Air Bed Washing Tips

The best way to keep a clean air bed is to use bed covers, but if you have any trouble with stains, mould or mildew, here are a few great tips!

Cleaning and removing stains from your mattress

Air beds are easy to clean, mostly clean with a damp cloth to remove any basic stains.
Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any dust from the surface of your mattress. You can also brush down the mattress with a soft brush if you do not have a vacuum handy.
Using a mattress cover will help protect your air bed from most stains. This makes sure your air bed will be easy to clean when putting it away or changing the cover. Air bed covers are washable and easy to remove and replace. Air bed fitted covers can be bought as accessories, but you can also use ordinary bed covers.
An air mattress should never be soaked in water.
Tough stains can be removed using mild soap and cold water or use upholstery shampoo. Make sure to follow the directions. Rub the air mattress lightly with a soft sponge or a damp cloth. To dry the air mattress, stand it up on its side.

Mold issue

To clean the mold off an air mattress, wash it with a 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water solution, after rewashing with a mild shampoo to take away any smell of vinegar that may remain. To dry the air mattress, stand it up on its side for a day or two. Before storing make sure its completely dry.
If vinegar doesn't work you can try 1/2 cup bleach to one gallon of water and rewash and dry. Please note: bleach may fade the color of your air bed or the washed area, so only use this method as a last resort and at your own risk. Bleach kills mold the best but the vinegar will be gentler on the air mattress.
Always wear rubber gloves and make sure the work area is well ventilated.

Mildew on air bed

If you have mildew on your air mattress, it may have been stored in a damp place.
To remove the mildew, use rubbing alcohol on the affected area with a damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is good for killing mildew. Use rubbing alcohol with caution and follow instructions on the bottle.
Wash the area with a damp cloth and maybe a mild shampoo.
To dry the air mattress, stand it up on its side.
Remember always wear rubber gloves and make sure the work area is well ventilated.