Your mattress might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about cleaning, but it’s a crucial part of your sleep environment. A good mattress is an investment in your sleep quality and overall well-being, and learning How To Clean A Mattress is essential for protecting that investment. Just like carpets and upholstery, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, dirt, and allergens over time. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your mattress but also contributes to a healthier and more allergy-free sleep. The good news is that mattress cleaning is a straightforward process you can easily incorporate into your home cleaning routine. This guide will walk you through the best methods for effectively cleaning your mattress and keeping it fresh.
Essential Steps for Cleaning Your Mattress
1. Start by Washing Your Bedding
The first step in cleaning your mattress is to remove and wash all bedding. This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any mattress protectors or toppers. Check the care labels on your pillows to see if they are machine washable as well. Washing your bedding, especially in hot water, is crucial for eliminating dust mites and allergens. However, always adhere to the fabric care instructions to prevent shrinkage or fading. For optimal hygiene, it’s recommended to wash your sheets on a weekly basis.
2. Evaluate the Mattress Condition
Before you begin cleaning the mattress itself, take a close look to assess its condition. The cleaning approach will vary depending on whether you’re doing routine cleaning or tackling specific stains and spills. Examine the mattress for any visible stains, discoloration, odors, or areas that seem particularly dirty. Identifying these problem areas will help you focus your cleaning efforts and choose the appropriate cleaning solutions. If you notice any fresh spills or stains, it’s best to address them immediately for easier removal.
3. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand will make the mattress cleaning process more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cold Water: For blotting and stain removal.
- Baking Soda: To absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
- Cleaning Cloths or Towels: Soft rags or towels for applying cleaning solutions and blotting stains.
- Gentle Laundry Detergent (Bleach-Free and Unscented): For general cleaning and stain removal.
- Dish Soap or Enzyme Cleaner: Dish soap can be effective for general stains, while an enzyme cleaner is specifically designed for breaking down biological stains like blood, sweat, and urine.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Upholstery Attachment: Essential for removing dust, dust mites, and baking soda.
When selecting cleaning products, it’s important to choose gentle, non-harsh options to avoid damaging the mattress fabric. Strong chemicals or heavily scented products can be difficult to fully remove and may cause irritation.
4. Thoroughly Vacuum the Mattress
Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to clean the entire surface of the mattress. Pay close attention to the top, sides, and even the bottom if your mattress is flippable. Vacuuming removes surface dust, dirt, dead skin cells, and dust mites. For seams and crevices where debris can accumulate, gently stretch the fabric while vacuuming to ensure thorough cleaning. Vacuuming is a critical step in routine mattress maintenance and should be done regularly, even without visible stains.
5. Spot Clean Any Stains
After vacuuming, focus on any stains or discolored areas you identified earlier. Follow these steps for effective spot cleaning:
- Apply Cleaning Solution to a Cloth: Never pour cleaning solution directly onto the mattress. Instead, apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution to a clean cloth.
- Blot the Stain Gently: Gently blot the stained area with the damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and damage the fabric. Work from the outside of the stain inwards.
- Rinse with Cold Water: Dampen a separate clean cloth with cold water. Blot the cleaned area to remove any cleaning solution residue.
- Repeat if Needed: If the stain persists, repeat the blotting process with cleaning solution and water until the stain is removed or significantly lightened.
Remember to use cleaning solutions sparingly to prevent oversaturation of the mattress. Excess moisture can damage the inner materials and lead to mold growth.
Choosing the Right Stain Remover:
- Enzyme Cleaner: Best for biological stains like blood, urine, sweat, vomit, and other bodily fluids. Enzyme cleaners contain enzymes that break down these organic materials.
- Dish Soap Solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water to create suds. Use only the suds on a cloth to blot general stains.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: For tougher stains, a 1:1 solution of cold water and hydrogen peroxide can be effective. Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor your mattress fabric.
You may need to try different solutions depending on the stain type and severity. Always blot gently and be patient, as stain removal can take time and multiple attempts.
6. Deodorize with Baking Soda
Once you’ve spot-cleaned stains and allowed the mattress to air dry completely, it’s time to deodorize and further freshen it up with baking soda. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and moisture absorber, helping to eliminate any lingering odors and draw out any remaining dampness.
Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least a few hours, or ideally, for the entire day. For maximum effectiveness, open your bedroom windows to increase airflow and ventilation while the baking soda works its magic.
7. Vacuum Up the Baking Soda
After allowing sufficient time for the baking soda to absorb odors and moisture, thoroughly vacuum it up using the upholstery attachment again. Ensure you remove all baking soda residue from the mattress surface. If your mattress was particularly dirty or had strong odors, you can repeat the baking soda application and vacuuming process for enhanced freshening. However, for routine cleaning, a single application is usually sufficient.
8. Flip and Clean the Other Side
If your mattress is flippable, turn it over and repeat steps 4 through 7 on the other side. While the underside may not have visible stains, it still accumulates dust and allergens. Cleaning both sides ensures a thoroughly fresh and hygienic mattress. If your mattress is not designed to be flipped, you can still clean the underside by carefully lifting or tilting the mattress to access and vacuum it. Be cautious when moving heavy mattresses and avoid applying excessive pressure.
Cleaning Memory Foam Mattresses
The process for cleaning a memory foam mattress is largely the same as outlined above. However, it’s especially important to minimize moisture when cleaning memory foam, as it can be more susceptible to water damage and take longer to dry. Use cleaning solutions very sparingly and ensure the mattress is completely dry before remaking the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Cleaning
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
It’s generally recommended to deep clean your mattress every six months. However, you should spot clean any spills or stains immediately as they occur. Using a quality mattress protector can significantly reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning by preventing stains and allergen buildup. Regular cleaning is a key part of mattress care and helps extend its lifespan.
When is the Best Time to Clean Your Mattress?
Since the mattress cleaning process, especially with baking soda, can take several hours, it’s best to clean your mattress in the morning. This allows ample time for the baking soda to work and for the mattress to dry completely before bedtime. Alternatively, cleaning the mattress the day before a trip is another convenient option, allowing the baking soda to sit overnight without disrupting your sleep schedule.
How Can You Protect Your Mattress Long-Term?
Protecting your mattress is just as important as cleaning it. Here are key ways to keep your mattress in good condition:
- Use a Mattress Protector: A waterproof and breathable mattress protector is your first line of defense against spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens.
- Use a Mattress Pad: A quality mattress pad adds an extra layer of cushioning and protection, absorbing some of the wear and tear and keeping the mattress cleaner.
- Wash Bedding Regularly: Weekly washing of sheets and other bedding significantly reduces the transfer of dirt and allergens to the mattress.
- Avoid Eating and Drinking in Bed: Preventing food and drink spills in bed minimizes the risk of stains and the need for spot cleaning.
By following these mattress cleaning and protection tips, you can ensure a cleaner, fresher, and more hygienic sleep environment for years to come.
Still have questions? Ask our community!
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Written By
Lauren Fountain, Senior Product Editor
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
