Knowing how to clean a mattress is essential if you wish to make it last and ensure a healthy sleeping environment. By following these easy steps to clean your mattress regularly, you can extend its life and enjoy a restful night’s sleep again and again.
Gather Cleaning Supplies
The first step to cleaning your mattress is to ensure you’re prepared for the project.
To clean your mattress effectively, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- Vacuum Cleaner: Key for removing dust, dirt, and allergens from the mattress surface effectively
- Baking Soda: For deodorizing the mattress and absorbing moisture and odors
- Dish Soap: Helps spot-clean stains on the mattress surface
- Cold water: Ideal for diluting cleaning solutions and treating stains without damaging the mattress fabric
- Spray bottle: Useful for applying cleaning solutions evenly on stains
- Handheld steam cleaner: An optional tool for deeper mattress sanitizing
Having these cleaning supplies ready will ensure a thorough cleaning process, from removing surface debris to tackling tough stains and odors.
Strip the Bed & Wash Bedding
To clean your mattress effectively, start by stripping the bed completely. This means taking off all:
- Sheets
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Mattress protectors
By doing this, you make sure every part of the mattress is exposed and can be cleaned thoroughly without anything in the way.
After stripping the bedding, wash it all in hot water. Using hot water is important because the heat from the hot water helps to kill dust mites and remove allergens effectively. Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in warm, humid places. So, when you wash your bedding at a high temperature, you not only eliminate these pests but also remove any allergens that could disrupt your sleep. Remember, a clean bed starts with clean bedding.
Large blankets and comforters may be too much for your home washer, so taking them to a laundry facility or even a dry cleaner may be your best option. This is simple to do when switching from winter bedding in the winter to lighter bedding in the warmer months of the year.
Vacuum the Mattress Surface
To keep your mattress clean and free from allergens, vacuum the surface regularly.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Prepare your vacuum cleaner: Attach an upholstery attachment suitable for mattresses
- Start at the top: Begin vacuuming from the head of the mattress and move downwards in parallel lines
- Use overlapping strokes: Overlap each stroke slightly to ensure no area is left untouched
- Pay attention to seams and crevices: Dust and hair often hide in these areas, so be thorough while vacuuming them
- Consider using a HEPA filter: If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and smaller particles effectively
By following these simple steps, you can effectively remove dust, dirt, hair, and other debris from your mattress surface, contributing to a healthier sleeping space.
Spot-Clean Mattress Stains With Baking Soda & Dish Soap Solution
Stains on a mattress can happen anytime—accidents, spills, or even sweat marks. Tackling these spots quickly prevents them from setting in and keeps your mattress looking fresh.
Here’s how to spot-clean mattress stains:
- Identify the type of stain: Protein-based stains (like blood or sweat) respond well to cold water and enzyme cleaners, but for oil-based stains (like makeup or body oils), mild dish soap works wonders
- Create a gentle cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with cold water and be sure to avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the fabric or foam inside
- Apply carefully: Dampen a clean cloth with your solution and gently blot the stain—never rub—as this can push the stain deeper
- Rinse and dry: Use another cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue, then blot dry with a towel
Deodorize With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize unpleasant smells without harsh chemicals. It also absorbs moisture that can lead to mildew or mold growth. This step is important for refreshing your mattress by removing lingering smells and moisture.
Here’s how to clean a mattress using baking soda as a deodorizer:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the entire surface of the mattress
- Rub the baking soda into the fabric using circular motions to ensure it penetrates deeply
- Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least a few hours, ideally overnight, to allow it to absorb moisture and odors effectively
- Vacuum the mattress surface thoroughly using an upholstery attachment to remove all the baking soda residue
Remember that baking soda is not only useful for spot cleaning but also serves as an excellent laundry aid when combined with vinegar, as explained in this Tide guide.
Air Dry the Mattress Completely
It’s crucial to let the mattress air dry completely before putting the bedding back on. Proper air drying helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. And, ensuring the mattress is thoroughly dried contributes to overall cleanliness and longevity.
Mold and mildew growth can also have a negative effect on the mattress and your health. This simple yet essential step ensures that your sleeping surface remains fresh, clean, and free from allergens.
Flip or Rotate the Mattress Regularly
Flipping or rotating your mattress regularly helps even out wear and maintain its support over time. This prevents sagging and indentations that can develop from sleeping in the same spot night after night.
How often to flip or rotate your mattress
- Aim to flip or rotate your mattress every 3 to 6 months
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean a mattress, especially for memory foam or pillow-top mattresses, as some are designed to be rotated only, not flipped
Flipping vs. rotating your mattress
- Flip: Turn the mattress upside down so the bottom side becomes the top
- Rotate: Spin the mattress 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot
Mattress types & care
- Innerspring and traditional mattresses usually benefit from flipping
- Memory foam, latex, and pillow-top mattresses typically require rotation only because flipping can damage their layers
Keeping this routine supports long-term comfort and extends your mattress’s life by distributing pressure evenly.
Use Mattress Protectors for Added Protection
Mattress protectors also offer some added protection. They can prevent spills from becoming stains and keep dust mites and other allergens from making your mattress their permanent home.
Advantages of using waterproof mattress protectors
- Safeguarding against spills: A mattress protector acts as a barrier, preventing liquids from seeping into the mattress and causing stains or damage
- Protection against dust mites and allergens: Waterproof protectors create a hypoallergenic surface that slows the growth of dust mites and reduces exposure to allergens, promoting a healthier sleep environment
- Preventing bed bugs: By encasing the mattress in a protective cover, it becomes more challenging for bed bugs to infest and thrive within the mattress layers, enhancing overall mattress hygiene and longevity
There are a variety of mattress covers available, and many add comfort to your mattress along with making how to clean a mattress easier, and requiring it less often.
Additionally, if you’re storing a mattress for any length of time, or if it sits unused in a guest bedroom, consider a mattress bag that offers full protection from dust and the elements. Just remember to remove the cover when the mattress is needed.
Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Keeping your mattress in top shape means sticking to a consistent cleaning routine. This helps preserve its quality and ensures a fresh, healthy sleeping environment for years to come.
Here’s how to maintain regular mattress cleaning:
- Vacuum monthly: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and allergens that settle on the surface
- Deep clean twice a year: Follow the easy steps to clean your mattress outlined here: strip bedding, spot-clean stains, deodorize with baking soda, and air dry thoroughly
- Address spills immediately: Quick action prevents stains from setting in and stops odors from developing
- Check for odors or dust buildup regularly: A sniff test or visual inspection can alert you when it’s time for another cleaning session
This steady approach reduces allergens, limits pest risks, and keeps your mattress feeling fresh without overwhelming effort. Regular care reinforces the benefits achieved through deeper cleaning sessions and extends the life of your mattress.
Additional Tips On How to Clean a Mattress
- Clean pillows regularly: Don’t forget about your pillows. Washing them every 3 to 6 months can help reduce allergens and extend their lifespan, contributing to a healthier sleep environment.
- Replace your mattress every 8 years: While mattresses are designed to last, it’s essential to replace them every 8 years to ensure proper support and hygiene. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust mites, allergens, and wear that can affect your sleep quality.
By incorporating these additional tips into your mattress care routine, you can create a cleaner, healthier sleep environment, and maximize the longevity of your mattress.
