A mattress is a big purchase, and you want to be sure to take care of it–which means keeping it clean. If you’re like most folks, you may not clean your mattress very often, or even at all. However, the unseen threat of bacteria and germs that can collect over time are definitely worth a look at, particularly if you have allergies, pets, or tend to eat in bed. A good rule of thumb is to plan on rotating your mattress twice a year, and to clean it twice a year as well. Why not kill two birds with one stone and do both at once? Cleaning a mattress may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here are our best tips for how to clean a mattress in just six steps.
How to Clean a Mattress
1. Strip Your Bed and Wash Your Bedding
You’ll want to wash your sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillowcases. This will get rid of any dust mites on the surface, and offer you a fresh bed when you're done!
2. Vacuum Your Mattress
Most vacuums come with an upholstery attachment for detail cleaning, so strap that on and get to work! Pay special attention to seams and break out the crevice attachment to get any hidden dirt or dust.
3. Spot Clean with a Stain Remover
Never soak your mattress or apply water or cleaning solution directly to it, especially if you’re working with memory foam, as the water can remain trapped inside and lead to mildew. For most stains you’re going to want to use a cleaning product that contains enzymes, which break down the sources of stains and odors, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent. Add one pump of detergent to a clean Swedish Dish Cloth, and then blot the stained area with the cloth. After that, you can apply cold water to a different clean Swedish Dish Cloth and continue blotting until the stain lifts.
4. Deodorize the Mattress with Baking Soda
Don’t be afraid to use quite a large amount, as well! For best results, leave the baking soda there for 24 hours. If you have an overnight trip coming up, that may be a good time to do it. Otherwise, try to start the mattress cleaning process first thing in the morning so the baking soda can sit for the day. The longer you can leave it, the better. If you can place the mattress near an open window, the sunlight and fresh air will add its sanitizing power as well.
5. Vacuum It Again
After the backing soda has worked its magic, remove by vacuuming it up completely.
6. Flip Your Mattress
Finish it off with a flip!
That’s all there is to it! We hope this guide has you feeling empowered to tackle cleaning a mattress, and helps you sleep better at night. There’s nothing like a clean bed to slip into, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about how to clean a mattress? We have answers!
What is the Best Thing to Use to Clean a Mattress?
The best way to clean mattress is by following our six step guide! You will need several products:
- Your favorite laundry detergent to clean your bedding
- An enzyme-based product for spot cleaning, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent
- Baking Soda
- A vacuum, ideally with an upholstery attachment
How Do You Clean a Dirty Mattress?
You can clean a mattress in six simple steps! Read our ultimate guide above to completely clean your mattress. When cleaning your mattress, it is important to be mindful of what products you use. Some materials, such as memory foam, are not supposed to get wet. Spot clean only where the mattress is stained.
Can You Actually Clean a Mattress?
Absolutely! While the process of cleaning a mattress is an all day project, you can absolutely achieve a clean mattress by the end of the day.
How Do I Get My Mattress White Again?
To get your mattress white again, spot clean stains with an enzyme-based stain removing product. Newer stains will lift more easily, while older stains may require a bit more scrubbing. To prevent stains from setting, be sure to clean your mattress regularly. You may also want to invest in a mattress protector to provide an extra layer between you and your mattress.