How to Clean a Mattress

Want a good night’s sleep? Learn how to clean a mattress to make sure you aren’t sleeping with allergies and dirt. You can learn how to clean all kinds of stains as well. 

We spend a lot of time and money on our mattresses but not a lot of time cleaning and taking care of them. A well-cared-for mattress will last longer and help us get a better night’s sleep.

Cleaning and maintaining your mattress doesn’t take a lot of time or work. Use these tips and get into a routine and your mattress will stay nice and clean.

How to Clean a Mattress

This is best to do monthly to keep the mattress clean. It won’t take too much time so adding it to your cleaning schedule won’t be hard.

1. Remove and wash bedding, including the mattress cover and any pillow covers.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the bed and leave for about an hour.
3. Vacuum thoroughly. Some vacuums have special mattress attachments that are designed for mattresses if yours doesn’t use a general upholstery attachment.
4. Spray with a natural fabric refresher spray and let dry fully before putting clean bedding back on.

Once you have cleaned your mattress you want to be sure to keep it clean and in good shape. The tips below can help.

Use a Mattress Cover

Mattress covers or pads are a great way to keep your mattress cleaner and reduce allergens. Look for one that is machine washable and made from cotton. Plastic mattress covers are noisy and can off-gas toxins we don’t want to be sleeping on. Wash your mattress cover monthly to help maintain a good, clean mattress.

Remove Stains

Clean the stains with cold water and a little dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or a natural stain remover. Be sure to remove as much of the moisture as possible with a towel. A blow dryer is a good way to dry it quickly, the heat will set the stain so be sure it is gone first.

You can also use a steam cleaner like the Hoover PowerDash GO Portable Spot Cleaner to clean up stains. I love using mine all over the house.

Rotate Your Mattress

Many newer mattresses are now “no-flip” but that doesn’t mean your shouldn’t be rotating them. Mattresses should be rotated every 3 months or if you see sagging. Your boxsprings should be rotated every 6 months.

Don’t Make Your Bed in the Morning

Don’t make your bed in the morning, you heard me correctly. That’s not a typo, letting your bed air in the morning is better for you and your mattress. Visit Why You Shouldn’t Make the Bed in the Morning for all the reasons you should delay your bed-making.

Add these routines into your monthly and seasonal cleaning and your mattress will stay clean and last longer. This info is good to keep in your home management binder or planner, that way you don’t forget!

More Cleaning Tips