Disinfectants for Pillows and Rugs

Disinfectants for Pillows and Rugs

Disinfecting cushions and rugs takes more than just spritzing something from a can. Many commercial cleaners and disinfectants are filled with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances which can cause allergic reactions — while adding nothing to the reduction of bacteria, germs and microbes. But you are able to clean and sanitize your pillows and carpets using time-honored methods using water and soap, steam, sunlight along with common ingredients like vinegar.

Clean, Then Disinfect

Cleaning entails the removal of surface dirt, dust and spills by vacuuming or washing. The cleaning procedure often removes the majority of bacteria, molds and other germs by washing or direct removal. Cleaning things before disinfecting them can also be essential to remove the dirt that provides protection for germs. It does no good to apply disinfectant into a surface which has not been cleaned, because the germs hidden behind the dirt will not be killed by the disinfectant substance. Wash or vacuum cushions and rugs to prepare them for disinfecting.

Washing Pillows

Feather, most polyester pillows can be machine washed at home. Remove the pillowcase and inspect the pillow ticking to make sure it’s intact, without any tears or rips. This is particularly essential for feather and down pillows. Wash two bed pillows at a time, together with the pillowcases and Best Bathroom Design Ideas Pittsburgh towels, as required, to balance the load. Use mild detergent, warm water and a delicate or permanent press clean cycle. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water to remove all traces of soap; the vinegar is also a mild disinfectant. Dry the cushions outside in the sun — another natural disinfectant — simply by placing them on a rack rather than hanging out of a line. Fluff and turn the pillows each 30 minutes. If the cushions remain moist at the end of the day, set them in the dryer on medium heat until they’re thoroughly dry. If outdoor drying is not possible, set the pillows in the dryer right after washing. The cushions should be totally dry before you use them again, to protect against the formation of mold.

Steam-Cleaning Rugs

Clean the rug first by vacuuming, preferably with a HEPA filter in the vacuum. If part of this carpet is soiled with fluid of any kind, blot with paper towels to remove the material. Dispose of the paper towels by sealing them in a plastic bag. To spot-clean a small area, clean it with soap and water and apply a disinfectant like white vinegar, then 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or spray disinfectant after examining the product in a hidden area to make certain it will not damage the carpet. Rinse with water and blot away excess moisture. To disinfect the entire carpet, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends steam cleaning for five minutes with a 170-degree steam system. If the system creates 212-degree steam, one minute of cleaning is adequate.

Disaster Recovery

Washing, steam cleaning and household disinfectants will take care of nearly all day-to-day needs for disinfecting cushions and rugs. However, there are times when these methods are not sufficient. For instance, it’s nearly impossible to clean and disinfect cushions or rugs which were contaminated with sewage from a flooding or Plumbing Services Sacramento repair specialists backup. In such scenarios, it is best to engage a specialist service that specializes in disaster recovery, or to discard and replace the contaminated things. Follow your waste management authority’s instructions for disposal of contaminated home goods, and protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles and mask when handling contaminated items.