Cleaning a mattress is an important part of maintaining the hygiene and overall health of your home. A dirty mattress can harbor dust, dirt, and other allergens, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, a clean mattress can help you sleep better and extend the lifespan of your mattress. Here are some steps you can follow to clean your mattress effectively:
- Start by removing all sheets, blankets, and other bedding from the mattress. Wash these items according to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides and corners. This will help remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated over time.
- Next, treat any stains on the mattress using a cleaning solution specifically designed for use on mattresses. You can find these solutions at most home goods stores or online. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to ensure the solution is used correctly.
- If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- After you have treated any stains, use a dry cloth or a dryer sheet to wipe down the surface of the mattress. This will help remove any remaining dirt and help deodorize the mattress.
- Allow the mattress to air out for a few hours before replacing the sheets and other bedding. This will help ensure that the mattress is completely dry before you use it again.
Cleaning your mattress regularly can help improve the air quality in your home and ensure that you are sleeping on a clean and comfortable surface.
Also read:9 Best Mattresses for Back Pain in 2023
- 1 How to Clean a Mattress in 8 Simple Steps
- 2 How to clean a mattress with baking soda
- 3 How to clean a mattress with a carpet cleaner
- 4 Can I use a washing machine to clean my mattress?
- 5 Can I use bleach to clean my mattress?
- 6 Can I use a steam cleaner to clean my mattress?
- 7 How do I remove urine stains from a mattress?
How to Clean a Mattress in 8 Simple Steps
1. Wash the Bedding
First and foremost, you’ll want to completely strip the bed and wash the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Check the label on your pillows to see if they are machine washable. Ideally, you’ll want to wash bedding in hot water in order to get rid of dust mites, but it’s important to follow the recommended care instructions to avoid potential shrinkage or fading. We recommend washing sheets weekly to help keep your mattress clean.
2. Assess the Damage
The best way to clean a mattress depends on how dirty it is and what stains are present. The technique for routine mattress cleaning will be different from the technique used to remove a spill or stain. You’ll want to closely check your mattress for stains, discoloration, smells, and other signs that will indicate that a specific area will need extra attention.
3. Gather Supplies
To properly clean a mattress, you’ll want to gather the following supplies:
- Cold water
- Baking soda
- Rags or towels for cleaning
- A gentle, bleach-free and unscented laundry detergent
- Dish soap, or an enzyme cleaner
When it comes to using soaps and cleaning products on your mattress, it’s important to be careful. You don’t want to use anything too harsh that could damage the delicate fabric of your mattress. Also, keep in mind that it’s difficult to completely remove detergents from a mattress, so you may wish to choose products with a mild scent.
4. Vacuum Thoroughly
Using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, clean the entire surface of the mattress. Make sure to vacuum the sides of the bed to remove dust, and stretch the fabric to remove debris from seams.
5. Spot-Clean Where Needed
Check for stains and areas of discoloration. Carefully spot-clean these areas using the following method:
- Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a clean cloth
- Gently blot the stained area with the cloth
- Apply cold water to a different clean cloth
- Gently blot the stained area with the water-soaked cloth
- Repeat if necessary, until the stain is removed
The main goal here is to use as little cleaning solution as possible, and to not over-soak the mattress. Never apply cleaning solution directly to the bed itself – instead, use a clean rag to apply and remove the solution.
The best solution to use for stain removal depends on the type of stain. For blood, sweat, urine, and other biological stains, the best option is typically a commercial enzyme cleaner. You can also use a mix of dish soap and water, using just the foamy suds that form on top.
Other types of stains respond better to different cleaning solutions. A common option is to make a 1:1 solution of cold water and hydrogen peroxide.
Regardless of the solution used, the method should be the same. In some cases, you may need to try multiple solutions in order to properly remove the stain.
6. Apply Baking Soda
After you have removed any visible stains and allowed the mattress cover to dry completely, apply a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
Once applied, simply leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least a few hours. If possible, open your bedroom windows to increase airflow.
7. Vacuum Thoroughly
Once you have let the baking soda sit on the surface of the mattress for at least a few hours, vacuum it up using the upholstery attachment. If the mattress was very dirty, you may wish to repeat steps 6 and 7, although this won’t be necessary in most cases.
8. Flip and Repeat
Flip the mattress over, and repeat steps 4 through 7. The underside of your mattress likely won’t have any visible stains, but it can still harbor a lot of dust, moisture, and more. If your mattress is not designed to be flippable, you can still clean the underside, but be cautious when flipping it over, and do not apply too much pressure to the mattress.
Depending on the type of mattress material and the severity of the stains/damage, you may have to troubleshoot in order to clean your bed properly. If you’re wondering how to clean a memory foam mattress, the process is largely the same. However, memory foam is not designed to get wet, so it’s important to use as little cleaning solution as possible.
How to Clean a Mattress | Cleaning Tips
How to clean a mattress with baking soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can be effectively used to clean a mattress. It helps to absorb odors and neutralize stains, making it a great choice for freshening up your bed. Here are some steps you can follow to clean your mattress with baking soda:
- Begin by removing all sheets, blankets, and other bedding from the mattress. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides and corners, to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris.
- Next, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Use a brush or a broom to work the baking soda into the fabric of the mattress, paying particular attention to any stains or areas that have a strong odor.
- Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow it to absorb any odors and stains.
- After the baking soda has had time to work, use a vacuum to remove the baking soda from the mattress. Make sure to get into all the corners and crevices to ensure that all of the baking soda is removed.
- If you have any particularly stubborn stains or odors, you may need to create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
- Allow the mattress to air out for a few hours before replacing the sheets and other bedding. This will help ensure that the mattress is completely dry before you use it again.
Cleaning your mattress with baking soda is a natural and effective way to remove odors and stains and keep your bed fresh and clean.
Also read:The 8 Best Mattresses of 2023
How to clean a mattress with a carpet cleaner
Cleaning your mattress with a carpet cleaner can be an effective way to remove stains and odors and extend the lifespan of your bed. Here are some steps you can follow to clean your mattress with a carpet cleaner:
- Start by removing all sheets, blankets, and other bedding from the mattress. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides and corners, to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris.
- Next, prepare your carpet cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the tank with hot water and add the recommended amount of cleaning solution.
- Starting at the top of the mattress, use the carpet cleaner to gently scrub the surface of the mattress, working your way down to the bottom. Pay particular attention to any stains or areas that have a strong odor.
- After you have finished cleaning the mattress, allow it to air dry for a few hours. Do not replace the sheets or other bedding until the mattress is completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
- Once the mattress is dry, vacuum it again to remove any remaining dirt or debris. This will help ensure that the surface is clean and ready for use.
Cleaning your mattress with a carpet cleaner can help remove stains, odors, and other contaminants, leaving your bed fresh and clean.
Cleaning Mattress FAQs
It is generally recommended to clean your mattress every six to 12 months to maintain its cleanliness and extend its lifespan. However, if you suffer from allergies or have a medical condition that requires a clean environment, you may need to clean your mattress more frequently.1How to Clean a Mattress
Can I use a washing machine to clean my mattress?
It is generally not recommended to wash a mattress in a washing machine. Mattresses are large and bulky, and the process of washing and drying them can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, exposing a mattress to water can cause it to become damaged or grow mold or mildew.2How to fit a mattress in to a washing machine
Can I use bleach to clean my mattress?
Bleach can be an effective cleaning agent, but it can also be harsh and damaging to some materials. It is generally not recommended to use bleach on a mattress, as it can cause the fabric to become discolored or weakened. Instead, use a cleaning solution specifically designed for use on mattresses.
Can I use a steam cleaner to clean my mattress?
Using a steam cleaner to clean your mattress can be an effective way to remove stains and odors. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the steam cleaner is not too hot, as this can damage the fabric of the mattress.3How to Steam Clean a Mattress
How do I remove urine stains from a mattress?
Urine stains can be difficult to remove from a mattress, but there are several steps you can take to try and remove them. First, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much urine as possible. Next, mix together equal parts water and white vinegar and apply the mixture to the stain. Let the mixture sit for a few hours before blotting it with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. If the stain persists, you may need to use a commercial cleaning product specifically designed for removing urine stains.4How to Remove Urine Stains From a Mattress
