How to Clean a Mattress
Freshen your mattress with a thorough vacuum, targeted spot-cleaning, and a baking soda deodorizing treatment, then keep it clean with a few easy habits.
Even with sheets and a mattress protector, your mattress collects dust, sweat, and body oils over time. A thorough cleaning every few months keeps it smelling fresher and can help it stay in good shape longer. Plan to start in the morning so it has all day to air out.
Strip and Wash the Bedding
Remove all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and the mattress protector. Wash them following their care labels, using the warmest water each item allows. While they’re in the laundry, you have time to work on the mattress itself. This is also a good moment to check the protector for tears or worn waterproof backing, since a damaged one won’t keep spills and sweat from soaking through.
Vacuum Every Surface
- Fit your vacuum with a clean upholstery attachment.
- Go over the entire top surface in slow, overlapping rows.
- Use the crevice tool along seams, piping, and any tufted areas, where dust and debris collect.
- Vacuum the sides, and the underside too if you can lift the mattress safely with a helper.
Spot-Clean Stains
Check the manufacturer’s label or website first. Some mattresses, especially memory foam, shouldn’t get very wet. Use as little liquid as possible, and always blot rather than scrub.
- Sweat or general marks: dampen a cloth with cool water and a few drops of mild dish soap, then blot.
- Urine, blood, or other biological stains: use an enzyme cleaner and cool water. Hot water can set protein-based stains.
- Lingering yellow stains: a little 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cloth may help on light-colored covers. Test it on a hidden spot first.
After treating a spot, blot with a cloth dampened in plain water to rinse, then press with a dry towel to absorb moisture. Never mix different cleaners together, since some combinations release harmful fumes.
Deodorize With Baking Soda
- Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda across the whole surface.
- Let it sit for several hours. Longer is better, and sunlight from a nearby window can help freshen the fabric.
- Vacuum it all up thoroughly with the upholstery attachment, going over the surface twice.
Dry It and Remake the Bed
Make sure the mattress is completely dry before you put the bedding back on, since trapped moisture can lead to mildew and odors. Open windows or run a fan to speed things up. If your mattress is designed to be flipped, flip it now. Otherwise, rotate it head to foot to even out wear. If a strong odor or a large stain remains after cleaning, a professional upholstery cleaner can do a deeper treatment without overwetting the foam.
Simple Habits for a Fresher Bed
- Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector and launder it regularly.
- Wash sheets weekly, or more often in hot weather.
- Vacuum the mattress every few months.
- Pull back the covers for a while in the morning to let the bed air out before making it.
