How to Wash a Camper Mattress

Camper mattresses often accumulate dirt and stains during camping trips, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast or have limited access to shower facilities. The Better Sleep Council advises that mattresses should never be soaked with water and that vacuuming is the only method of cleaning recommended for mattresses. Because washing the mattress with the rest of your laundry is not an option, consider purchasing a protective mattress cover to reduce the amount of staining and make cleaning your camping mattress easier.

InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate

Remove all bedding from the camper mattress. If the mattress has a removable mattress cover, remove the cover at this time.

Wash the mattress cover in your washing machine on the cold water setting and hang it outside to air dry to prevent the cover from shrinking.

Remove the mattress from the camper and place it on a flat, clean surface.

Vacuum the top of the mattress to remove dirt and dead skin cells.

Flip the mattress over and repeat vacuuming to clean the bottom of the mattress.

Place the mattress back in the camper and cover it with the dry mattress cover.

Tips & WarningsArticle Written By Kittie McCoyKittie McCoy has been a freelance writer since 2008. She is also a part-time personal trainer and licensed entertainer in Las Vegas. She enjoys sharing her love of physical fitness and experience in the entertainment industry via her writing.