How to Clean a Mattress In The Right Way

September 14, 2023

Did you know we spend about a third of our lives on mattresses? That's a significant amount of time dedicated to rest and rejuvenation. However, what often goes neglected is how our mattresses accumulate dust, stains, and odors.

Read on this go-to guide for mattress cleaning and revitalizing your sleep. Get ready, roll up your sleeves, and give your mattress the care it deserves.

How Do You Deep Clean Your Mattress?

Deep mattress cleaning is an excellent way to maintain hygiene and extend lifespan. Here's a comprehensive 14-step guide to deep-cleaning your mattress:

Step 1: Take off the Bedding and Wash It

Before deep cleaning your mattress, remove the bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. Make sure to read and follow the care labels when washing fabrics. Use the highest water temperature and dryer settings available to eliminate any bacteria or dust mites hiding in your linens.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Once you have taken off the bedding, the next step is to vacuum the mattress. Start by vacuuming the top surface of the mattress. Work in parallel lines, slowly moving the upholstery attachment across the bed mattress. Pay close attention to seams, crevices, and edges, as these areas are prone to more dust and debris. Vacuuming the mattress eliminates these allergens and gives a clean base for deep cleaning.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

Mattresses can be prone to stains caused by spills, sweat, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Spot-cleaning these stains as quickly as possible prevents them from setting and becoming more difficult to remove. To spot cleaning mattress, follow these steps:

Different stains require different cleaning solutions. For example, pee stains can be treated with water and white vinegar, while blood stains require hydrogen peroxide.
Use a clean cloth or sponge to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing the stain to spread it further.
Blot the stain with a dry cloth, then spray the mixture onto the stain. Let it dry completely, and repeat as needed.

Step 4: Deodorize the Mattress

Even after removing stains, mattresses can sometimes have unpleasant odors. Deodorizing eliminates these odors and leaves your sleeping surface smelling fresh. Follow these steps to deodorize your mattress and mattress deep cleaning:

Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can absorb odors.
Leave the baking soda for at least several hours or overnight if possible.
After some time, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda from the mattress. Make sure to vacuum all sides and edges of the mattress.

Step 5: Flip or Rotate the Mattress

This step is useful if your mattress is double-sided or designed for both sides. Flipping means turning the mattress over completely, and rotating means turning it around 180 degrees. Doing so distributes the pressure and wears more evenly across the mattress. Remember to refer to your mattress manufacturer's guidelines to determine the best approach for your specific mattress model.

Step 6: Protect Your Mattress

Prevention is key when keeping your mattress clean. A mattress protector protects it from spills, stains, dust mites, and allergens. Invest in a high-quality, waterproof, breathable, and easy-to-clean mattress protector. It will provide an added layer of protection and extend the life of your mattress.

Step 7: Regular Maintenance

In addition to deep cleaning bed mattresses, regular maintenance is important for keeping your mattress clean. Follow these tips:

Wash your sheets at least once a week to remove sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris.
Open the windows and let fresh air circulate near your mattress whenever possible. It eliminates the smell and keeps your mattress fresh.
Handle spills and accidents promptly to prevent them from seeping into the mattress and causing stains or odors.

How To Remove Yellow Stains From Your Mattress?

The best ways to remove yellow stains from your mattress are:

Sprinkle cornstarch over the yellow stains, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum the area afterward.
Create a diluted solution of liquid dish soap and warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the yellow stains. Avoid soaking the mattress and smudging it with a clean, damp cloth.
Use an enzyme-based cleaner designed for removing organic stains. Apply according to the product instructions and blot away the stain. Enzyme cleaners break down proteins in stains, which can be effective for yellow discoloration.
Mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (1:1 ratio). Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the yellow stains. Test in an unnoticeable area first to ensure it doesn't affect the mattress color.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the yellow stains and let the mattress sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. Lemon juice's natural bleaching properties in sunlight can help lighten the stains.

How Do You Remove Odors From Your Mattress?

Here are some key ways to remove odors from your mattress:

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the mattress. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly to reveal a refreshed mattress.
Place your mattress in direct sunlight for a few hours on a sunny day. Sunlight has natural sanitizing properties that help eliminate bacteria-causing odors.
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the areas, then blot them with a clean cloth. Vinegar's natural acidity can neutralize and deodorize smells.
Create a natural deodorizing spray by combining water with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree. Mist the mattress lightly to infuse a pleasant aroma.
Choose a fabric freshener designed for upholstery and mattresses. These products are formulated to neutralize odors and leave a gentle scent.
If odors persist, seek the expertise of professional mattress cleaning services. They possess specialized equipment and solutions for stubborn smells.

How To Keep Your Mattress Fresh and Clean?

Follow these simple steps to maintain a comfortable, fresh, and hygienic mattress:

Invest in a quality mattress protector to shield against spills, stains, and dust. It's easier to wash a protector than to clean the entire mattress.
Replace sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers weekly to prevent sweat, oils, and dead skin from reaching the mattress.
Vacuum your mattress every few months to remove dust and debris. For stains, gently blot with a mixture of mild detergent and water.
On a sunny day, take your mattress outside for a few hours to let sunlight disinfect and freshen it up.
Avoid eating in bed to prevent crumbs and spills that attract pests and bacteria.

When To Replace Your Mattress?

Knowing when to replace your mattress is essential. On average, a good-quality mattress lasts for seven to ten years, but certain signs indicate it's time for a replacement:

If your mattress is not providing adequate support and has noticeable sagging or indentations, it's time to replace it.
An old mattress has allergens, dust mites, and mold that can exacerbate allergies or respiratory problems.
Mattresses generally have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. If your mattress has reached or exceeded this range, even without obvious wear, it's time to consider a replacement to maintain optimal support and comfort.

Conclusion

The care and maintenance you put into cleaning your mattress ripples impact how you care for yourself. So, as you lay down each night, make sure your mattress is freshly cleaned, carefully maintained, and infused with the scent of revitalization. You can diligently follow the mattress cleaning steps outlined in this guide and effortlessly prioritize your sleep and overall well-being.

FAQs

Can I use bleach to clean my mattress?

Using bleach on your mattress is not recommended, as it can discolor the fabric and damage the materials. Stick to gentle, non-toxic cleaning solutions.

Can I use essential oils on my mattress?

Yes, essential oils give a pleasant aroma to your mattress. However, make sure to dilute them properly and avoid excessive use, as some oils can stain fabrics.

Can I steam-clean my mattress?

Steam cleaning is effective for killing bacteria and dust mites on your mattress. You can check with your mattress manufacturer to ensure steam cleaning does not void your warranty.

Do I need to hire professional mattress cleaners?

Professional cleaning services are beneficial for deeply ingrained stains and persistent odors. However, with regular maintenance, you can handle basic cleaning independently.

Back to blog