Why would you want to spray alcohol on your bed at night?

Quick Answers

There are a few reasons why someone may consider spraying alcohol on their bed at night:

• To kill bed bugs – Alcohol can help kill bed bugs on contact.
• To disinfect – Spraying alcohol can disinfect the mattress and bedding.
• To remove odors – The strong smell of alcohol can help remove some odors from the bed.
• To relax – Some people find the smell of certain alcohols, like lavender, to be relaxing.

Killing Bed Bugs

One of the main reasons people spray alcohol on their beds is to kill bed bugs. Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They can be very difficult to get rid of once established in a home. Spraying alcohol directly on bed bugs is an easy way to kill them on contact.

Alcohol disrupts the waxy outer coating on bed bugs’ exoskeleton and causes them to dehydrate and die. Both isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and ethyl alcohol (drinking alcohol) are effective. A 70% alcohol solution is ideal for killing bed bugs.

Spraying alcohol can help eliminate bed bugs from mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and any cracks or crevices around the bed. Be sure to thoroughly spray into any areas where you see signs of bed bugs. Follow up with additional treatments to kill any eggs that may hatch later.

How to Safely Use Alcohol for Bed Bugs

If using alcohol to treat a bed bug infestation, take the following safety precautions:

• Test on a small inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or damage to the mattress or bedding.
• Take bedding off the bed and spray mattress directly. Allow it to fully dry before replacing bedding.
• Thoroughly ventilate the area after spraying by opening windows or using fans.
• Do not smoke or have any open flames near the alcohol until it fully dries.
• Never spray alcohol on mattresses or surfaces when people or pets are present in the room.

Used responsibly, alcohol can be an effective part of a bed bug elimination strategy. But it should usually be combined with other treatments like bed bug sprays, steam, and professional heat treatments to fully eradicate an infestation.

Disinfecting the Bed

Spraying alcohol on a mattress can also help disinfect it. Beds can accumulate dirt, bacteria, mold, mildew, and other microbes over time. Alcohol has antimicrobial properties that make it useful for sanitizing and disinfecting a mattress and bedding.

70% isopropyl alcohol is a common disinfectant used in many household cleaning products. The alcohol destroys the cell walls of bacteria, causing them to denature and die. It also evaporates quickly, leaving surfaces sanitized after use.

Some key benefits of using alcohol as a mattress disinfectant include:

• Kills germs – Effective at eliminating many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• No harsh fumes – Alcohol has a strong odor as it dries, but doesn’t leave lingering chemical smells.
• Dries quickly – Unlike bleach-based cleaners, alcohol dries fully in minutes.
• Easy to find – Rubbing alcohol is inexpensive and widely available.

For best results, remove all bedding and vacuum the mattress first to remove dirt and debris. Then use a spray bottle to liberally apply alcohol over the mattress surface. Allow 10-15 minutes of contact time before letting the mattress air dry. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Safety Tips for Disinfecting with Alcohol

Take care when using alcohol as a disinfectant:

• Spot test on a small area first to check for damage or discoloration.
• Read and follow all safety instructions on the alcohol product label.
• Work in a well-ventilated space and avoid breathing in fumes.
• Rinse surfaces that will directly contact food or the mouth.
• Change bedding after disinfecting to avoid sleeping on wet alcohol.

Used properly, alcohol can make mattresses cleaner and more hygienic. But it does not replace deep cleaning methods like steam cleaning or occasional mattress replacement. Use alcohol as part of a larger mattress care routine.

Removing Odors

The strong scent of alcohol can help remove some types of odors from bedding and mattresses. Things like sweat, body oils, smoke, and mildew can leave lingering smells in a bed over time. Alcohol’s solvent properties can help break down and wash away odor molecules.

Rubbing alcohol or vodka are common choices for DIY odor removal. The high concentration of alcohol helps cut through strong smells. Follow these steps:

1. Strip bedding and wash/replace as needed.
2. Allow mattress to air out for several hours to dry it out.
3. Liberally spray alcohol over the mattress, targeting areas with odors.
4. Allow to fully dry for at least one hour.
5. Flip mattress and repeat on other side.
6. Allow to completely dry before remaking bed.

For tough odors, combining the alcohol with other deodorizers can help. Baking soda, vinegar, borax, and enzymatic cleaners all work well with alcohol to break down stubborn mattress scents.

This simple alcohol trick can freshen up a smelling mattress in just a few hours. However, deeply embedded odors may require steam cleaning or professional odor removal services.

Other Odor-Removing Tips

Some other methods to try along with alcohol for mattress odor removal include:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress before vacuuming.
• Leave bowls of white vinegar on the mattress overnight.
• Place activated charcoal bags around the mattress to absorb odors.
• Spot clean soiled areas with an enzyme cleaner.
• Let mattress air out in direct sunlight for a few hours.

Relaxation

For some people, the aroma of alcohol can actually be relaxing. The smell of ethanol alcohol found in liquor and spirits has been shown to have a sedative effect in some studies. And certain scented alcohols, like lavender, produce notes that people find calming.

Spraying a lightly scented alcohol like lavender, chamomile, or citrus on bed linens can potentially create a soothing environment for sleep. The relaxing scent helps set the mood for unwinding at the end of a long day. Just a light misting is all that’s needed.

Trying a relaxing alcohol spray before bedtime could potentially help if you:

• Feel stressed and have racing thoughts at night
• Struggle with insomnia or restlessness
• Wake easily or have trouble falling back asleep
• Prefer natural aromatherapy for relaxation

The sedative effects can help initiate feelings of drowsiness. And the familiar scent provides a consistent relaxation cue to your brain when using the spray daily.

Safety Tips for Alcohol Sleep Sprays

Be smart if trying an alcohol sleep spray:

• Use alcohol sparingly – A light mist is all you need.
• Allow linens to fully dry before use to avoid skin or eye irritation.
• Do a patch test on skin first to check for any allergic reactions.
• Avoid spraying near faces or directly onto skin.
• Never drink or ingest alcohol sleep sprays.

The relaxing benefits of alcohol sprays are generally mild. But they can be a helpful part of an overall sleep hygiene routine for some people.

Conclusion

Spraying alcohol on your bed at night can provide several benefits:

• Kills bed bugs
• Disinfects mattresses
• Removes odors
• Induces relaxation

But alcohol should always be used carefully by following safety guidelines. Test on an inconspicuous area first and allow all sprayed surfaces to completely dry before use. With responsible use, alcohol can be an effective part of an overall bedroom and mattress hygiene regimen.