How to Clean a Mattress: 6 Easy Steps

Last updated November 6, 2026

To clean a mattress, strip the bed and vacuum the whole surface with an upholstery tool. Spot clean stains with a little mild soap and cold water. Sprinkle baking soda over the top, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up.

Your mattress collects dust, sweat and skin cells over time. A deep clean every few months keeps your bed fresh.

Key Takeaways

• Vacuum the mattress on both sides.
• Spot clean stains with cold water.
• Use baking soda to absorb odors.
• Let the mattress air out fully.
• Use a washable mattress protector.

On This Page

• Why Clean Your Mattress
• What You Need
• How to Clean a Mattress Step by Step
• Stain Guide
• Keep It Fresh Longer
• How Often to Clean Your Mattress
• Dust Mites and Allergies
• Check for Bed Bugs
• Deal With Mold or Mildew
• Use a Mattress Protector
• Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
• Clean a Memory Foam Mattress
• Handle Kids’ Accidents Quickly
• Remove Pet Hair and Odors
• Let in Sun and Fresh Air
• Bedroom Habits That Help
• Choose Safer Cleaning Products
• When to Replace Your Mattress

Why Clean Your Mattress

Dust and sweat build up in the fabric. Over time, this can cause smells and stains.

A clean mattress feels fresher and may help people with dust allergies sleep better.

What You Need

• A vacuum with an upholstery tool
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap
• Cold water in a spray bottle
• Clean white cloths

How to Clean a Mattress Step by Step

1. Strip the Bed

Remove sheets, pillowcases and the mattress protector. Wash them in hot water if the labels allow.

2. Vacuum Everything

Go slowly over the top and sides. Pay extra attention to seams and edges.

3. Spot Clean Stains

Mix a drop of dish soap with cold water. Dab the stain with a cloth, then blot with a dry cloth.

4. Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle a thin layer over the whole mattress. Leave it for at least four hours, or overnight if you can.

5. Vacuum Again

Remove all the baking soda with the upholstery tool.

6. Air It Out

Open windows and let the mattress dry fully before you make the bed.

Stain Guide

Use this calculator to plan your cleaning schedule.

• Bed stripped
• Bedding washed
• Mattress vacuumed
• Stains spot cleaned
• Baking soda applied and removed
• Mattress aired out

Keep It Fresh Longer

Use a washable mattress protector. It blocks spills and sweat.

Wash sheets once a week. Clean bedding means a cleaner mattress.

Rotate your mattress every three to six months if the maker allows it.

Avoid These Mistakes

Do not soak the mattress. Too much water can cause mold.

Skip harsh bleach. It can damage fabric and foam.

How Often to Clean Your Mattress

A regular schedule keeps your mattress fresh without much effort. Use this simple guide.

Set reminders on your phone so you do not forget. Pair tasks with seasons to make them easier to remember.

Dust Mites and Allergies

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bedding and feed on dead skin cells. Their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma.

Regular vacuuming and hot-water washing help reduce them. Keep indoor humidity low, since mites thrive in damp air.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains how indoor air quality affects health. A clean bedroom is a good place to start.

Check for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs hide in seams, corners and the box spring. Look for small rust-colored spots, tiny eggs or shed skins.

Check your mattress after travel or after bringing home used furniture. Early detection makes treatment easier.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares guidance on safe pest control at home. Call a licensed pest professional if you find signs of bed bugs.

Deal With Mold or Mildew

A musty smell or dark spots can mean mold. This often happens when a mattress stays damp for too long.

Dry spills right away and let your mattress air out often. Keep your bedroom well ventilated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a brief guide to mold and moisture. Widespread mold on a mattress usually means it is time to replace it.

Use a Mattress Protector

A protector is the easiest way to keep a mattress clean. It blocks spills, sweat and dust before they soak in.

Choose a waterproof protector that still feels breathable. Many are thin and quiet under your sheets.

Wash the protector every month or two. Follow the care label to keep the waterproof layer working.

Rotate or Flip Your Mattress

Rotating helps your mattress wear evenly. Turn it 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot.

Many modern mattresses have only one sleeping side. Check the label before you flip one over.

Rotate every three to six months, or more often for a new mattress. Even wear helps prevent dips and sagging.

Clean a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam needs extra care because it absorbs liquid quickly. Use as little water as possible.

Blot stains with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap. Never soak the foam or use a steam cleaner unless the maker allows it.

Let the area dry fully before you put sheets back on. A fan can speed up drying.

Handle Kids’ Accidents Quickly

Accidents happen, especially with young children. Speed matters for both stains and odors.

Strip the bed and blot the wet area with paper towels. Do not rub, which pushes liquid deeper.

Spray a mix of water and white vinegar, then blot again. Sprinkle baking soda once it dries a bit and vacuum later.

Remove Pet Hair and Odors

Pets on the bed bring hair, dander and smells. Vacuum the mattress with an upholstery tool to lift hair.

A rubber glove or lint roller also grabs stubborn hair. Wash pet blankets often if your pet sleeps with you.

Our guide on how to remove pet hair has more tips for furniture and fabrics.

Let in Sun and Fresh Air

Sunlight and fresh air help freshen a mattress naturally. Open windows on a dry, breezy day.

Leave the mattress bare for a few hours after cleaning. Air helps moisture and odors fade.

If you can, prop the mattress near a sunny window. Turn it halfway through so both sides get light.

Bedroom Habits That Help

Small daily habits keep your mattress cleaner for longer. Skip eating and drinking in bed to avoid crumbs and spills.

A quick shower before bed reduces sweat and body oils on your sheets. Clean pajamas help too.

Pull back the covers for a few minutes each morning. This lets moisture escape before you make the bed.

Open a window for a few minutes each day to refresh the air. Fresh air helps your whole bedroom feel cleaner.

Choose Safer Cleaning Products

Harsh chemicals can linger in fabric close to your face. Choose gentle, low-scent cleaners for your mattress.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists products that meet its Safer Choice standard. Many simple household items work well too.

Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. Some products can bleach or stain fabric.

When to Replace Your Mattress

Even a well-cleaned mattress wears out. Many last about seven to ten years.

Look for sagging, lumps or springs you can feel. Waking up stiff or sore can also be a sign.

Stubborn odors, mold or bed bugs may mean it is time for a new one. Check local rules for mattress recycling.

Mattress Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Some habits can damage your mattress. Watch out for these common mistakes.

• Soaking the mattress with water
• Using harsh bleach on fabric
• Putting sheets back on a damp mattress
• Skipping a mattress protector

Use as little liquid as possible when cleaning stains. Let the mattress dry fully before making the bed.

Protect Your Mattress

A washable protector keeps spills and dust off your mattress. It also makes cleaning much easier.

Vacuum your mattress every few months to remove dust.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my mattress?

Deep clean every three to six months. Vacuum it when you change sheets if you can.

Does baking soda really work?

Yes. It absorbs moisture and odors from the fabric.

Can I steam clean a mattress?

Check the maker’s care label first. Some foams do not handle heat well.

How do I dry a mattress fast?

Open windows, run a fan and keep the bed uncovered.

Can I steam clean my mattress?

Some mattresses can handle light steam, but memory foam often cannot. Check the maker’s care label first.

How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?

Spot-cleaned areas usually dry in a few hours. Use a fan and open windows to speed things up.

Wrapping Up

Strip your bed this weekend and give your mattress a quick vacuum and baking soda refresh. You will sleep better on a fresh bed.

Get more rest with our winter sleep tips. Prep your home for guests with our Thanksgiving cleaning checklist.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Always follow your mattress care label.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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