We spend hours sleeping every day, yet we often forget to clean the one thing we rest on – our mattress. While changing bed sheets may be part of your routine, cleaning the mattress is just as important. Over time, dust, sweat, skin flakes, food crumbs, and even allergens or tiny pests like dust mites accumulate on the mattress. A dirty mattress can affect your sleep quality and even your health.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to properly clean your mattress using basic supplies you probably already have at home. Let’s get started.

Why should you clean your mattress?

There are many good reasons to make mattress cleaning a habit:

Better air and hygiene: A clean mattress helps reduce breathing problems caused by dust or allergens.

Healthier sleep: Removing odors, dirt, and bacteria helps you sleep better.

Longer lifespan: Taking care of your mattress prevents it from wearing out and makes it last longer.

Comfort: A fresh-smelling and stain-free mattress just feels good.

Now that you know why this is important, let’s look at how to do it.

Step 1: Remove all bedding

Start by completely stripping your bed. Remove sheets, pillowcases, mattress cover and blankets. Put everything in the laundry and wash in hot water if the care label allows. Hot water helps kill dust mites and remove deep-set dirt.

Step 2: Vacuum the mattress surface

Once the bedding is vacuumed, vacuum the top, sides and corners of the mattress using the brush or upholstery tool on your vacuum. This removes loose dust, pet hair, food crumbs and other dry debris.

Pay special attention to the seams and edges – dirt often accumulates in those areas. Doing this regularly also prevents buildup.

Step 3: Remove stains with gentle cleaning solutions

If your mattress has any stains—whether from sweat, food, or an accident—you’ll need to pretreat those areas.

Here’s how:

Add a small amount of liquid dish soap to warm water.

Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water and dab it gently onto the stain.

Don’t rub too hard; instead, wipe the stain until it’s removed.

Use a second damp cloth dipped in clean water to wipe away the soap.

For more stubborn stains:

Use a paste of baking soda and water, or

Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide, mild detergent, and baking soda. Spray lightly onto the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe dry with a cloth.

Important: Never soak the mattress. Use only a small amount of liquid to avoid moisture buildup that can lead to mold.

Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda

After cleaning the stains, freshen your mattress using baking soda. Sprinkle a light but even layer over the surface. This helps to absorb odors, moisture, and leftover oils.

Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper clean, let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

Tip: You can add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the baking soda for a nice scent.

Step 5: Vacuum again

Now it’s time to vacuum the mattress a second time to remove the baking soda. Make sure all the powder and absorbed residue is removed. Use this opportunity to vacuum the sides and edges of the mattress one more time.

Step 6: Let it air out

After cleaning, let the mattress air out for a few hours. Open windows, turn on a fan, or place the mattress near fresh air if possible. Sunlight and airflow help eliminate odors and remaining moisture.

Step 7: Rotate or Flip the Mattress

If your mattress is made to be flipped or rotated, this is the best time to do so.

Rotate: Turn it 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot.

Flip: If your mattress has two usable sides, flip it completely.

This spreads wear evenly and increases the lifespan of the mattress. Always check the care tag or manufacturer’s guide before flipping.

Step 8: Use a Clean Mattress Cover

After cleaning and airing out your mattress, cover it with a new, clean mattress protector. This thin cover adds a layer of protection from spills, dust, and allergens. It’s washable and much easier to clean than the mattress itself.

How often should you clean your mattress?

Light vacuuming: Once every month

Deep cleaning: Every 6 months

Spot treatment: As soon as stains appear

Deodorizing: Every few months, or when your mattress starts to smell

Maintaining a schedule makes mattress care easier and can prevent long-term damage or build-up.

Tips to keep your mattress clean for a long time

Use a mattress protector

Avoid eating on the bed

Don’t let pets on the bed

Change sheets weekly

Air out your mattress when changing sheets

These little habits go a long way in keeping your sleeping space fresh and healthy.