How to Clean a Mattress (And Why You Should)

You launder your linens, fluff your pillows, dust your headboard and vacuum around your bed frame, but when was the last time you cleaned your mattress? If you’re suddenly realizing it’s been years (if ever!), you’re not alone: Most people never think about cleaning the very thing they spend one-third of their lives lying on. There’s no time like the present, so read on to discover the steps you need to take and the tools you need to gather to get that mattress as fresh as the day you got it. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, we promise.

Why Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Getting good rest relies on good sleep hygiene, but good mattress hygiene can be just as important. “Many factors play into the role of a good night’s rest, and the comfort and cleanliness of your mattress is one of them,” says Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority. “Though it’s not as easy as throwing it in with a load of laundry, cleaning your mattress is easier than you think.”

Like any bedding you use, mattresses can hold on to dead skin, dust mites, dirt and bodily fluids from anyone sleeping in the bed (including your pets). All this accumulation can collect in your mattress, sometimes triggering allergies or asthma, which is why it’s important to clean your mattress every three to six months. “We should [also] be changing sheets weekly, washing mattress protectors monthly and if your mattress has a removable cover, it is recommended to wash the cover at least once every two to three months,” says Sleep Expert® Sean McCormick.

Cleaning a mattress requires a few key supplies, most of which you likely already have on hand. McCormick recommends the following:

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• White vinegar
• Cold water
• Spray bottle
• Clean white cloths or towels
• Enzyme cleaner (for biological stains)

Cleaning a mattress is a simple step-by-step process, beginning with stripping the bed and then methodically tackling dust and stains. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Wash the Bedding

First, McCormick says to remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors and mattress covers. Wash and dry them separately according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, it’s best to wash linens in cool water and dry on low heat to prolong the lifespan of your sheets and prevent color fades.

Vacuum Your Mattress

With your mattress newly bare, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. McCormick recommends paying special attention to seams, crevices and edges, where dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate.

Spot-Clean Stains Where Needed

Do you see any stains? For fresh stains, McCormick says to blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible—it’s always best to address stains when they happen instead of letting them set. Then, follow the directions below about using different solutions to clean the area.

For dried stains, mix a mild detergent solution. We recommend this formula:

• 8 ounces hydrogen peroxide
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon laundry detergent
• 2 tablespoons water

Dampen the area with cold water and the mild detergent solution. Blot, don’t rub, with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone. For stains like blood, urine or sweat, use a diluted vinegar solution of two parts water and one part white vinegar. Spray the stain, making sure the entire spot is wet, and leave the solution to work for about 15 minutes before blotting the spot. For more stubborn spots, McCormick says to use an enzyme cleaner, which is made to break down organic waste, stains, odors and mold. This can be found at most supermarkets in the cleaning or pet aisle. Apply the solution according to the product’s instructions, usually by spraying it on the stain and letting it sit for about 15 minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth.

No matter which of these you need to do, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the mattress material.

Apply Baking Soda

Once the mattress is free of stains and dust, it’s time to deodorize. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Let the baking soda neutralize for as much time as possible—at least a few hours, ideally overnight. “If the weather is nice, open your windows and let it air dry while the baking soda seeps in,” recommends Dills.

Once you’ve let the baking soda work its magic, vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove all the baking soda residue. The surface should now be clear of most stains and all dust and dander.

Rotate Your Mattress and Repeat, Only if Applicable

Most mattresses are single-sided now, meaning that you shouldn’t flip them. However, rotating a mattress (from head to foot) twice a year can extend its lifespan. “I would recommend rotating the mattress 180 degrees to balance the wear and tear,” says McCormick. If you have a king-size bed, you can even rotate your bed 90 degrees (or a quarter-turn). Rotating your mattress will help by using the entire surface of the mattress rather than just a few spots.

Remake Your Bed

Once the mattress is clean and dry, it’s time to put on the mattress protector. Mattress protectors are designed to shield your mattress from moisture, allergens, dust mites and bacteria that can build up in and on your mattress over time and speed up the deterioration of your bed. By putting a protector on your mattress, you will prevent future stains, keep the mattress clean for longer, and extend its life. Once the protector is on, you can finish by making the bed with all your freshly laundered bedding.

Generally, mattresses last anywhere from seven to 10 years; however, many give out sooner if not cared for the right way. Investing in a quality mattress protector and regularly rotating your mattress will help extend its lifespan. “The best option is a waterproof mattress protector,” says McCormick. “This will keep any liquids, oils or dust reaching the mattress in the first place.” Dills agrees and says, on average, she recommends replacing your mattress protector every one to three years.