How To Clean Your Mattress - a Homeowners Guide

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Once you’ve found the perfect mattress, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of it and forget to consider how to care for it. But don’t worry; this article will explain how to clean your mattress and extend the life of your mattress with proper maintenance.

On average, a mattress will last somewhere between 7 and 15 years. However, if the mattress is well-managed and maintained, it could last longer. That means you could enjoy your mattress for nearly two decades with the proper care!

And let’s face it. A good quality mattress isn’t cheap. Who wouldn’t want to enhance the longevity of their mattress and save some money?

If you don’t know how to clean a mattress or remove mattress stains, keep reading to learn a few simple maintenance techniques. From preventive measures to cleaning, these tips will keep your mattress in excellent condition, so all you have to worry about is getting a good night’s sleep.

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Why Do You Need to Regularly Clean Your Mattress	How to Get Dog Pee Out of a Mattress
How to Clean Your Mattress	How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress
How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress	How to Remove Odor From Your Mattress
How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress	How to Dry a Mattress
How to Get Cat Pee Out of a Mattress	How Often Should you Clean Your Mattress?

Why Do You Need to Regularly Clean Your Mattress – Even if It Looks Clean?

You may already have a dirty mattress, but once it’s clean, regular cleaning is important. Even though your mattress might look clean, it can harbor hidden threats to your health and comfort. Here are three key reasons you should prioritize regular mattress cleaning:

Health Concerns: Allergens, Dust Mites, Bacteria

While we sleep, we naturally shed dead skin and sweat. Over time, this accumulates and creates a breeding ground for dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, and fungi, which can cause itching or an allergic reaction, disrupting sleep.

A clean mattress is essential for protecting your health and preventing allergic reactions or illnesses.

Comfort and Sleep Quality

An unclean mattress can disrupt sleep due to the presence of odors or even microscopic pests. Continuous exposure to allergens can also cause restless nights, headaches, or poor-quality sleep. Keeping your mattress clean ensures a fresher, more comfortable sleeping environment.

We spend nearly half of our lifetime lying around in bed. If those 7 to 8 hours per day are spent in contact with allergens, irritants, and worse, it will affect your health in the form of sneezing, headaches, eczema, asthma, or something more detrimental.

Lifespan and Investment Protection

A good mattress isn’t cheap—and with proper care, you can enjoy it for up to 15–20 years. Cleaning your mattress regularly removes debris and buildup that can degrade the materials over time.

This helps preserve the structure and support of your mattress, ultimately protecting your investment and saving you money in the long run.

How to Clean Your Mattress – The 7-Step Process

While cleaning your mattress may sound like a vast, harrowing ordeal, it isn’t. Below is a simple 7-step process for cleaning your mattress that shouldn’t take longer than a few hours, not counting wait times.

1. Gather Your Mattress Cleaning Supplies

Here is everything you will need to clean your mattress at home:

Several boxes of baking soda
Clear dish soap or enzyme cleaner
A spray bottle or bucket
Several clean, white rags
A vacuum cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide for hard-to-remove stains
A toothbrush (optional)

2. Wash Your Bedding

Strip off all the sheets, pillowcases, mattress covers, protectors, or toppers, then let the washing machine do its magic while you do yours. But first, make sure that all covers and toppers are machine washable. And always opt for hot water to get rid of dust mites, in particular.

If your mattress topper isn’t machine washable, there is a simple process for cleaning toppers.

Check the labels on your pillows; they might also be machine washable. If they are, add them to the mix. Also, washing your sheets once a week is a good idea, as this will go a long way to keeping the mattress clean.

3. Vacuum Your Mattress Thoroughly

You’ll want to use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum for this. Go over the entire surface and pay special attention to creases or seams. Use your fingers to spread them apart, if necessary, to get inside them. Dirt and debris will find their way into those spots.

Suppose you have a smaller attachment for those small spaces; even better. And don’t forget to vacuum the sides of the mattress as well.

4. Spot-clean Your Mattress

It’s time to take care of any stains or discoloration you see. But a word of caution: You don’t want to apply water directly to your mattress, and a memory foam mattress isn’t made to get wet.

Accidents happen. Dogs jump on the bed with their dirty paws. Children get sick. Whatever the cause of stains or odors on your mattress, don’t worry. There are effective ways to get them out so your mattress can look new again.

First, never use commercial cleaners that contain strong chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. Even some stain removers may contain these ingredients so be cautious.These harsh chemicals can harm your mattress.Instead, use a natural cleaner that is made of enzymes. An excellent commercial enzyme cleaner works incredibly well for biological stains—blood, sweat, vomit, urine, etc. Liquid dish soap mixed with water can also be used, but make sure it’s clear. Colored dish soap will likely leave colored stains.
Mix dish soap with a large amount of water (a bucket works well if one is available). Once you have a bubbly, foamy mixture on top of the water, use a clean white cloth and dip it into the bubbles but NOT the solution. Then blot the stain.
Put a little on a clean white cloth using an enzyme cleaner and blot the stain. And remember that less is more when exposing your mattress to moisture of any kind.
After you apply your cleaning solution, grab another clean white cloth and some cold water. Use as little water as possible and blot the stained area again. Repeat this process until the stain is entirely out.

In rare instances, you may find that some deep stains won’t respond to either of those cleaners. In this case, try using hydrogen peroxide mixed with cold water. And if necessary, try using a toothbrush for hard-to-remove stains.

5. Apply Baking Soda

After you’ve removed all the stains, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over your mattress. This will help absorb any remaining moisture and odors. Leave the baking soda on overnight or for at least a few hours. Longer is better.

If you can open windows and allow sunlight and fresh air into your bedroom, your mattress will dry much faster. As a bonus, the sun’s UV light will kill any remaining mold or bacteria.

Opt for total coverage if you’re wondering whether to apply baking soda to the stained areas or the entire mattress. You never know what odors, particularly the baking soda, will remove.

6. Vacuum Your Mattress Again

Once you’ve left the baking soda to sit on your mattress for at least a few hours, it’s time to vacuum it all up. Use the same upholstery attachment as before and, once again, get into seams and crevices.

If your mattress is filthy, you may have to repeat steps 4 and 5. But for most of you, one time through will be plenty.

7. Flip Your Mattress and Repeat

Your mattress has two sides, so you’ll need to flip your mattress over and repeat steps 3 through 6 for the underside of the mattress.

If you haven’t been flipping your mattress regularly, the bottom of your mattress shouldn’t be stained much. But it will likely have a lot of dust and maybe some unwanted surprises like bed bugs, which are much more prevalent than people realize.

If your mattress was not designed to be flippable, be cautious when flipping it over, and do not apply too much pressure to that side of the mattress.

How to Remove Specific Stains from a Mattress

No matter how careful you are, spills and accidents happen—and your mattress often takes the hit. Fortunately, most stains can be treated effectively with the right approach and a few household supplies.

How to Get Urine Out of a Mattress

Urine stains—whether from kids, accidents, or overnight mishaps—should be treated quickly to prevent lingering odors and bacteria.

Here’s how to clean it up:

Blot immediately with clean, dry rags or paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Don’t scrub otherwise you could push the urine further into the mattress or make it spread.
Mix a solution of 50/50 white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add 1-2 tbsp of unscented laundry detergent (or scented if you prefer). Spray the affected area like your life depends on it! Ok, maybe not that much, but you do want to soak the area with the solution and leave it for 15 minutes.
Blot again with clean cloths to lift the solution and urine.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the area and let it sit for at least 8 hours (or overnight).
Vacuum thoroughly once the baking soda has dried.

For dried urine, consider using an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed to break down urine proteins and neutralize odor.

How to Get Blood Out of a Mattress

Blood stains can set quickly, so acting fast is key. Follow these steps to remove blood from a mattress:

Use cold water only—never hot, as heat will set the stain and make it very hard to remove.
Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot the blood stain gently.
Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with water (about 1:1) and dab it on the stain.
Let it bubble for a few minutes, then blot again with a clean cloth.
For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and cold water, apply it to the stain, let it dry, and vacuum the residue.

How to Get Cat Pee Out of a Mattress

Cat urine contains uric acid, which can be especially hard to remove if it dries. The smell also tends to linger—and cats may return to the same spot if not cleaned properly.

What to do:

Blot up fresh urine as much as possible with paper towels or a clean rag.
Spray the area with an enzyme cleaner made specifically for pet urine, like Nature’s Miracle (no affiliation but I know it works). If you’re in a pinch, use the 50/50 white vinegar and water solution I mentioned earlier. Wherever you do, do not use any cleaner that contains ammonia, because that can cause your cat to return to that area and urinate on it again.
Allow the solution to soak in deeply (follow product directions) to neutralize the uric acid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Blot the area to remove some of the urine and solution.
Cover the area in baking soda, let it sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.
Repeat if any odor remains.

How to Get Dog Pee Out of a Mattress

Dog urine is easier to treat than cat urine but still needs immediate attention to prevent staining and odor.
Here’s the process:

Blot up as much urine as possible.
Use the 50/50 white vinegar and water solution I mentioned earlier or use an enzyme-based cleaner to spray the area.
Blot again, then cover the spot with baking soda.
Let sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum.

Enzyme cleaners are best, especially if your dog has had multiple accidents. They break down odor-causing proteins better than basic vinegar.

How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress

Mattress stains can come from a variety of sources—sweat, spilled coffee or wine, makeup, food, or general grime. Fortunately, many of these can be lifted using gentle, household-friendly methods that won’t damage your mattress materials.

Here’s a reliable method for general stain removal:

Mix a few drops of clear dish soap into a bowl of warm water and agitate until a layer of foam forms on top.
Dip a clean white cloth into the foam only (avoid soaking it in the liquid) and gently blot the stained area. This helps loosen and lift the stain without oversaturating the fabric or mattress.
After blotting, use a new cloth lightly dampened with water to rinse the area, then blot dry with a towel.
If the stain persists, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly to the discoloration. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then blot again.
For tougher spots, create a baking soda paste (baking soda + a few drops of water), apply it to the stain, let it dry completely, and then vacuum the residue.

For best results, always treat stains as soon as possible and test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t discolor your mattress fabric.

How to Remove Odor From Your Mattress

Over time, mattresses can absorb odors from sweat, body oils, spills, pets, and even humidity. These lingering smells not only affect your sleep environment but can also be signs of bacteria or mildew buildup. Fortunately, removing mattress odors is simple with a few natural and effective steps.

Step-by-Step: Deodorizing Your Mattress

Strip the Bedding:
Remove all sheets, blankets, mattress covers, and toppers. Launder them in hot water to eliminate any odors and bacteria that may have transferred from the mattress.
Vacuum Thoroughly:
Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean the entire surface of the mattress, including seams and sides. This removes dust, hair, dander, and debris that contribute to odors.
Apply Baking Soda Generously:
Sprinkle a thick, even layer of baking soda across the entire mattress surface. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture. For added freshness, you can mix in a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) before applying.
Let It Sit:
Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. If possible, open windows to allow fresh air and sunlight into the room—UV rays can help kill bacteria and speed up the deodorizing process.
Vacuum Again:
After the baking soda has had time to absorb the odors, vacuum it up thoroughly. Pay attention to seams and corners to ensure all powder is removed.

To keep odors from building up again, vacuum your mattress monthly, use a waterproof mattress protector, add a mattress pad, and wash your bedding weekly. Let your mattress “breathe” occasionally by placing it in sunlight when possible.

How to Dry a Mattress

Whether you’ve just cleaned a stain, spilled a drink, or your mattress absorbed excess moisture from humidity or an accident, drying it thoroughly is essential. A damp mattress can quickly become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which can impact your health and ruin your mattress over time.

Step-by-Step: Drying a Mattress Safely and Effectively

Blot Up Moisture Immediately:
If the mattress is wet from a spill or accident, use clean, absorbent towels to blot the area firmly. Press down to soak up as much liquid as possible—avoid rubbing, which can push moisture deeper into the fabric and foam.
Use Baking Soda to Absorb Moisture:
After blotting, sprinkle baking soda generously over the damp area. Baking soda draws out moisture and helps neutralize any developing odors. Let it sit for several hours or until it’s visibly dry and clumped, then vacuum it up.
Increase Airflow Around the Mattress:
Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate, or use a fan aimed directly at the wet area. A dehumidifier in the room can help speed up drying, especially in humid environments.
Use a Hair Dryer (on Cool Setting):
For spot drying, a hair dryer on a cool or low-heat setting can be useful. Avoid high heat, especially with memory foam or latex mattresses, as excessive heat can damage the material.
Sunlight = Natural Disinfectant:
If possible, move your mattress near a sunny window or place it outside in direct sunlight. UV rays help kill bacteria and speed up the drying process. Just be sure it doesn’t get rained on if drying outdoors!
Check for Full Dryness:
Before putting bedding back on, make sure the mattress is completely dry—both on the surface and deep within. Press a dry cloth into the area to test for moisture. If it comes back damp, give it more time to dry.

How Often Should you Clean Your Mattress?

Generally, we recommend deep-cleaning your mattress about once every six to 12 months. If you spill something on your mattress, you’ll want to clean it immediately so the stain doesn’t set in.

Also, Consumer Reports recommends vacuuming your mattress monthly, mainly if your pet sheds. Besides regular cleaning, anything you can do to take care of accidents immediately and prevent mishaps from affecting your mattress, the less time you’ll spend deep cleaning.

How to Keep Your Mattress Clean

Using a high-quality mattress protector is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your mattress clean. This will reduce the need to clean your mattress as often and make cleaning it much less time-consuming.

However, the benefits of using a mattress protector don’t end there. Did you know that using one can help keep your warranty valid, while not using one may have the opposite effect? There are many great reasons to use a mattress protector.

Other Mattress Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Properly maintaining your mattress will help extend its longevity and ensure your sleep routine isn’t disrupted. Here are seven mattress maintenance tips that will help:

1) Rotate the Mattress from Head to Toe

We recommend rotating your mattress every three months from head to toe to prevent a sagging mattress.

Rotating your mattress now and then will help it wear more evenly. Certain body parts put more weight on some mattress areas than others. If you rotate where these body parts lay on the mattress, it will prevent certain areas from wearing down quicker than the rest of the mattress.

Rotating your mattress can extend its life by 50%!

An easy way to remember to rotate your mattress is to time it with changing seasons. This way, you’ll be sure to rotate at least four times a year.

2) Get Enough Support Under Your Mattress

A mattress lasts much longer with a solid foundation or frame beneath it. And you’ll get better sleep when your bed can support your weight properly.

If you like to use a box spring under your mattress, ensure it’s good quality, wide enough for your mattress, and has a hard top surface.

Related Content: How Long Do Mattresses Last?

3) Vacuum Your Mattress Regularly

One of the easiest ways to maintain your mattress and extend its life is to keep it clean. And the easiest way to keep it clean is to vacuum it regularly.

Use a hand-held vacuum with a brush attachment. This will help the vacuum catch hair, dust, and other small unwanted particles.

Be sure to vacuum the hard-to-reach areas, such as the sides of the mattress and the top where it meets the headboard.

4) Wash Your Mattress Protector or Cover

You should also wash the protective mattress cover in the washing machine regularly to keep your mattress clean and healthy. We recommend doing this each time you vacuum your mattress since you’ll have to take the cover off anyway to vacuum.

Use a mild detergent on the cover and the right amount based on the size of your mattress (a larger mattress cover calls for more detergent). Also, use warm water and a few drops of white vinegar for extra cleanliness. But first, make sure your cover or protector is machine washable.

5) Let Your Mattress Breathe

While this next tip may sound like a hassle, it benefits your mattress’s health and longevity.

Placing your mattress outside in the direct sun will let it breathe and disinfect. The open air helps to eliminate odors, bacteria, mold, and allergens. The hot sun can kill bacteria and allergens, too.

Plus, putting your mattress outdoors in the sun will ensure it is dry. A dry mattress prevents odors and mold. This is especially important in areas with a lot of humidity.

This method is also the best way to dry your mattress after you have washed it.

6) Clean Your Bedding Regularly

Since your bedding comes into direct contact with your mattress, washing your bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets is recommended once a week.

These items collect dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, pet dander, and more. Cleaning your bedding regularly will keep these unwanted guests off your mattress.

7) Get a Waterproof Mattress Protector.

Another excellent tip to keep your mattress clean and properly maintained is to use a waterproof mattress protector.

A waterproof mattress cover will keep any liquids from reaching your mattress. Sweat, drinks, and whatever other elements life throws at you will stay on the mattress cover rather than soaking through your mattress and creating much more work for you later.

Bonus Tip: Get Your Beloved Pets Their Own Beds.

We all love our pets, and why wouldn’t you let your dogs sleep with you?. But pets can wreak havoc when it comes to mattress longevity and health. From being outdoors in the dirt to shedding and drooling, it all ends up on your bed just like it would from humans.

If you want your mattress to last as long as possible (who doesn’t?), it’s best to get your pets their beds rather than let them sleep in yours.

Plus, they make memory foam beds for pets, too! So, your pet will enjoy the same comfort as you and have a mattress all to themselves.

Ready to care for your new mattress?

Performing regular maintenance on a mattress doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular cleaning, rotating, and preventive measures will keep your mattress like new for many years.

Now that you know how to care for your mattress, perhaps you’re ready to purchase a new one. At The Beloit Mattress Company, we not only design mattresses perfectly suited to your needs, but we also help you understand how long mattresses last so you can make the best choice for your comfort. Check out our complete line of custom mattresses today; we even have a matcher so you can find the perfect mattress for you.

Choosing the right mattress is the first step in long-term comfort and maintenance. Find out what mattress material is best for your body to match comfort with durability.

FAQs

What Is the Easiest Way To Clean a Mattress?

The 7-step process we laid out above is the easiest way to clean a mattress:

Gather the proper supplies.
Remove and wash your bedding.
Vacuum your mattress thoroughly.
Spot clean any visible stains.
Apply a thin layer of baking soda to the mattress.
After letting the baking soda sit for a few hours, vacuum again.
Flip the mattress over and repeat.

How Can I Clean My Mattress at Home?

Cleaning a mattress at home does not need to be difficult, but it does require some time. A combination of everyday household items like dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda are all required, plus a good vacuum cleaner and several clean white clothes.

How Do I Get My Mattress White Again?

Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the discolored area and blot with a clean, white cloth; then repeat until the discoloration has been removed. Apply a layer of baking soda over the discoloration area and vacuum it up a few hours later. And finally, let your mattress dry properly.

How Do You Deep Clean a Dirty Mattress?

The best action is to protect your mattress so you don’t have to clean it deep as often. To accomplish this, consider using a mattress protector. Beyond protecting your mattress from spills, allergens, dust mites, bed bugs, and whatever mishaps life throws, a mattress protector can keep the warranty valid. And we have a thorough article answering the common question, “do I need a mattress protector.”

Are you just researching right now?

Check out our newest Mattress Buying Guide and How to Experience The Best Sleep Guide. Both are free!

How To Clean Your Mattress – A Homeowners Guide.