Wondering how to clean a mattress properly? The best way to clean a mattress is to vacuum it thoroughly, spot clean any stains, deodorise it with baking soda and allow it to air out before replacing your bedding. Regular mattress cleaning helps remove dust mites, allergens, odours and stains, keeping your bed fresher and potentially extending the life of your mattress.
Mattresses aren't cheap, so you'll want yours to last. That means taking care of it and keeping it fresh and giving it a good clean every month or so. We've gathered together some easy, breezy tips to get your whole bed spotless and fresh.
Before We Start: Important Notes on Mattress Cleaning
Mattresses don't do great with a soaking. They won't dry easily, and that can lead to mould. Memory foam especially is not designed to get wet at all. So, any cleaning is about minimising exposure to moisture. Ensure any cleaning products you do use on your mattress are applied sparingly and allowed to dry. Also, ensure anything you use on your mattress, bed frame or bedding is suitable for your skin - some people have allergies to certain essential oils etc.
Looking to Buy a Bed or Mattress?
Even with regular cleaning and care, every mattress eventually needs replacing. If your mattress is sagging, uncomfortable or over seven to ten years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Browse our range of comfortable mattresses and stylish beds designed to help you get a better night's sleep.
Easy Steps For How To Clean A Mattress
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1 - Strip all the bedding. Give all your bedding - sheets, duvet covers, mattress protector and all pillowcases - a good spin. This will kill any dust mites and bacteria, remove stains and make everything smell lush.
2 - Then hoover (yes, hoover!) your mattress. Use an upholstery attachment to really get into all the creases and bumps. Also, hoover the sides of the mattress.
3 - Dust the headboard and sides of the bed frame. If this is upholstered, you can use the upholstery attachment on your hoover for this too.
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4 - Spot clean any stains on your mattress. Remember that you want to minimise moisture on your mattress, so use a dry cloth/sponge and apply your cleaning product to that then dab it onto the mattress. Then remove/dry any product with another clean, dry cloth/sponge. You can make your own DIY spot cleaner by mixing half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of dish soap with 1 litre of water. Alternatively, use Vanish or similar.
5 - Sprinkle baking soda all over your mattress. This will absorb oils and odours. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the soda before you sprinkle to add a lovely scent. Lavender is particularly good at helping you to relax and create a sleepy environment. Leave for an hour.
6 - Air your mattress. In an ideal world, you'd drag your mattress outside into the fresh air and sunshine while the baking soda is working its magic... but, I'm not about to heft my mattress downstairs and wrestle it outside... haha! So - the alternative is to open all the windows in your room and air it as much as possible. You can use a fan to circulate air, too.
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7 - Vacuum again. Hoover up all the baking soda. Give your mattress a few zaps with Febreze or similar to lock in freshness.
8 - Then flip your mattress and repeat steps 2 - 7 on the underside. If your mattress can be flipped permanently (i.e. doesn't have a memory foam top on one side) it's a good idea to flip your mattress over and rotate it every time you change your bedding, to avoid sagging. If it has to stay one way up, you should still rotate it, and still hoover the underside too.
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9 - Protect your mattress with a mattress protector. Choose one with deep fitted sides so it won't untuck under your sheets as you roll around. This should be washed and replaced whenever you change your bedding.
10 - Always use a bottom sheet - whether you go fitted or opt for the old-school flat sheet and 'hospital corners' deal, a bottom sheet will provide extra protection against dust, mites and bacteria getting into your mattress.
And that's it. 10 steps for how to clean a mattress that will help keep your mattress fresh for longer.
How To Remove Common Mattress Stains
Different stains may require slightly different cleaning methods. For most marks, it's best to avoid soaking the mattress and instead use a lightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent.
Sweat stains: Dab gently with a diluted washing-up liquid solution.
Food and drink stains: Blot immediately and avoid rubbing the stain deeper into the fabric.
Pet stains: Use an enzyme-based cleaner designed for pet accidents.
General odours: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and vacuum after an hour.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
As a general rule, you should vacuum your mattress every month and give it a deeper clean every three to six months. If you suffer from allergies, have pets that sleep on the bed or tend to eat and drink in bed, more frequent cleaning may help reduce dust, pet hair and allergens. Washing your bedding weekly and using a mattress protector can also help keep your mattress cleaner for longer.
Got Any Hacks for How To Clean A Mattress?
We'd love to see how you style and clean your Furniturebox UK beds and mattresses, so be sure to give us a follow on Insta and then tag us in your pics and Reels!
Mattress Cleaning FAQs
Can you clean a mattress with baking soda?
Yes. Baking soda is one of the most popular ways to freshen a mattress because it can help absorb moisture, oils and unpleasant odours. Simply sprinkle it over the mattress, leave it for at least an hour and vacuum thoroughly.
How do you remove smells from a mattress?
Vacuuming the mattress, airing the room and using baking soda can help reduce common odours. A mattress protector can also help prevent smells from building up over time.
Can you steam clean a mattress?
Some mattresses can be steam cleaned, but you should always check the manufacturer's care instructions first. Excess moisture can damage certain mattress materials, particularly memory foam.
How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?
Drying time depends on how much moisture was used and the ventilation in the room. Opening windows and using fans can help speed up the drying process.
Should you flip your mattress?
Only if the manufacturer recommends it. Some mattresses are designed to be flipped regularly, while others should only be rotated.
