How to Clean a Mattress: The Essential Guide to a Fresh and Comfortable Bed

If you haven't thought about cleaning your mattress lately, it might be time to take action. You probably spend around six to eight hours on it every night, which means your mattress accumulates a fair amount of dirt, sweat, and even allergens. Over time, this can lead to yellow stains, odors, and dust mites taking up residence in your bed. But don’t worry! Cleaning your mattress doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, with a few simple steps, you can have your mattress feeling fresh and clean in no time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Before diving into the cleaning process, let’s talk about how often you should be cleaning your mattress. Ideally, you should clean your mattress every 3 to 6 months to keep it fresh, free from dust mites, and looking great. If you suffer from allergies, cleaning more frequently can help reduce allergens. Regular mattress cleaning will not only improve your sleep quality but also extend the lifespan of your bed.

Step 1: Strip the Bed and Wash Your Bedding

The first step in cleaning your mattress is to strip the bed of all bedding. Remove sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any mattress protectors. This is a good time to wash everything in the hottest water safe for the fabric, as heat helps kill germs and dust mites. Don’t forget to wash your pillows, too—these can also harbor dust, allergens, and bacteria. Once your bedding is in the wash, you’re ready to move on to the mattress itself.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Vacuuming your mattress is one of the easiest ways to remove dust, dirt, and allergens. Using your vacuum’s upholstery tool, thoroughly vacuum both the top and sides of the mattress. Be sure to pay attention to seams and edges, where dust tends to accumulate. If your mattress has a pillow top or any quilting, use the crevice tool to get into those areas as well. Vacuuming every couple of months will help keep your mattress free from dust and keep it feeling fresher for longer.

Step 3: Treat Stains with the Right Cleaner

If you’ve noticed any stains on your mattress, you’ll want to tackle them right away. For smaller stains, a fabric or upholstery cleaner works well. For larger or tougher stains, here’s a simple solution you can make at home:

• Mix one cup of warm water, 1/4 teaspoon of mild dish soap, and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% strength). Pour this mixture into a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist the stained area (don’t oversaturate it), and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth, working from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain further.
• Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with a damp cloth and blot dry.

For pet stains like urine or vomit, you may want to use an enzyme-based cleaner, such as Bissell’s Pet Stain & Odor Remover, which is formulated to break down odors and stains.

Step 4: Deodorize Your Mattress

Even if there are no visible stains, your mattress can still develop an unpleasant odor over time, especially if you sweat during the night. Here are two simple ways to deodorize your mattress:

1. Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb moisture and odors, then vacuum it up.
2. Sanitizing Spray: If you prefer a quick fix, try using a sanitizing fabric spray like Microban 24 or Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray. These sprays kill odor-causing bacteria and leave your mattress smelling fresh without soaking it.

Step 5: Steam the Mattress (Optional)

If you have a garment steamer, consider giving your mattress a quick steam. The heat from the steam can kill dust mites and bacteria that may be lurking in your bed. Hold the steamer nozzle a few inches above the surface of the mattress and slowly move it across the entire surface. If you don’t own a steamer, you can also use the steam function on an iron (be sure to keep it several inches away from the fabric).

After steaming, vacuum the mattress again to remove any remaining dust or particles that the steam may have loosened.

Step 6: Protect Your Mattress

Once your mattress is clean, it’s time to protect it for the future. One of the best ways to keep your mattress in top condition is to use a mattress protector. A good protector will shield your mattress from spills, dust, and allergens, and it can easily be washed to keep things fresh.

For those with allergies, consider using a hypoallergenic mattress protector that encases both the mattress and box spring to reduce exposure to dust mites and other irritants.

Bonus Tip: How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress

To keep your mattress comfortable and prevent sagging, make sure to rotate it every few months. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it over as well. This will help distribute wear evenly and extend the life of your mattress.

Conclusion

Cleaning your mattress is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. With these simple, step-by-step tips, you can easily tackle dust, stains, and odors on your own. Regular maintenance not only helps your mattress last longer, but it can also improve your sleep quality, so you wake up feeling refreshed every day.

By following this guide and incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, your mattress will stay fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come.