Your mattress is one of the most used items in your home, but it’s also one of the most overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and during that time our mattresses accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, spills, stains, and sometimes even odors. While changing sheets helps, it’s not enough to keep your sleeping environment completely fresh.
But the good news is that you don’t need to buy expensive equipment or hire a professional to clean your mattress. With the right techniques and some common household items, you can keep your mattress fresh, stain-free, and long-lasting. This guide gives you all the information you need about mattress cleaning, step-by-step.
Why Cleaning Your Mattress Is Important
Before we get to the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Cleaning your mattress isn’t just about looks – it’s about health, cleanliness and comfort.
- Dust mites and allergens
Mattresses are a breeding ground for dust mites and allergens. If you’ve ever woken up with a stuffy nose or itchy skin, your mattress may be the culprit. - Stains and odors
Spills from beverages, sweat or pet accidents can leave unpleasant stains and odors. Over time, these can be difficult to remove. - Mattress longevity
Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear. A well-maintained mattress can last many years longer than a neglected one.
How often should you clean a mattress?
Ideally, you should:
Vacuum your mattress once a month.
Deep clean your mattress every 6 months.
Spot-clean any spills or stains immediately.
Now that you know why this is important, let’s get to the actual process.
What You Need
Most of what you need is already in your home:
Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
Baking soda
Mild dish soap or enzyme cleaner
White vinegar (optional)
A spray bottle
Clean cloths or towels
A sieve or fine mesh strainer
Hydrogen peroxide (for tough stains)
Essential oils (optional for freshening)
Step-by-step guide: How to clean a mattress
Step 1: Take off the bed linens
Remove all bedding — sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, etc. Wash them separately in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria. While your bedding is in the washing machine, you can start working on the mattress.
Step 2: Vacuum the mattress thoroughly
Use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to remove loose dust, dead skin, pet hair, and other debris. Be sure to vacuum:
The top surface
The edges
Any joints or crevices where dirt can accumulate
Take your time in this step. Vacuuming thoroughly lays the foundation for the rest of the cleaning.
Step 3: Spot-clean stains
Most stains on mattresses are either protein-based (sweat, blood, urine) or oil-based (skin oils, lotions). The trick is to spot-clean them gently without getting the mattress wet.
For fresh stains:
Dab the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Add a little dish soap to cool water.
Dab (don’t rub!) the stain with the cloth dipped in the soapy water.
Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap.
Let it air dry.
For dry or stubborn stains:
Mix a spray solution of:
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
3 tablespoons baking soda
A few drops of dish soap
Lightly spray the stained area.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Wipe with a clean cloth and let it air dry.
Note: Try any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda
Once the stains have been treated, it’s time to freshen them up. Baking soda is great at absorbing odors and moisture.
Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.
If you like, add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or eucalyptus) to the baking soda before sprinkling.
Leave it on for at least 8 hours – the longer, the better.
Vacuum the mattress thoroughly again to remove all baking soda residue.
Step 5: Air out your mattress
If possible, take your mattress outside and place it in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps kill bacteria and remove moisture. If airing out isn’t possible, simply open the windows and let fresh air flow into your bedroom.
Step 6: Protect your mattress
After cleaning, this is the best time to put a mattress protector on. These covers prevent new stains, dust, and allergens from reaching the surface of the mattress. Washable protectors are a small investment that can save you time and effort later.
Bonus: How to handle specific types of mattresses
Not all mattresses are the same. Here are some tips based on your mattress type:
Memory foam
Avoid soaking it in water. Spot-clean only.
Never use a steam cleaner – they can damage the foam structure.
Innerspring or hybrid
These can handle vacuuming and baking soda well.
If it has a pillow top, spot-clean stains with a gentle hand.
Latex
Use mild soap and as little water as possible.
Latex naturally resists dust mites and mold, but it’s a good idea to clean it regularly.
How to prevent a mattress from getting dirty
Prevention is better than cure! Here are some simple habits to keep your mattress clean for a long time:
Always use a mattress protector.
Avoid eating or drinking on the bed.
Rotate or flip your mattress every 3-6 months (if your mattress allows).
Don’t let pets on the bed – or use a separate blanket for them to lay on.
Wash the bed every week to prevent dirt and skin cells from building up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Cleaning
Q: Can I steam clean my mattress?
A: It depends. Steam kills germs, but excessive moisture can damage foam mattresses. If you use steam, use it sparingly and let the mattress dry thoroughly.
Q: What if my mattress smells musty?
A: This is often caused by moisture. Use baking soda, vacuum thoroughly and place it in the sun if possible. Consider placing moisture absorbents under the bed.
Q: Is vacuuming enough?
Answer: Vacuuming removes surface dirt, but not stains or odors. It’s just one part of the overall cleaning process.
Final Thoughts
Your mattress is your nighttime sanctuary – a place where your body should rest, relax and feel safe. But if it’s harboring allergens, stains and odors, it can affect your sleep and your health more than you realize.
The good news? Cleaning a mattress doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With regular maintenance and the easy steps above, you can enjoy a fresh and clean bed for years to come.
So go ahead – take a day this weekend to give your mattress some love. Trust me, you’ll sleep better knowing you’re laying on a clean and healthy surface.