Saturday, February 22, 2014

Recipe For Waterbed Conditioner

Waterbeds have many benefits, from repelling dust mites for people with allergies to providing heat therapy and gentle, even support for arthritis patients. However, waterbeds do require regular maintenance, specifically a conditioner, to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Most waterbed supply companies offer conditioners relatively cheaply at about $10 or less for a year's supply. However, you can make your own waterbed conditioner using just a few ingredients.


Considerations


Most waterbed manufacturers recommend adding a waterbed conditioner to the water bag at least every 6 months and no later than every 12 months. If you allow mold, algae and other microbes to develop, you'll hear them via noisy bubbles that make it hard to sleep and you'll smell them via an unpleasant sour odor. If left untreated, the microbes can also settle on the inner wall of the bed's water bag and weaken it over time.


Homemade Waterbed Conditioner


The typical ratio for adding conditioner is 1/4 cup for every 100 gallons in your bed. Because waterbeds hold somewhere between 160 and 200 gallons, you'll need around 1/2 cup per treatment. Although it may seem logical to simply add bleach as an anti-microbial, it's not a good idea for waterbeds, as it will severely shorten the life of the bed liner. For a waterbed-friendly homemade conditioner, you'll need either sodium thiosulphate, which you can find via pool supply stores, or sodium hydroxymethane sulphonate, available in aquarium stores or via the Internet. You'll also need distilled water, an airtight container and a funnel. Pour 1/2 cup of the chemical and 6 cups of distilled water into the airtight container and shake vigorously, then add the proper amount as outlined via a funnel into the waterbed's fill valve. Leftover conditioner should be stored in a cool, dark location away from children and pets.


Other Treatments


In addition to the conditioner, you'll need to clean the vinyl exterior surface of the water bag using a special waterbed vinyl cleaner. To make your own, mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water, although for tougher jobs, you may need to add 1/4 cup borax. An alternative recipe is to mix three caps of a pine oil cleaning agent with a gallon of hot water, dip a towel into the solution and ring out the excess, then rub the mattress with the mixture. Also, if the waterbed has developed any foul odors, you may need to add a shock formula to the water, similar to those used in swimming pools. Because the chemicals used in shock treatments are harder to find and are more toxic, it's recommended you buy the pre-packaged products from waterbed supply companies.








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