With summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to gear up for the influx of summer campers. While this means hiring staff, setting up social and fitness activities, ensuring proper hygiene stations are available, planning meals and ordering food, and ensuring all the plumbing works, it also means being prepared to combat an indifferent climate and musty mattresses. If this situation sounds all-too-real, read on. Here is a checklist for ensuring your mattresses are as clean as they possibly could be for your summer guests.
1. Get Rid Of The Moisture
When it comes to musty mattresses, the primary culprit is moisture. Fortunately, you can easily dry the mattress by placing it outside in direct sunlight. Once placed, wipe it down to ensure the exterior is clean, then dry it with another towel. Once dry, let it sit in the sun until the rest of the moisture has a chance to evaporate.
One preventative method for dealing with moisture is to place dehumidifiers in each room or cabin. However, before you rush out with the company credit card, be aware that this will only prove effective in enclosed environments.
2. Odor Eliminators Are Your Friend
After you have verified that the mattress is dry, it is time to get rid of any other traces of mold and make sure it smells fresh and new. First, vacuum the exterior to ensure all traces of mold, including any potential spores, are removed. If you do not eliminate all of the spores, they will return as soon as moisture is reintroduced. Once this is done, be sure to toss the vacuum bag in the appropriate bin so the wayward spores do not find a new home somewhere else in your facility.
When all the spores are removed, it is time to use an odor eliminator such as baking soda or vinegar. I would caution against using a chemical cleaner because these could cause skin and respiratory problems for some of your guests down the line. Just mix a 1:4 solution of white vinegar and water and gently mist the mattress. Next, dry the mattress once again and sprinkle it with baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes or so, then vacuum it.
3. Preventing Major Problems
Believe it or not, there are a few additional steps you can take to avoid moisture and similar unpleasantries. For one, try purchasing mattress covers that prevent moisture and are easy to clean. You may also be pleased to know you can purchase waterproof foam mattresses, which provide the same comfort and feel as a regular mattress with about half of the required maintenance.
Regardless of the specifics, remember that a little preventative care goes a long way. In addition to warding off moisture and mildew, cleaning your mattresses on a regular basis will help prevent seasonal allergies and promote good hygiene. In regards to the former, allergies are often caused by dust mites, which make their homes in mattresses and can be removed with a thorough cleaning.
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade furniture products. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds.
