A mattress absorbs sweat, dust, and skin cells every night, so a regular clean helps it stay fresher and last longer. This guide covers how to clean a mattress properly, including tackling stains and odours, without soaking it through.
How Do You Clean a Mattress?
To clean a mattress, strip all bedding, vacuum the surface thoroughly, spot-treat any stains, sprinkle the whole surface with baking soda and leave for several hours to absorb moisture and odour, then vacuum it off before remaking the bed. Avoiding excess liquid is key, since a mattress can take a long time to dry fully and trapped moisture encourages mould.
What You Will Need
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- A mild detergent or upholstery cleaner, for stains
- A clean cloth
- White vinegar, for tougher stains
How to Clean a Mattress: Step by Step
1. Strip the Bedding
Remove all sheets, pillowcases, and the mattress protector if you use one, and wash them separately according to their care labels.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly
Using an upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress surface, working in overlapping sections, then pay particular attention to seams and edges where dust tends to collect.
3. Spot-Treat Stains
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water and dab gently onto stains with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the mark inward. Avoid soaking the area, since excess moisture takes a long time to dry through a thick mattress.
4. Treat Odours With Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda generously and evenly over the entire mattress surface. Leave it for several hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb moisture and odours from the material.
5. Vacuum Off the Baking Soda
Once the baking soda has had time to work, vacuum the entire surface again thoroughly to remove all residue before making the bed.
6. Let It Air Out
Leave the mattress bare for a few hours, ideally with a window open for airflow, before putting fresh sheets back on, since this helps any remaining moisture fully evaporate.
Treating Specific Stains
- Sweat stains: a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, applied lightly and blotted, works well on yellowed sweat marks.
- Blood stains: use cold water only, since hot water can set the stain permanently, and blot rather than rub.
- General spills: blot up as much liquid as possible immediately, then treat with a mild detergent solution once the bulk of the moisture is removed.
If you are also treating other soft furnishings, our guide to removing a carpet stain covers a similar approach for carpets and rugs.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
A full clean, including vacuuming and a baking soda treatment, is generally recommended every three to six months, alongside washing bedding weekly and using a removable, washable mattress protector to reduce how much dirt and moisture reaches the mattress itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my mattress fully wet to clean it?
No. A mattress takes a long time to dry through completely, and trapped moisture can encourage mould and mildew inside, so light spot treatment rather than soaking is the safer approach.
How long should baking soda sit on a mattress?
Leaving it for several hours, or ideally overnight, gives it enough time to properly absorb moisture and odours before vacuuming it away.
How often should a mattress be cleaned?
A thorough clean every three to six months is generally recommended, alongside regular vacuuming and weekly washing of bedding to keep dirt and moisture from building up.
Does a mattress protector really make a difference?
Yes. A removable, washable mattress protector significantly reduces how much sweat, dust, and spills reach the mattress itself, making deep cleaning needed less often.
Can I use a steam cleaner on a mattress?
Some mattresses can tolerate light steam cleaning, but always check the manufacturer’s care guidance first, since excess heat and moisture can damage certain foam or spring constructions.
Always check your specific mattress manufacturer’s care guidance before cleaning, since materials and recommended methods can vary between products.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and property maintenance. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
