How to Clean a Mattress: Keep Your Bed Fresh and Hygienic

You wash your sheets, pillowcases, and quilt cover, but the mattress beneath it all is easy to forget!
Did you know that a standard mattress can be home to between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites?

We don’t want to gross you out, but facts are facts!
A clean mattress means less dust, dust mites, smells, and allergens, which is good news for your health and your sleep.
We’re here to cover how to clean a mattress and keep your bed feeling fresher for longer.

Why Cleaning Your Mattress Matters

A mattress can hold onto dust, sweat, dead skin, and spills. Regular cleaning keeps your bed fresher, more hygienic, and more comfortable to sleep on.

The benefits of cleaning your mattress include

Reducing dust, allergens, and other built-up particles
Controlling odours from sweat, spills, and general use
Removing or improving the look of stains
Creating a fresher, more comfortable sleep space
Extending the life of your mattress

Basic Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To clean your mattress, you’ll need

Vacuum cleaner
Mild detergent
Enzyme-based cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide
Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda
Spray bottle
Clean cloths

How to Clean a Mattress Step-by-Step

Step 1: Remove Bedding

Strip off all bedding and throw it in the wash so you can put clean bedding back on your bed once your mattress is clean.

Step 2: Vacuum the Surface

Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, hair, and other debris from the mattress surface. Go slowly over the top and sides, paying extra attention to seams and edges.

Step 3: Tackle Stains

It’s time to spot-clean!

Before you start, it’s important to know that you should only spot-clean the stained area. Use a small amount of product, blot gently rather than scrubbing, and avoid soaking the mattress, as excessive moisture can damage the materials inside and slow drying time.

Also, patch-test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first.

Here’s how to spot-clean a mattress, depending on the stain.

Sweat Stains

Mix a small squirt of mild dishwashing liquid with one cup of water, or dilute distilled white vinegar with equal parts water. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with your chosen cleaning mixture and blot the stain. Keep working gently until the mark starts to lift, then lightly dampen another cloth with clean water and go over the area to remove any residue.

Blood Stains

Immediately blot the stain with a cloth dampened in cold water. If the stain is old or already dry, dab on a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a paste of baking soda and cold water, or an enzyme-based cleaner. Let the product sit for a short time, then blot it away with a lightly damp cloth. You may need to repeat this a few times.

Urine Stains

How to clean urine from a mattress is a question parents and pet owners commonly ask!

Act quickly and blot up as much liquid as possible first. After that, lightly spray an enzyme-based cleaner onto the affected area and leave it for the time specified on the label. Then blot the area with a clean cloth to lift excess moisture.

For older urine stains, fill a spray bottle with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Lightly spray the stained area and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Blot the area with a clean cloth to lift out the moisture.

Step 4: Allow the Mattress to Dry Completely

Make sure the mattress is completely dry after spot-cleaning stains. Any leftover moisture can lead to musty smells, mould, or mildew. Open windows, turn on fans, or use air conditioning to speed up the drying process. If possible, let sunlight and fresh air into the room.

Step 5: Neutralise Odours with Baking Soda

Once you’ve spot-cleaned any stains, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the mattress surface. Leave it there for several hours so it has time to absorb lingering odours. Then vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the baking soda.

Now you can remake your bed!

How to Maintain Mattress Hygiene Over Time

Use a mattress protector to shield your mattress from sweat, spills, and dust. Wash it regularly so it keeps doing its job properly.
Rotate your mattress every few months to help it wear more evenly and stay in better shape. Check the care instructions first, as some mattresses should not be flipped.
Air out your mattress occasionally by stripping off the bedding and opening the room’s windows for a few hours.
Vacuum your mattress every few months to remove dust, hair, and other debris.

When to Consider Professional Cleaning

Sometimes DIY cleaning just won’t cut it.

If you notice these signs, it might be time to book a professional mattress cleaning service:

Deep stains that don’t come out with spot-cleaning
Strong odours that linger after cleaning
Signs of mould or mildew
Heavy dust build-up
Pet messes, urine accidents, or large spills

FAQs

What Should I Use to Deep Clean My Mattress?

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, baking soda for odours, and a suitable spot cleaner for stains, such as a mild detergent, distilled white vinegar solution, hydrogen peroxide for blood, or an enzyme-based cleaner for urine. Use each product sparingly, avoid soaking the mattress, and always let it dry completely before putting bedding back on.

How Can I Get Rid of Yellow Stains on My Mattress?

Lightly blot the area with a cloth dampened in a mild detergent solution or a mix of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Lightly dampen another cloth with clean water and go over the area, then let it dry fully. For tougher stains, a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide may help, but always patch-test first and avoid soaking the mattress.

How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?

Give your mattress a thorough clean every 6 months, or more often if you have allergies, pets, children, or frequent spills. Regular vacuuming in between cleans can help keep dust and allergens under control.

Can I Clean My Mattress With a Steam Cleaner?

Check your mattress care label first. If the manufacturer says it’s safe, use a handheld steamer on low moisture, moving slowly while avoiding soaking the fabric.

Is Baking Soda Effective for Removing Mattress Odours?

Baking soda can help reduce mattress odours by absorbing smells and moisture. It works best for mild, everyday odours. Stronger odours may require spot cleaning or professional treatment.

Sleep Better with a Clean Mattress: Start Now!

Now you know how to clean a mattress!

A clean mattress makes your bed smell better and feel fresher and far nicer to climb into at the end of a long day.
If your mattress is badly stained, holding onto strong odours, sagging, or simply past its best, cleaning can only do so much. It might be time to get a new mattress!
Check out Mattress Resources Australia’s mattresses online to explore a range of sizes and comfort levels for different sleep preferences. Then, fill out this online form or visit your nearest Mattress Resources Australia retailer to take the next step towards better sleep.