Quick Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Mattress
To deep clean a mattress, you’ll need to strip the bed, vacuum the mattress thoroughly, spot clean stains with a mild detergent solution, sprinkle and scrub in baking soda for deodorization, and then vacuum again after allowing the mattress to air out. Lastly, protect your clean mattress with a mattress protector to simplify future cleaning.
Detailed Step-by-Step Mattress Deep Cleaning
Let’s explore each step in more detail to ensure a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment:
Step 1: Strip and Wash Bedding
Begin by removing all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers. Wash the bedding in hot water to kill any dust mites or bacteria. If your pillows are washable, now is a good time to clean them as well.
Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress
Once the bedding is off, use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to go over the entire surface of the mattress. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where dust, mites, and dead skin cells are likely to accumulate.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
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OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
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Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
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Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
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GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
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- Fiberglass free
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
Mix a solution of gentle fabric cleaner or dish soap with water. Dab this solution onto stains using a clean cloth—never soak your mattress. For protein stains like sweat or urine, an enzyme cleaner can be particularly effective. If you have a memory foam mattress, be cautious as they’re not supposed to get wet; spot treat stains lightly.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of your mattress. For an extra freshness boost, add a few drops of essential oil like lavender to the baking soda before sifting it over the mattress. Gently rub the baking soda mixture into the mattress with a scrub brush, which helps it bind with moisture and body oils in the top layer of material.
Step 5: Let it Sit
Allow the baking soda to sit for at least a few hours—up to 24 if you can manage. This will give it time to absorb any odors and oils. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be.
Step 6: Vacuum Again
After the baking soda has done its job, vacuum it all off the mattress. Make sure to get all the baking soda out of the nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Flip and Repeat
If your mattress is double-sided and can be flipped, repeat the cleaning process on the other side. This ensures that both sides are clean and fresh.
Step 8: Protect Your Mattress
Once your mattress is clean and dry, add a mattress protector before re-making the bed with clean bedding. This will safeguard against future stains, dust mites, and other allergens.
Tackling Specific Mattress Cleaning Challenges
Urine Stains and Odors
Urine stains are particularly challenging but not impossible to remove. Apply the enzyme cleaner as directed, but watch out not to over-wet the mattress. For lingering odors, the baking soda method will help neutralize the smell.
Blood Stains
Cold water is key for blood stains; warm or hot water can set the stain. Dab the stain gently after applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide if needed.
Sweat and Yellowing
A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda can be effective against these stains. Apply with a cloth and then dry the area with a towel.
Additional Tips for Mattress Care
Regular Upkeep
Changing and washing your sheets weekly will help your mattress stay cleaner for longer. Additionally, vacuuming your mattress once a month can minimize dust and allergens.
Address Spills Quickly
When spills occur, blot them immediately with a dry cloth and then clean as appropriate for the type of spill.
Professional Cleaning
For a thorough deep clean or difficult-to-remove stains, consider hiring a professional mattress cleaning service.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage the materials of your mattress. Always opt for gentler, natural solutions where possible.
Air Out Your Mattress
Whenever you can, let your mattress breathe by airing it out without sheets, especially after a deep clean or if you’ve sweated during the night.
Rotate Your Mattress
Rotating your mattress every three months can help wear it evenly and extend its lifespan.
Finishing Thoughts
Deep cleaning your mattress is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. Regular care, coupled with biannual deep cleans, will help to extend the life of your mattress and provide a fresh foundation for restful sleep. Remember that the effort you put into maintaining your mattress not only preserves its condition but also supports your overall wellbeing through improved sleep hygiene. Happy cleaning!
