How to Clean an Air Mattress

Doing a Routine Cleaning

Clean after every use. 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.

Clean with water and mild soap. 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.

Wipe the pump with a damp cloth. 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 to reduce odor. 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.

Removing Mildew and Mold

Take the mattress outside. 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.

Use vinegar and water to remove mold. 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.

Mix isopropyl alcohol and water to remove mildew. 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.

Apply a disinfectant. 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.

Maintaining an Air Mattress

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.

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.

Use a protectant cover. 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.

Avoid storing the mattress in humid areas. 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.