Quick Answer: To clean a mattress: vacuum monthly, spot-clean stains immediately with cold water and mild detergent, deodorise with baking soda, and allow full drying before remaking the bed. Use a waterproof mattress protector to prevent most staining in the first place. Rotate (not flip, unless double-sided) every 3–6 months to even out wear. Never soak a mattress with liquid — damp foam develops mildew.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Routine Maintenance
Most mattress care is preventive. A few simple habits significantly extend mattress life and keep it hygienic:
- Vacuum monthly. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove dust, dead skin cells and dust mite debris from the mattress surface and sides. Work in overlapping strips for full coverage. Pay particular attention to seams and edges where debris accumulates.
- Air it out. When you change sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for 30–60 minutes if possible. This allows moisture from body sweat to evaporate and reduces the humid environment that dust mites prefer.
- Strip and wash sheets weekly. Sheets act as the first barrier between your body and the mattress. Clean sheets reduce the amount of oils, sweat and skin cells that reach the mattress surface.
- Keep pets off the bed or wash sheets more frequently if pets sleep with you. Pet dander, hair and occasional accidents accelerate mattress soiling.
- Wash the mattress protector monthly. The protector catches most of what would otherwise reach the mattress. Wash it regularly to keep it working.
Stain Removal Guide
The golden rule of mattress stain removal: act immediately, use minimal liquid, and allow full drying before recovering the mattress. Liquid that soaks into mattress foam creates ideal conditions for mould and mildew. Less is more.
General Stain Removal Method
- Blot (don't rub) the stain immediately to absorb as much liquid as possible
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with cold water
- Apply sparingly with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain toward the centre
- Blot with a dry cloth to absorb the cleaning solution
- Rinse with a cloth barely dampened in cold water
- Blot dry and allow to air dry completely before replacing sheets or protector
- Speed up drying with a fan or low-heat hair dryer held at distance
Blood Stains
Cold water only. Hot water sets blood stains permanently in fabric. Blot with cold water immediately. For dried blood stains, a paste of meat tenderiser (papain enzyme) and cold water applied for 30 minutes before blotting can help break down the proteins. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) applied sparingly also works on blood but can bleach darker mattress fabrics — test on a hidden area first.
Urine Stains
Common with children and pets. Act fast: blot as much liquid as possible first. Apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and cold water, then blot. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and allow to sit for several hours (or overnight) before vacuuming. The baking soda absorbs remaining moisture and neutralises odour. A waterproof mattress protector prevents this scenario entirely.
Sweat Stains (Yellow Discolouration)
Yellow mattress staining from body oils and sweat is common but largely preventable with a protector. For existing stains, mix liquid dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the stain, allow to sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to dry. Multiple treatments may be needed for older stains.
Coffee, Wine and Food Stains
Cold water blotting immediately, followed by mild dish soap solution. Club soda works well on wine — the carbonation helps lift the stain. Avoid scrubbing, which spreads the stain and drives it deeper into the fabric.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "The number of warranty claims we've seen declined because of a stain issue is significant. A $30 mattress protector prevents a situation where a legitimate warranty claim gets denied because of visible staining. It's the single best investment you can make right after buying a new mattress."
Odour Control
Mattress odours come from accumulated sweat, body oils, and in some cases the off-gassing of new foam. Baking soda is the most effective and safest deodoriser for mattresses.
Baking soda treatment:
- Strip the mattress completely
- Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire top surface
- For added effect, mix a few drops of essential oil (lavender is common) with the baking soda before applying
- Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes; several hours is more effective
- Vacuum thoroughly, removing all the baking soda
For new mattress off-gassing (the chemical smell from new foam), the solution is simply ventilation: leave the mattress uncovered in a well-ventilated room for 24–72 hours. The smell dissipates naturally. See our memory foam guide for more on off-gassing.
Rotating vs Flipping
Rotating a mattress means turning it 180 degrees horizontally (head becomes foot). This evens out body impression wear over time and is recommended every 3–6 months for most mattresses.
Flipping means turning the mattress over so the sleeping surface is now on the bottom. Most modern mattresses are one-sided and cannot be flipped — the comfort layer is on top and the support layer is on the bottom. Flipping a one-sided mattress means sleeping on the support layer, which is uncomfortable and provides no benefit.
Double-sided (flippable) mattresses can and should be both rotated and flipped. Sleep In mattresses, which we carry in our Brantford showroom, are double-sided Canadian-made mattresses designed to be flipped for extended life. If you have a Sleep In mattress, flipping it every 3–6 months and rotating with each flip gives you the maximum lifespan from the product.
Rotation Schedule for Common Mattresses
| Mattress Type | Rotation Frequency | Flippable? |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam (one-sided) | Every 3–6 months | No |
| Latex (one-sided) | Every 3–6 months | No |
| Hybrid / innerspring (one-sided) | Every 3–6 months | No |
| Sleep In (double-sided) | Every 3–6 months | Yes — flip and rotate |
| Restonic Revive Reflections ET (double-sided) | Every 3–6 months | Yes |
When to Replace Instead of Clean
Some situations call for a new mattress rather than cleaning:
- Body impressions deeper than 1–1.5 inches that don't spring back
- Sagging or visible structural damage to the support core
- Persistent mould or mildew odour that doesn't respond to treatment
- Significant infestation of bed bugs (treatment possible but mattress replacement often recommended)
- The mattress is over 8–10 years old and causing morning pain
For disposing of an old mattress in Ontario, see our mattress disposal guide.
Prevention: The Mattress Protector
Most of what this article covers — stain removal, odour treatment, urine cleaning — becomes largely irrelevant if you use a quality waterproof mattress protector from day one. The protector catches everything before it reaches the mattress: liquids, sweat, body oils, allergens. You wash the protector monthly, and the mattress stays clean and warranty-valid underneath.
See our complete guide to mattress protectors and toppers for more detail on choosing the right one.
White Glove Delivery and Setup
Our white glove delivery service at Mattress Miracle includes professional setup and positioning. One thing our team always mentions when setting up a new mattress: have the protector ready to go on immediately. A new mattress without a protector is vulnerable from the first night. It costs nothing extra to be prepared. If you're picking up in store, we can add a protector to your purchase at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my mattress?
Vacuum monthly as routine maintenance. Do a full baking soda treatment every 3–6 months, ideally when you rotate the mattress. Spot-clean stains immediately as they occur. If you use a mattress protector and wash it monthly, your mattress itself will rarely need deep cleaning.
Can I use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner on a mattress?
Steam cleaners are sometimes recommended for mattresses, but introduce significant moisture that can be difficult to fully dry from mattress foam. If you use steam, work quickly, use minimal steam, and allow at least 24 hours of air-drying before putting sheets on. Wet/dry carpet cleaners are generally not recommended for mattresses because the amount of water they use risks mould growth in the foam. Upholstery attachments on low-moisture carpet cleaners are safer.
How do I get the smell out of a new mattress?
New mattress smell (off-gassing) comes from volatile organic compounds in the foam. Ventilate the room well for the first 24–72 hours by opening windows. Leave the mattress uncovered during this time. The smell dissipates naturally. CertiPUR-US certified foams have restricted VOC levels and generally off-gas faster. Baking soda treatment can help with residual odour after initial ventilation.
Should I flip or rotate my mattress?
Most modern mattresses should be rotated (head to foot) but not flipped. Only double-sided mattresses should be flipped. Flipping a one-sided mattress means sleeping on the support layer, which is firmer and doesn't have the comfort layer. Check your mattress documentation — double-sided (flippable) mattresses will explicitly state it. When in doubt, rotate only.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
If your current mattress has reached the end of its useful life and cleaning isn't the answer, come see what we carry. We've been helping Brantford families find the right mattress since 1987 and can walk you through the options at your budget.
Related Reading
- Mattress Protectors and Toppers: Complete Canadian Guide
- How to Dispose of an Old Mattress in Ontario
- Mattress Buying Guide: Warranties, Trials and Negotiating Prices
- Bed Bugs and Allergens: How to Protect Your Mattress
- Memory Foam Mattress Explained: Pros, Cons and What to Know
Sources
- Asthma Canada. (2023). Dust mite control and mattress care. asthma.ca
- Health Canada. (2023). Indoor allergens and bedroom hygiene. canada.ca
- CertiPUR-US. (2024). VOC standards and off-gassing in certified foams. certipur.us
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (2023). Dust mite avoidance guidelines. aaaai.org
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle — 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.