We spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, and it is surprising that the mattress is one of the most neglected items in home cleaning. Over time, a mattress accumulates perspiration, dead skin cells, dust mites, and the occasional stubborn stain. Cleaning your mattress at home is easier than you might think, and doing so can dramatically extend its lifespan while contributing to a healthier, more restful night’s sleep.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these everyday essentials you'll need:
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A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
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Bicarbonate of soda
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Cold water and a clean spray bottle
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White distilled vinegar
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Washing-up liquid or mild laundry detergent
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3% hydrogen peroxide (from most pharmacies)
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Clean white or microfibre cloths
How to Deep Clean a Mattress at Home: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Strip and Wash All Bedding
All sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors should be washed at 60°C or higher to kill the dust mites and bacteria. During the time the bedding is in the wash, you can focus your full attention on the mattress.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Using your upholstery attachment, vacuum your entire mattress top, sides, and underside if accessible. Make slow, overlapping passes over your mattress, paying special attention to your seams and piping, where dust mites love to hide. This step alone will make a remarkable difference.
Step 3: Deodorise with Bicarbonate of Soda
Next, sprinkle generously and evenly a layer of bicarbonate of soda over your mattress. Bicarbonate of soda is a natural deodoriser, which works by neutralising, rather than covering up, unpleasant odours. For extra antimicrobial properties, add some lavender or tea tree essential oil to your bicarbonate of soda before sprinkling it over your mattress, then vacuuming it all up after at least two hours or overnight so it works.
Step 4: Air the Mattress
Open the windows and let the mattress breathe for a couple of hours before remaking the bed. Sunlight is a powerful disinfectant, so try airing your mattress on a sunny day for extra freshness. Positioning it near a sunny window will also help remove any lingering moisture.
How to Remove Stains from a Mattress
The golden rule of mattress stain removal: Act fast, blot the stain rather than rubbing it, and use cold water instead of hot water to fix the stain because it will bond protein-based stains like blood and urine into the fabric.
Blood Stains
A mixture of a tablespoon of washing-up liquid and two tablespoons of cold water is effective. It is then applied and blotted from the outside in. If the stain has dried, then a bicarbonate of soda and cold water mixture applied and left for 30 minutes is effective. A small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide applied for five minutes before blotting is very effective.
Urine Stains
Absorb as much liquid from the fabric as possible, then lightly mist with equal parts of white vinegar and cold water, with a dash of washing-up liquid. Repeat blotting until the stain is removed. When dry, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the fabric and leave for a few hours before vacuuming clean. If odor persists, use an enzyme cleaner to break down uric acid crystals, which are responsible for the smell.
Sweat & Yellow Staining
The yellowing of the stain over time is a result of accumulated sweat and oils. A solution of equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, cold water, and a squeeze of washing-up liquid, applied to the stain, left for ten minutes, and then blotted clean, works well. The area should be left to dry thoroughly before remaking the bed.
Tea, Coffee & General Spills
Blot the stain immediately to soak up as much liquid as possible. Apply a solution of cold water and washing-up liquid, working from the outside edge inwards. Then rinse with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry. Soaking the stain in a solution of diluted white vinegar can help lift any residual discolouration.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Mattress?
For the average person, it is recommended that the mattress be deep-cleaned every three to six months. However, if you have young children, pets, allergies, and/or tend to sweat a lot at night, it is recommended that you deep clean your mattress every three months. The best preventative measure that you can take is to invest in a good quality washable mattress protector, which can greatly reduce the need to deep clean your mattress.
A Note on Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam and latex mattresses are special cases and need to be handled with extra care. Soaking the mattress in liquid can cause trapped moisture within the foam, which may result in mould growth. Use a damp cloth to clean memory foam mattresses, and allow the mattress to dry for at least a day before remaking the bed. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can degrade the foam's structure over time.
Is It Time for a New Mattress?
Even a well-maintained mattress has a limited lifespan; most experts suggest changing your mattress every seven to ten years. If your mattress has begun to sag, has lumps, or no longer provides the level of support you need, no level of cleaning will return your mattress to its former condition.
Take a look at our full range of pocket sprung, memory foam, and orthopaedic mattresses, as well as complete divan beds, all made to provide comfort, support, and durability.
Quick-Reference Cleaning Tips
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Use cold water on stains, as hot water sets protein-based stains permanently
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Blot, don’t rub, to prevent the stain from penetrating deeper into the fabric
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Don’t drench the mattress, as this can cause the growth of mould
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Rotate your mattress every three months to ensure even use
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Always allow the mattress to dry before making the bed
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The best protection for your mattress is a mattress protector
Final thought
A clean mattress is not merely an aesthetic consideration; it is a fundamental aspect of good sleep hygiene and overall well-being. It is possible to keep a mattress in a clean and fresh state throughout the year with the right technique and a small time commitment, without having to resort to professional cleaning services.
Whether dealing with a fresh stain, years of buildup, or routine maintenance, the methods in this guide will be extremely helpful. These small, consistent efforts of rotating your mattress seasonally, using a good mattress protector, and using a vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in the long run. With just 15 – 20 minutes of effort every few months, your mattress can stay fresh and hygienic all year.
FAQs: Mattress Cleaning & Maintenance
1. Can I use vinegar on mattress stains?
Yes, you can. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water, gently blot the stain, and let the mattress dry completely to avoid mould. A quick tip: if the stain is fresh, tackle it immediately for best results.
2. How often should I deep clean a mattress?
It’s best to deep clean every three to six months. If you have kids, pets, allergies, or someone sweats heavily at night, aim for every three months. Using a washable mattress protector can reduce how often you need to clean.
3. Can I use hot water on mattress stains?
No, avoid hot water. It can set protein-based stains like blood or urine permanently. Always use cold water and blot from the outside of the stain towards the centre.
4. How do I remove yellowing or sweat stains?
Mix hydrogen peroxide, cold water, and a little dish soap. Apply to the stain, leave for around 10 minutes, then blot clean. Make sure the mattress dries fully before remaking the bed.
5. How do I clean a memory foam mattress safely?
Use a damp cloth to gently wipe any stains. Let the mattress dry completely for at least 24 hours. Avoid soaking it or using harsh chemicals, as this can damage the foam.
6. When should I replace my mattress?
Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years. Replace yours sooner if it starts sagging, develops lumps, or no longer supports your body properly. A well-maintained mattress is important for a good night’s sleep.