Before you start: check your mattress's care label and the brand's cleaning instructions. Some materials, such as latex and wool, should not be soaked, and some warranties exclude damage from improper cleaning. Never remove a mattress cover that is labeled "do not remove," as some contain fire barriers.
What You'll Need
| Supply | Used For |
|---|---|
| Vacuum with upholstery attachment (HEPA filter ideal) | Removing dust, skin cells and debris |
| Baking soda | Absorbing odors and light moisture |
| Mild liquid dish soap or gentle laundry detergent | Spot-cleaning most stains |
| Clean white cloths | Blotting without transferring dye |
| Spray bottle with cool water | Applying and rinsing cleaning solutions |
| Enzyme cleaner | Urine, sweat, blood and other protein stains |
| 3% hydrogen peroxide (optional) | Tough stains on light fabrics; test first |
How to Clean a Mattress Step by Step
1. Strip and Wash the Bedding
Remove sheets, pillowcases and the mattress protector, and wash them according to their labels. Hot water helps against dust mites where fabrics allow. Check protector care labels: many waterproof protectors need low-heat drying.
2. Vacuum the Whole Mattress
Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the top, sides and seams slowly, where dust and skin cells collect. A HEPA filter helps keep fine particles from going back into the air.
3. Spot-Treat Stains
Treat stains before deodorizing. Always blot, never rub, and use as little liquid as possible. Moisture that soaks deep into a mattress can lead to mold and is hard to dry. See the stain table below.
4. Deodorize With Baking Soda
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda over the surface. Leave it for several hours, or longer if you can, ideally in a room with sunlight and airflow. It absorbs odors and some moisture.
5. Vacuum Again
Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly.
6. Air It Out
Let the mattress dry and air completely before making the bed. Open windows or run a fan. Sunlight helps, but avoid prolonged direct sun on latex, which can degrade it.
7. Flip or Rotate
If your mattress is two-sided, flip it and repeat on the other side. Most modern mattresses are one-sided, so rotate head to foot instead.
8. Put On a Protector
A waterproof protector is the best way to keep a mattress clean from now on. See our mattress protector guide.
How to Remove Common Mattress Stains
| Stain | What to Use | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat and yellowing | Enzyme cleaner, or mild detergent solution | Blot, let it work, blot with clean water, dry |
| Urine | Enzyme cleaner | Blot up as much as possible fast; apply enzyme cleaner; blot; baking soda once dry |
| Blood | Cold water and enzyme cleaner | Always cold water; heat sets protein stains |
| Vomit | Remove solids, then enzyme cleaner | Blot, deodorize with baking soda after drying |
| Coffee, tea, juice | Mild dish soap in cool water | Blot from outside in |
| Wine | Mild dish soap solution; peroxide on light fabric (test first) | Blot; do not rub |
| Mold or mildew | Professional assessment | Widespread mold usually means replacement |
Hydrogen peroxide can lighten colored fabrics, so test it on a hidden area first. Do not mix cleaning products, especially bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
Cleaning by Mattress Type
| Mattress Type | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Use minimal moisture; dry thoroughly | Soaking; steam cleaning; harsh chemicals |
| Latex | Blot gently; air-dry away from heat | Soaking; long direct sun; harsh solvents |
| Innerspring and hybrid | Vacuum seams; spot clean | Over-wetting, which can rust or mildew |
| Wool or organic covers | Follow brand guidance; mild, natural cleaners | Hot water and agitation on wool, which can felt it |
| Air mattress | Wipe with mild soap and water; dry before storing | Storing damp |
Natural-material mattresses like the PlushBeds Signature Bliss are best kept clean with a protector rather than frequent wet cleaning. If you have an organic mattress, a protector with an organic cotton surface, like the Sleep & Beyond protector, keeps materials consistent.
How Often to Clean a Mattress
| Task | How Often |
|---|---|
| Wash sheets and pillowcases | Weekly |
| Wash the mattress protector | Every 1 to 2 months, and after spills |
| Vacuum the mattress | Every few months, or when you rotate it |
| Deep clean and deodorize | Every 6 months |
| Rotate (or flip, if two-sided) | Every 3 to 6 months |
People with allergies may want to vacuum and wash bedding more often. Our hypoallergenic mattress guide has more tips.
Getting Rid of Mattress Odors
- General mustiness: baking soda, airflow and sunlight.
- Urine: an enzyme cleaner breaks down the compounds that cause odor; baking soda alone may not.
- Smoke: repeated baking soda treatments and airing; persistent smoke odor may not fully clear.
- New mattress smell: airing the mattress in a ventilated room for a day or two.
Bed Bugs and Mold: When Cleaning Isn't Enough
Signs of bed bugs include small rust-colored spots on sheets, tiny eggs or shed skins in seams, and itchy bites in lines. Cleaning alone will not solve an infestation; contact a pest control professional. A zippered encasement can help contain bed bugs during treatment.
Mold that has grown inside a mattress is very hard to remove, and a moldy mattress is generally best replaced, especially for anyone with allergies or asthma. Our mattress disposal guide covers how to get rid of it.
Cleaning and Your Warranty
Most warranties exclude stained or soiled mattresses. Some brands may decline a claim for a defect if the mattress is heavily stained. Using a protector from day one is the simplest way to keep warranty coverage useful, especially on long warranties like the lifetime warranty on the Signature Bliss.
Prevention Beats Cleaning
The single most effective thing you can do for a clean mattress is to put a waterproof protector on it from the first night. It stops sweat, body oils, spills and accidents from reaching the mattress, and you can wash it far more easily than you can clean a mattress. Add weekly sheet washing and a regular vacuum, and deep cleaning becomes an occasional job rather than a rescue mission.
Cleaning Up After Kids and Pets
Bedwetting Accidents
Act quickly. Remove wet bedding, blot as much liquid as possible with dry towels, pressing firmly rather than rubbing. Apply an enzyme cleaner according to its instructions, blot again, and let the area dry fully with a fan or open window before sprinkling baking soda to absorb lingering odor. A fully waterproof protector, with a spare for nighttime changes, prevents most of this.
Pet Hair and Dander
Vacuum with an upholstery attachment and a lint roller on the protector. If pets sleep on the bed, wash bedding more often and consider a protector with a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
Pet Accidents
Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine; it helps break down the compounds that attract pets back to the same spot.
How to Dry a Wet Mattress
- Blot up as much water as possible with towels.
- Stand the mattress on its side if you can, to let water drain and air reach both sides.
- Use fans and open windows; a dehumidifier helps in humid rooms.
- Avoid direct heat sources such as heaters or hair dryers on high, which can damage foam and latex.
- Do not put bedding back until the mattress is completely dry inside, which can take a day or more.
If a mattress has been soaked through, for example by a flood or a large leak, mold can develop inside, and replacement is often the safest option.
Common Mattress Cleaning Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing a stain | Spreads it and pushes it deeper | Blot from the outside in |
| Using lots of water | Soaks foam and latex; risks mold | Use a lightly damp cloth |
| Hot water on blood | Sets protein stains | Use cold water |
| Mixing cleaners | Can create harmful fumes | Use one product at a time and rinse |
| Removing a 'do not remove' cover | May release fire-barrier fibers | Clean through the cover |
| Making the bed while damp | Traps moisture | Let it dry completely |
Natural Cleaning Options
If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, baking soda handles odors, a mild solution of dish soap and water handles most fresh spills, and sunlight and airflow help freshen a mattress. Enzyme cleaners, many of which are plant-based, are the most effective natural option for urine and sweat. Always test a small area first and follow the mattress brand's care guidance, especially for wool and organic covers.
When to Call a Professional
Consider professional cleaning for large or old stains, strong odors that do not respond to home methods, or after illness. Professionals use extraction equipment that removes more moisture than home methods. For bed bugs, call pest control rather than a cleaner. Ask whether their methods are safe for your mattress type before booking.
Mattress Cleaning FAQ
How Do You Deep Clean a Mattress?
Strip the bedding, vacuum thoroughly, spot-treat stains by blotting, sprinkle baking soda and leave it for several hours, vacuum again, and let the mattress air out completely.
How Do You Get Urine Out of a Mattress?
Blot up as much as possible quickly, apply an enzyme cleaner, blot again, let it dry, then use baking soda to absorb remaining odor.
Can You Steam Clean a Mattress?
Some fabrics tolerate light steam, but moisture and heat can damage foam and latex and encourage mold. Check the brand's instructions first.
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
Vacuum it every few months and deep clean about every six months. Wash sheets weekly and the protector every one to two months.
Does Baking Soda Clean a Mattress?
Baking soda absorbs odors and some moisture, but it does not remove stains. Use it after spot cleaning.
Can You Clean a Latex Mattress with Water?
Use as little moisture as possible and blot gently. Do not soak latex, and let it air-dry away from heat and long direct sunlight.
Keep It Clean From Here On
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