Quick Answer: Strip bedding, vacuum the entire mattress surface, spot-treat stains with baking soda and mild dish soap, then sprinkle baking soda over the whole surface for 30 minutes before vacuuming again. Do this every 3-6 months. For odours, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.
Knowing how to clean a mattress properly can extend its lifespan by years and improve your sleep quality. Between sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, and the occasional spill, your mattress collects more than you might want to think about.
This step-by-step guide covers everything from routine maintenance to deep cleaning and stain removal, with no professional equipment needed.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
As a general rule:
- Every 2 weeks: Strip and wash all bedding in hot water
- Every 3 months: Vacuum the mattress surface
- Every 6 months: Deep clean with baking soda treatment
- Immediately: Treat any spills or stains as soon as they happen
Using a quality mattress protector reduces the frequency of deep cleaning needed.
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean Your Mattress
Step 1: Strip the Bed Completely
Remove all sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and toppers. Wash everything in hot water (at least 55 degrees Celsius) to kill dust mites. If you have a down duvet, wash that separately according to care instructions.
Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Mattress
Using your vacuum upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire surface of the mattress in overlapping strokes. Pay extra attention to seams, edges, and crevices where dust, dead skin, and dust mites collect. Vacuum the sides and corners too.
Step 3: Spot-Treat Stains
Different stains need different treatments:
Sweat and yellow stains: Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (3%), and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Apply to the stain with a cloth, let sit 15 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth.
Blood stains: Use cold water only as hot water sets blood stains. Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, let it fizz, then blot with a cold damp cloth. Repeat until the stain lifts.
Urine stains: Spray with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let sit 10 minutes, then blot dry. Follow with the baking soda treatment in Step 4.
Coffee or tea: Blot immediately with cold water and a clean cloth. Apply a small amount of dish soap mixed with cold water, blot, and repeat until clear.
Step 4: Baking Soda Deodorizing Treatment
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. For extra freshness, mix 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours. The baking soda absorbs moisture and odours.
Step 5: Vacuum Again
Thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda. Make multiple passes to ensure none remains in the fabric.
Step 6: Air Out the Mattress
If possible, open windows or use a fan to circulate air around the mattress. UV sunlight is a natural sanitizer, so if you can position the mattress near a sunny window, that helps eliminate remaining bacteria. Allow the mattress to air out for at least an hour before remaking the bed.
Step 7: Flip or Rotate
If you have a flippable mattress, this is a good time to flip it. For one-sided mattresses, rotate 180 degrees so the head end moves to the foot. This promotes even wear. See our full flipping guide.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning a Mattress
- Never soak your mattress. Excess moisture can cause mould growth inside foam layers. Always blot, never pour or saturate.
- Never use bleach. It can damage fabric and foam, and the fumes are harmful in an enclosed bedroom.
- Never use a steam cleaner on memory foam. The heat and moisture can break down foam cells and void your warranty.
- Never dry in direct intense heat. Avoid using a hairdryer on high heat or placing the mattress in direct summer sun for extended periods.
Dealing with Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells. They are in every home and are one of the most common triggers for indoor allergies. To minimize dust mites:
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water (55 degrees Celsius minimum)
- Use a mattress protector with an allergen barrier
- Keep bedroom humidity below 50%
- Vacuum the mattress every 1-3 months
- Consider hypoallergenic pillows like Natura organic pillows
When Cleaning Is Not Enough: Time for a New Mattress
If your mattress has persistent odours, visible sagging, or stains that will not come out, it may be time for a replacement. Most mattresses last 7-10 years. Visit Mattress Miracle in Brantford to try mattresses in person. We carry everything from hybrids to firm mattresses to suit every sleep style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?
Steam cleaning is not recommended for memory foam or hybrid mattresses. The heat and moisture can break down foam layers and promote mould growth. For innerspring mattresses, low-moisture steam cleaning can work but should be done sparingly and the mattress must dry completely before use.
How do I get the smell of urine out of a mattress?
Spray the area with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, let sit for 10 minutes, then blot dry. Cover generously with baking soda and leave for several hours or overnight. Vacuum thoroughly. For persistent odours, repeat the process or use an enzyme-based pet odour cleaner.
Does baking soda really clean a mattress?
Baking soda is excellent for absorbing moisture and neutralizing odours. It draws out trapped moisture and deodorizes the surface. However, it does not sanitize or kill bacteria on its own. For deeper cleaning, combine baking soda with spot-treatment of stains using appropriate cleaning solutions.
How do I prevent mattress stains?
Use a waterproof mattress protector. Modern protectors are thin, breathable, and silent. A good protector blocks all liquids while allowing air to circulate, keeping your mattress clean and your warranty valid.
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
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441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
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