
There are some fabric sanitizer sprays that can be used to disinfect mattresses from COVID-19. Check the ingredients on the spray to ensure it does, in fact, kill the virus.
Can I Spray Alcohol To Disinfect A Mattress From Covid-19?
Yes, it is possible to spray alcohol to disinfect a mattress from COVID-19. Alcohol, including rubbing alcohol, can kill a variety of germs including COVID-19. However, not just any alcohol will kill the virus. The alcohol must be at a concentration of at least 70% alcohol. Diluted alcohol of any type can be used to disinfect from COVID-19 as long as it is at a concentration of 70%.
To disinfect a mattress from COVID-19 using alcohol, remove all bedding, spray on the mattress or mattress cover, and allow it to dry.
Cleaning and disinfection of the mattress in the bedroom with hot steam. Professional cleaning process
When cleaning your home and commonly touched surfaces after a positive COVID-19 case, many people forget to clean their mattresses. This article will help you learn how to clean a mattress after COVID-19 and hopefully keep your family safe and testing negative. Besides cleaning your mattress after COVID, it’s also important to regularly clean your mattress to reduce allergy symptoms by keeping your bed clean.
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
I was hesitant at first, but this store exceeded all of my expectations. I worked with Valerio who is exceptionally knowledgeable about all things mattress related (ie construction, support, quality etc). Working with him has been a pleasure and I can't wait for my new bed!
Ruveena was very helpful and not pushy at all. Highly recommend a visit.Updating this:I emailed on August 20, again on August 22, and then called and nobody replied all three times. Is this store still open? If it’s this hard for me to buy will it be even harder for me if I need to return?I eventually found a number to get in touch with Bruce who helped me.Update: the Mlily I bought says pretty badly by morning, causing back pain. I am trying to get it replaced, but the process is not easy.
I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Valerie! From the moment we walked in, he took the time to understand both my and my partner’s specific sleep needs and preferences. He didn’t just try to sell us a mattress; he truly cared about our sleep health, explaining how different options could impact our comfort and overall well-being. His knowledge and patience made us feel confident in our choice, and he went above and beyond to ensure we found the perfect fit. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely prioritizes your sleep health over making a quick sale, Valerio is the person to see!
Valerio from sleePare was absolutely the best when it came to giving us recommendations for mattresses. We fell in love with the mattress he sold us!!!!!
I purchased an M lily mattress at the New York City store a month ago and selected a mattress by M Lilly because of its firmness. When mattress was delivered, it was tightly rolled in a tube and vacuum packed, which concerned me from the onset as I felt the springs would be compromised . when I put the mattress on my bed it felt much softer than the mattress in the store, and when I looked at the tag on the mattress the manufacturing date was almost 3 years old, I called and spoke to Bruce in the customer service department a guy. He assured me he would credit me the price of the mattress as well as pick up the mattress “soon”. since then I have made several follow up phone calls and nobody answers and nobody returns my calls. I bought the mattress with a credit card and I am going to make a claim that my credit card company not pay this invoice. This was really a terrible experience with a terrible salesman..
the only reason I went to Sleepare was to try one of those online mattress brands.The only reason why i left the store buying two mattresses was only because of Valerio, the sales guy.Not only did he help me made the right mattress choice but he did it with his extensive knowledges and joyful spirit.He didn't just recommend the most expensive options-he focused on finding the mattresses that would fit my needs.
I had an exceptional experience shopping for mattresses here. After doing some of my own research online, I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of purchasing a new mattress, but visiting Sleepare helped simplify the process. I was helped by Valerio who went above and beyond to explain the qualities in a mattress I should be looking for while taking my sleep habits into consideration. He was very honest about the expensive name-brand mattresses and explained how the most expensive is not necessarily the best mattress to meet my needs. I was able to spend time trying out several different mattresses. After speaking with Valerio, I left feeling far less daunted than when I arrived. I ended up purchasing a mattress that I am very happy with! They offer a four month trial period in case the mattress does not meet my expectations. I highly recommend coming here for your mattress needs.
Valerio is incredibly helpful. He is knowledgeable and listens to our needs. Compared to some large mattress chains, this store carries good brands that don’t put out aggressive marketing & have reasonable pricing.
Horrible experience dealing with customer service out of NY. Bruce was very rude. I will never buy again at any SleePare and do not recommend this store to anyone.
Could not have had a better experience to find our new mattress! I set up our appointment with Valerio over the phone, and he was extremely helpful and kind. He was very honest about the pros and cons of each mattress, and gave us valuable insights that we otherwise might not have known when testing out each mattress. Thank you again Valerio!
Valerio was extremely helpful with helping me choose the perfect mattress. He was patient, very very funny and gave me a great deal. I highly recommend Valerio for anyone who is looking for a mattress!!
I didn't buy a mattress during my visit, but had a very positive experience thanks to Valerio. He was very helpful in guiding me through the different options and recommending what to evaluate and consider based on my personal circumstances. A true expert and partner in navigating a category I know very little about!
We had to replace our Nest mattress due to water damage while in storage. I went in wanting to try the WinkBed, and after trying several mattresses over and over, we went with a Helix. Valerio helped us and made the entire process enjoyable. I appreciated his transparency, humor, and patience as we carefully weighed our options. We requested a delayed delivery so we have not received the mattress yet. If there are any issues with the delivery, I will update this review. I highly recommend stopping by to try out mattresses here if you're in the market for a new mattress!
This was surprisingly a GREAT experience! We were helped by Fazi, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and NOT PUSHY. I thought I'd be leaving with a totally different mattress that I'd researched, but based on Fazi's thoughtful recommendations, I'm happy to say I got a mattress that is much better for me. I was afraid that this was going to be stressful and overwhelming, but instead, Fazi offered water upon arrival, provided shoe covers for hygiene, and let me explore the different mattresses at my own pace. I'm so glad SleePare exists, because it's intimidating buying an "online" mattress for so much without ever trying it, even with the 100 day trial offers. This experience helped me feel confident in my purchase, and I'm excited about my new mattress! Thank you, Fazi!
We purchased a mattress here from Valerio, who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We left with a perfect mattress for us and the entire process was simple, transparent and enjoyable! Highly recommend stopping here.
Valerio is the best! He made sure to listen, made great suggestions, and is super friendly and personable. Made the whole shopping experience a breeze. Would absolutely recommend shopping with him here!
Valerio is an exceptional representative. He fully explains how the mattress is both the best for you & the worst for you while showcasing how knowledgeable he is about each type of mattress. He wont steer you wrong with your purchase.
My husband and I have been in search for a new mattress and we decided to go to SleePare because of the variety of brands they offer. We had no intention of purchasing a mattress the same day but ended up doing so because of the phenomenal service we got working with Valerio. From the moment we stepped in, Valerio was welcoming and kind. He was so knowledgeable about each of the brands, answered all our questions and most importantly he was honest which is so important, especially when you’re making a large investment! We learned a lot about different mattress types and what to look out for in mattresses moving forward. But honestly, so long as Valerio is there I will only work with him and will refer all my friends and family to him. Thank you for such a great experience!
We were looking for a firm mattress to replace the current old one. After some research online, through the detail product descriptions and many reviews, we thought that we found the mattress which fits our needs. However, we still like to experience the mattress in person. From Google, we found out the SleePare store in New York city, they have may brands of mattress that normally are not available in many mattress stores.We made an appointment with SleePare to check out the mattress that we are interested. We were kindly greeted by the store manager Fazi, and she was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were glad that we try out the mattress in person before making the purchase, it turned out that the mattress that we were looking for did not really meet our need. Fazi understand our need and was so helpful in showing us different brands of mattress.We ended up purchasing the Milly PowerCool firm mattress. The firmness of the mattress is perfect for us. Purchase process was simple and easy. Good communication with Fazi and her team throughout the sale and posted sale periods. Shipping was free and fast. It was the best mattress purchase experience for us. It is highly recommended to check out SleePare store when you need a mattress!Thank you so much to Fazi and her team!
Had an incredible experience here. Valerio was incredibly helpful and kind. He explained everything to us very well, which really helped us with our decisions. Would def go back here
Absolutely thrilled to share my amazing experience at SleePare, especially with the incredible Valerio! Let me start by saying, mattress shopping had been so stressful before I came here. I dealt with so many pushy salespeople who were more focused on selling me the priciest option rather than finding the right one for me. It was exhausting!Enter Valerio – a true gem! From the moment I walked in, he made me feel comfortable, never rushed me, and was genuinely interested in what I needed for a good night’s sleep. His knowledge about all the different mattresses was mind-blowing, and he took the time to answer every question I had. His only goal was making sure I left happy and confident in my choice.And guess what? I did! I ended up choosing the Helix Twilight Luxe, and I couldn’t be more excited. I am confident that it is going to be a game-changer for my sleep. I’m so thankful to Valerio for making what started as a stressful process end with a smile (and a perfect mattress). Highly recommend SleePare and *definitely* ask for Valerio!
I recently had a great experience at SleePare, thanks to Valerio's exceptional service. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the different mattresses and took the time to teach me how to choose the right one without being pushy about making a sale. I appreciated all the information. After my visit, I decided to do some research and checked out a few other stores. It didn't take long to realize the difference in quality and service. I was so impressed that I returned to SleePare the same day and made my purchase. If you're looking for a great mattress and a quick delivery, I highly recommend visiting SleePare and speaking with Valerio.
They have a great selection of mattresses, and their customer service is even better. I bought an Mlily but unfortunately in the end I had to return it before the end of the trial period - it was a good mattress but it didn't perform as I expected. They were great throughout the return process. This is probably the best mattress store in the city.
Terrific place! If you are in any way reluctant to roll around on mattresses in a public space like I initially was, don't be! The experience was enlightening, fun and beneficial in helping me pick a mattress that suits my needs. The SleePare team is informative, patient and congenial. I'm glad I stopped by; it sure beats reading tons of online reviews and still winding up confused. Before buying your next mattress, do yourself a big favor: Visit SleePare!
My son and I found this store after much research. He needed a bed as his old bed would cause him to roll into the middle. He was an active skateboarder and BMX biker and really needs excellent support for his spine and neck. Valerio was exceptional in his knowledge and tact. He had a great sense of humor and I found him to be genuine. He gave us his cell contact which I had to use to ask a few questions and he responded immediately even over the holiday weekend. I would highly recommend this store and Valerio. My son loves his new Helix Elite mattress and I love the value and service we received. Thank you Valerio and Sleepare!
Valerio made the process of buying a mattress enjoyable and effortless. His extensive knowledge and engaging personality set him apart as the most fun and personable salesperson we've encountered in the mattress industry. Highly recommend visiting this store!
Online reviews are great but trying in person these beds rly helped me choose “my bed”. I ordered new Winkbed Blue Luxe with latex and slept on it for 3 weeks so far but gosh, it did make such a big difference on my sleep! I will update in about 6 months
Had a great experience here with Rory. Got tired of shopping online and looking at reviews online only to still get a mattress I was unhappy with and returned. Found SleePare on google and made my way here from Queens. Rory was extremely helpful and patient. His first recommendation was the one I ultimately ended up purchasing after spending almost an hour here trying all the mattresses. The price also ended up slightly cheaper than the online price from the manufacturers website and included the sleeping bundle the manufacturer was offering for online customers. I can't recommend this place enough. Don't buy blindly based off of all the Youtube reviewers. Come here and try for yourself in a no pressure environment. Thanks again Rory!
Brenda and Kirsten were awesome to work with! They were friendly and knowledgeable making me and my wife's shopping experience top notch. I would highly recommend SleePare to anyone shopping for a matress, :)
Wonderful attentive service. Valerio was kind and patiently explained the pluses and minuses of the mattresses I was interested in. And ultimately he led me to a mattress that I think will be perfect. Thank you!
Sleepare is a store that will give you the opportunity to test several mattresses that are only available on-line. Patrick is very knowledgeable about the characteristics of the different brands and will help guide you through the decision making process.
I recently purchased the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Firm mattress from Sleepare in NYC, and it has been a game-changer for my sleep quality. I have chronic back pain, and the Aurora's targeted support zones have made a noticeable difference. Fazi helped me choose the right firmness, and after a few weeks of use, I can confidently say l've found my perfect match. The mattress sleeps cool, too, which is a huge plus during the humid NYC summers. Highly recommend both the mattress and the Store !
Rory helped me with the mattresses and was very helpful in explaining the differences between each mattress. I came back and place the order with Valerio and he made sure the shipping process was seamless as possible. He even helped me with the mattress to my car.
I and my partner worked with Fazi and she is the most pleasant to work with. Cannot express how grateful I am to sleep on a new mattress with NO shoulder pain or hip stiffness. We ended up going with Winkbeds Blue and absolutely love it!
Tired of popping painkillers to deal with aches and pains? Visit the best chiropractors in Brooklyn, NY to get rid of backaches, neck pain, migraines, and more!
Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.