How to Clean an Air Mattress

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: December 4, 2024

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Air mattresses are great for guests and quickly creating a sleeping space in any room. Due to the delicate material they're made of, they can't be cleaned like regular mattresses. Air mattresses can be quickly and easily cleaned though. Once they are clean, you should properly maintain and repair them when necessary for prolonged use.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing a Routine Cleaning

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It is ideal to clean your air mattress after every use. If that isn't possible, it is good to clean it once a month. At the very least, you should clean it once a season, depending on how often you use it. Clean the air mattress immediately if you see any mold or mildew build-up.
Pour a few drops of mild soap into a bowl of water. Dampen a clean cloth with the water and soap. Gently scrub every area of the mattress with the cloth, paying special attention to stains. Allow the mattress to air dry.^{[1]
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Use a mild detergent and damp cloth on the pump for the air mattress. Wipe it down and then allow it to air dry. Keep the pump away from dust by storing it in a box or container.
Sprinkle baking soda onto the mattress. You should lightly cover the air mattress, but it is not necessary to use a lot of baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few minutes and then vacuum it up.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Mildew and Mold

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Take the mattress outside every month or two and leave it out during a warm and sunny day. The sunlight will vaporize the moisture that has accumulated in the mattress. It will also kill any mold build-up.
Create a mixture that is half vinegar and half water. Use one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water. Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and gently rub it over the air mattress. Rinse with water and allow the mattress to air dry.
Create a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and warm water in a bowl or bucket. Wet a sponge with the mixture. Use the sponge to clean the air mattress. Rinse with water and let the mattress air dry when you are finished.
You can use any disinfectant, such as Lysol, to kill mold or mildew on your air mattress. Spray the disinfectant over the area where the mold and/or mildew appears. The disinfectant will also kill the spores that could cause mold to grow in the future.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining an Air Mattress

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1
Allow the mattress to deflate without help. To deflate, you will typically need to pull the plug or twist a valve. Do not jump on the air mattress while it is deflating to speed up the process. You should not hit it or use anything to make the air release faster. Forcing the air out can damage the mattress, plug, and valve.
- With some thinner air mattresses, you can fold the mattress in half to force the air out.
2
Fold carefully. Keep the air plug or valve open as you fold the mattress. Once the air is out, lay the mattress out flat and fold it lengthwise onto itself twice until you have a thin rectangle. Then, start from the opposite end of the plug or valve and use your palms to roll it tightly, as if you were rolling a sleeping bag.
- Use your knuckles and fingers as you roll to apply pressure to the mattress.
Using a cover can extend the life of your mattress, as well as protect it from bugs, spills, and mold. A vinyl zip cover will work to protect an air mattress. Put the cover on every time you use the mattress, and remove it when you are done using the mattress.
Storing the air mattress in an area with humidity or high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of your air mattress. High, fluctuating temperatures and humidity will put unnecessary stress on the materials. This is why garages and unfinished basements are not good areas to store air mattresses. Store your air mattress at room temperature.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I wash my mattress with soap and water to kill bed bugs?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Soap and water may not be effective in killing bed bugs. It is probably best to get a new air mattress - this will also help to avoid the bugs from spreading from your mattress to other parts of your house.

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Can an air mattress be washed in a washing machine?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

It is not recommended to put an air mattress in the washing machine. Aside from the physical damage that the machine may inflict on the mattress, you would run the risk of water getting inside the mattress, which will take a very long time to dry. This will be a breeding ground for mold and mildew in places that are very hard to later clean. Follow the steps listed above for a thorough air mattress cleaning.

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Question

Can I wash the air mattress in the washing machine?

Community Answer

That's impossible because of the electrical pump. It will destroy the pump and render the mattress useless. Sport clean according to instructions only.

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Tips

Clean your air mattress when you notice stains, grime, or odor appear. You can do a routine cleaning every few months if you use the air mattress often.

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If you think there may be mold or mildew in your air mattress, it's best to simply invest in a new one. Be sure to keep your new mattress dry and store it properly to avoid future complications.

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Warnings

Do not allow sharp objects near an air mattress. Objects, such as pens, can cause a puncture in an air mattress.

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Wear rubber gloves while cleaning the air mattress if using isopropyl alcohol.

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