How to Get Rid of Chiggers in a Feather Mattress

Chiggers are an extremely small form of mite that are parasitic on humans. Chigger bites can cause red welts, itching, rashes, infections and occasionally fever. If chiggers have infested your feather mattress, you should avoid using insecticides containing strong chemicals in your sleeping environment, since doing so could pose risks to your health. Steam cleaning is a natural way to disinfect and sanitize your feather mattress, and kill the chigger infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Vapor steam cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Chlorine bleach

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Instructions

• 1

  Rent a vapor steam cleaner at a reputable hardware or supermarket. Make sure it comes fully equipped with cleaning brushes and instructions for use.

• 2

  Remove the sheets and pillowcases from your feather mattress, place in a washing machine, and wash at full cycle using laundry detergent and one cup of chlorine bleach

• 3

  Attach the large rectangle brush to the wand of the steamer, add the required amount of water to the machine and turn the power on. Steam your pillows, quilts and blanket to disinfect and sanitize them. Remove from your bed, and put them off to the side.

• 4

  Steam the mattress by running the rectangular brush from top to bottom. Repeat along the sides of the mattress, turn it over, and steam clean the underside. Steam clean the box spring, as well. Do not over-steam, as it can make the feather mattress too moist.

• 5

  Allow the mattress to air-dry for thirty minutes. Vacuum the entire mattress to remove any remaining dead chiggers and droppings. Let the feather mattress sit for another thirty minutes before putting the bedding back on.