To clean a mattress, strip the bed, vacuum the surface, spot-treat stains with an enzyme cleaner or a baking-soda paste, deodorize by sprinkling baking soda and vacuuming after an hour, and let it air out fully before remaking. Use a washable protector afterward to keep it clean.
A mattress collects sweat, skin cells, dust mites and the occasional spill. Cleaning it a few times a year keeps it hygienic and helps it last its full lifespan. Here is the simple routine, plus how to handle specific stains. To protect your investment afterward, see our mattress protector guide.
The basic clean (every few months)
- Strip and wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Vacuum the whole surface with the upholstery attachment, including the sides and seams.
- Deodorize: sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda, leave it for at least an hour (longer is better), then vacuum it up.
- Air it out near an open window or in indirect sunlight to reduce moisture and odor.
Removing common stains
Sweat and yellowing
Make a paste of baking soda, a little hydrogen peroxide and a drop of dish soap. Apply, let it dry, then brush and vacuum.
Blood
Use cold water only; hot water sets blood. Dab with a cloth and a little hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme cleaner.
Urine
An enzyme cleaner breaks down the proteins that cause smell. Blot, apply, let it sit, then blot dry. Never soak the mattress.
Dust mites and allergies
Vacuum regularly, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and use a zippered, allergen-blocking protector. These steps cut the dust-mite load that triggers many nighttime allergies.
Keep it clean going forward
The easiest fix is prevention: a washable, waterproof protector stops sweat and spills reaching the foam. Rotating the mattress every few months also evens out wear. For choosing the right bed, see our mattress buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get stains out of a mattress?
Spot-treat with an enzyme cleaner or a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a drop of dish soap. Use cold water for blood, and never soak the mattress.
How often should I clean my mattress?
Do a vacuum and deodorize every three to four months, and treat spills immediately. Wash your bedding weekly in hot water.
Does baking soda really clean a mattress?
Yes. Baking soda absorbs moisture and odor. Sprinkle a thin layer, leave it for an hour or more, then vacuum it up.
How do I get rid of dust mites in a mattress?
Vacuum regularly, wash bedding weekly in hot water, deodorize with baking soda, and use a zippered allergen-blocking protector.
