Why are people spraying alcohol on their beds and is it safe for your mattress?

You may have seen on social media that people are turning to alcohol when cleaning their mattresses.

No, not drinking it, although we do understand that cleaning your mattress can be a challenging task, but instead using rubbing alcohol, which can help to tackle stubborn stains, eliminate odors and even banish bed bugs. But is it safe and how should you use it?

A clean and hygienic mattress plays a crucial role in your overall sleep quality, so it’s important to care for it properly.

And whether you’ve invested in the best mattress money can buy or you have a budget friendly option, using the wrong cleaning method could cause damage, compromise comfort and even void your warranty.

So before you reach for the bottle, here are some pros and cons of using alcohol to clean your mattress and also a step-by-step guide on how you can effectively use alcohol to clean your bed.

• I test mattress cleaning hacks — here's the homemade stain remover I swear by

What type of alcohol should you use when cleaning your mattress

If you’re thinking of cleaning your mattress using alcohol then it’s important to choose the right kind — and it won’t be the alcohol you have in your liquor cabinet.

The type that is recommended for cleaning purposes is called isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. This form of alcohol is not safe for human consumption and should never be drunk.

When choosing your rubbing alcohol it should be at least 70% proof as this is the ideal strength for killing bacteria and viruses that are on the surface of your bed.

This concentration will also evaporate quickly (since it is the water content that slows evaporation) so it will minimize the amount of moisture that soaks into the mattress.

The 3 key benefits of spraying alcohol on your bed during cleaning

Whilst it’s not a replacement for deep cleaning or regular vacuuming of your mattress, using rubbing alcohol to clean your bed can be highly effective when done properly. Here are three key benefits to spraying alcohol on your bed during cleaning.

1. Helps remove stains

Stains don’t just look unsightly, they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. But the good news is that rubbing alcohol is a highly effective way of removing stains from sweat, body oils, spills and accidents from your mattress. It works by dissolving the molecular bonds of the stain which then lifts it from the fabric.

For the best results, grab a clean spray bottle for the rubbing alcohol and create a solution with equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.

Spray on the stained area and then blot with a clean, absorbent cloth, but don’t rub the stain as this could push it deeper into the fabric. You may have to repeat this a couple of times before you see the stains lift.

Always be mindful not to oversaturate your mattress as, even though rubbing alcohol dries quickly, too much moisture could lead to mattress mold.

2. Banish odors

Whilst we sleep we naturally release sweat and body oils that can seep into the mattress fabric and layers. These, along with dead skin cells and any other excess moisture (whether that’s from high humidity, spills or accidents) can lead to your mattress emitting unpleasant odors.

Regular mattress maintenance can help keep these smells at bay, but if your mattress is starting to smell, then spritzing the surface with rubbing alcohol can help.

The fast-evaporating nature of alcohol makes it great for neutralising lingering odors, which is why you’ll find forms of it as an ingredient in many room sprays and air-fresheners.

Using a clean spray bottle, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. You can even add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to leave behind a fresh smell.

Then once you’ve removed all your bedding, open up your windows and lightly spray over the bed and leave to air dry.

3. Remove dust mites and bed bugs

Isopropyl alcohol is an effective treatment for dust mites and bed bugs that may have found their way into your mattress because these little pests are killed on contact.

The rubbing alcohol will destroy their outer shell and then dry out their insides (a rather unpleasant image, we know.) While it won’t be able to tackle a full on infestation of bed bugs or dust mites, it’s good for targeted treatment.

To tackle bed bugs or dust mites it’s best to use 70% rubbing alcohol undiluted. Using a spray bottle, apply directly to the mattress surface, focusing on the seams, tufts and edges where pests like to hide.

For long term results combine this treatment with regular vacuuming and seek professional help if needed.

3 reasons you should avoid using alcohol on your mattress

Rubbing alcohol is a brilliant disinfectant that can be used in many places in your home, but it’s not suitable for all types of mattress or cleaning issues. Here are the scenarios where you shouldn’t be using rubbing alcohol in the quest for a clean, fresh bed.

1. You have a memory foam or latex mattress

The best memory foam and latex mattresses are sensitive to harsh chemicals, and that includes rubbing alcohol.

Using alcohol on these beds can cause damage to the materials which can lead to them breaking down, resulting in premature wear, reduced support and a shorter lifespan for your mattress.

Memory foam and latex are also highly absorbent and shouldn’t get wet because even the smallest amount of liquid can get trapped, creating the perfect environment for mattress mold and mildew to thrive.

Instead, you should regularly vacuum the surface of your mattress. You can also treat any stains or spills immediately with a natural solution.

2. You’re dealing with stubborn stains

Rubbing alcohol works best on light, fresh stains. If you’re trying to tackle deep-set stains like blood or urine, then it won’t be strong enough to fully lift a stain that has set in (you should spot clean any stains as soon as you notice them as the longer they are left, the harder they are to remove.)

In some cases rubbing alcohol might even make unsightly deep stains worse.

So, if you’re dealing with stubborn stains, consider using a homemade stain remover or a dedicated enzyme cleaner which can break down the stain at a molecular level and are much more effective.

3. Your room doesn’t have good ventilation

Rubbing alcohol is powerful and because it evaporates quickly it releases strong fumes. That means you should always ensure that you have good ventilation in any room that you’re using it in.

Otherwise, those fumes can irritate your eyes, skin or lungs, not to mention leave a lingering smell.

Take your time when using rubbing alcohol on your mattress. Open up the windows and doors and leave it to fully dry before you attempt to add your sheets.

If you don’t have the right amount of ventilation then consider using a gentle, unscented cleaning solution instead such as baking soda.

How to clean your mattress with alcohol: A step by step guide

The way to use rubbing alcohol is effectively the same for both cleaning stains and removing odors.

You can use a 70% concentration rubbing alcohol on its own, but diluting it on a 1:1 ratio with water will still kill bacteria and neutralise odors but may reduce the risk of any damage to your mattress.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
• Spray bottle
• Clean white cloth or sponge
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Baking soda

Step 1. Prepare your solution

Use a clean spray bottle and add equal parts rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration) and water.

You don’t have to use a spray bottle, but doing so makes it easier to apply and can help to ensure that you don’t over saturate your mattress.

Step 2. Prepare your area

Start by stripping your bed and placing your sheets on a hot wash. You should also open any windows and doors so there’s plenty of fresh air circulating around your room.

Because alcohol can cause skin reactions, we recommend that you wear gloves when working with it.

Step 3. Do a patch test

Different fabrics and materials react differently to alcohol, so it’s best to always do a patch test. Start by spraying a small amount in a hidden area before tackling a larger area.

The best place is often the underside of the mattress or along the seam. Always leave it to fully dry before deciding whether to go further.

Step 4. Vacuum the surface

The first step in cleaning any mattress is to vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment and run your vacuum over the entire surface.

This will remove any dirt, debris and dander that could be hanging around. Make sure you go right into the seams and tufts, where dust tends to accumulate.

Step 5. Spray and then blot the area

Using the solution you prepared earlier, lightly spray the area that you’re tackling. Be mindful not to over saturate the mattress, the aim is just a mist and you can always repeat this step until you get the desired effect.

Once you’ve sprayed, grab a clean, absorbent cloth and blot the area until the cloth comes back dry. Never rub because this will just push any stain deeper and cause it to spread.

Step 6. Leave to air dry

Keeping the windows and doors open, leave the mattress to fully dry out before replacing your bed sheets. This could take a couple of hours so make sure that you leave yourself plenty of time to complete the task.

Never put sheets on or sleep on a bed that is still damp. Aside from being super uncomfortable, it can also lead to fusty smells and the risk of your mattress becoming moldy.

Step 7. Sprinkle some baking soda 

This step is optional, but if your mattress has any lingering odors you may want to sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the bed and leave for at least two hours (ideally longer) to help neutralise the smells.

Then vacuum again to make sure you remove all the baking soda and finally, replace your bedding.

What else should you avoid when using alcohol to clean your mattress?

While rubbing alcohol is super effective at cleaning mattresses, there are some things you should avoid when you use it.

For a start, never combine rubbing alcohol with other cleaning products. This can cause harmful chemical reactions and may damage the fabric and make up of your mattress.

Rubbing alcohol is also highly flammable, especially when in higher concentrations, so you should never use it near open flames or heat such as hair dryers, heaters and heated mattress pads.

Even if the alcohol appears to have evaporated, the vapours can still ignite easily. Always allow your mattress to air dry completely in a cool, well-ventilated space before introducing any source of heat.