Clean your mattress every 3-6 months: vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment, deodorize with baking soda (sprinkle, wait 30 minutes, vacuum), and spot-clean stains with a mild solution of dish soap and cold water. Never soak a mattress. For stubborn stains, use an enzyme-based cleaner. A waterproof mattress protector prevents most issues and is the single best maintenance investment.
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Routine Cleaning (Every 3-6 Months)
Step 1: Strip the bed. Remove all bedding, mattress protector, and pillows.
Step 2: Vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. Go over the entire surface, sides, and crevices. This removes dust mites, dead skin cells, and debris.
Step 3: Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface. For extra freshness, mix in a few drops of lavender essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling. Let sit for 30-60 minutes (longer for stronger odours). Vacuum thoroughly.
Step 4: Air out. Open windows if possible. Let the mattress breathe for a few hours before remaking the bed. In Canadian summer, a fan helps. In winter, even 30 minutes of fresh air helps.
Stain Removal Guide
Stain Solutions by Type
Blood: Use cold water only (hot sets protein stains). Dab with cold water and a few drops of dish soap. For dried blood, make a paste of salt, cornstarch, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply, let dry, scrape off, vacuum.
Urine: Blot excess immediately. Spray with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. Blot dry. Sprinkle baking soda, let dry completely, vacuum. For persistent odour, use an enzyme-based pet stain cleaner (the enzymes break down uric acid).
Sweat/yellowing: Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 
2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 drop dish soap. Spray on stain, let sit 30 minutes, blot with damp cloth.
Coffee/tea: Blot immediately. Apply cold water with white vinegar. Blot dry. Repeat as needed.
Prevention Is Better Than Cleaning
The Mattress Protector Is Non-Negotiable
A quality waterproof mattress protector ($30-60) prevents 95% of mattress cleaning needs. It blocks sweat, spills, skin oils, and allergens from reaching the mattress. It also preserves your warranty (most manufacturers void warranties for stained mattresses). Wash the protector monthly. Replace it every 2-3 years. At Mattress Miracle, we consider the protector the most important accessory and recommend buying one with every mattress.
Canadian Climate Considerations
Canadian homes with forced-air heating create dry winter air, which is actually good for mattress hygiene (dust mites prefer humidity). In humid summer months, use a dehumidifier in the bedroom to keep humidity below 50%, which inhibits dust mite growth. At Mattress Miracle, we always recommend mattress protectors and can suggest options that work well year-round in Brantford climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam clean my mattress?
Steam cleaning kills dust mites and bacteria but introduces moisture. If you steam clean, ensure the mattress dries completely (can take 4-8 hours) before covering. Residual moisture can lead to mould. Not recommended for memory foam, which does not handle moisture well.
How often should I flip or rotate my mattress?
Most modern mattresses should be rotated (head to foot) every 3-6 months but NOT flipped (they have a specific top and bottom). Only two-sided mattresses should be flipped. Check with the manufacturer.
Can I use bleach on my mattress?
No. Bleach can damage foam and fabrics, void your warranty, and leave residual fumes. Use hydrogen peroxide for whitening and enzyme cleaners for biological stains.
What about dust mites?
Every mattress has dust mites. Vacuuming, using a protector, washing bedding in hot water weekly, and maintaining bedroom humidity below 50% keeps them at manageable levels. Hypoallergenic protectors create a barrier between you and the mites.
When is it time to replace instead of clean?
If you see visible sagging, feel springs, or the mattress is over 7-10 years old, cleaning will not restore lost support. Deep staining throughout the mattress or persistent odours that survive cleaning also indicate it is time for a new mattress.
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
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6 | Thu-Fri 10-7 | Sat 10-5 | Sun 12-4