A good night's sleep on a clean mattress improves your overall well-being. Regular cleanings will also combat stains and odors caused by spills, body oils, sweat, mold/mildew, and pet accidents, but importantly, a good deep clean prevents the build-up of allergens and dust mites.
We're not saying you put off this chore too long, but we can probably all agree that it'd be worth doing it more often. Light cleanings don't have to be time consuming, either. For example, if you're sensitive, run a vacuum across the mattress or mattress cover every time you change your sheets.
Experts report that vacuuming can help prolong your mattress's life indirectly but significantly. "Keeping a mattress clean is essential for longevity because mold and mite infestations are common reasons for premature replacement," shared Nell's CEO, Koki Doi. "Vacuuming removes dust, dead skin, and mite carcasses, which are food sources for mites."
He also shared a tip that's counterintuitive to everything we learned: Stop making the bed as soon as you wake up. He explained to us that simply turning back the covers every day releases moisture. Ventilation significantly changes the lifespan of a mattress.
How can you tell if your mattress is dirty?
A mattress doesn’t need visible stains to be dirty. Subtle signs include waking up congested or itchy, noticing musty odors, or seeing dust clouds when you change the sheets.
If your allergies seem worse at night or your mattress smells less-than-fresh, those are strong indicators it’s time to clean your mattress—even if it appears spotless on the surface.
How to Clean Your Mattress in Six Steps
You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with crevice attachment
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Clean cloths or microfiber towels
Steps
- Remove bedding. Strip the bed of all linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress pad.
- Vacuum the mattress. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust, dirt, dead skin cells, and pet hair. Pay close attention to seams for noticeable debris.
- Spot clean mattress stains. Treat visible stains with a mixture of mild detergent such as liquid dish soap and warm water. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth, being careful not to saturate the mattress. Repeat as necessary as the type of stain will affect spot cleaning efficiency.
- Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to overnight to absorb odors.
- Vacuum again. After allowing the baking soda to work its magic, vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the powder and any remaining dirt.
- Sanitize with vinegar. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the entire surface and let it air dry to eliminate bacteria and odors.
Only after the bed has fully dried should you put on any covers, sheets, or blankets.
Tips for Spot Cleaning Stains
Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to be sure it doesn't damage or discolor the fabric.
- Surface stains: Dab on a mixture of mild detergent and water and blot with a clean cloth or absorbent paper towels.
- Organic stains: Enzyme cleaners are effective for breaking down urine, blood, and sweat. Make sure it's safe for your mattress material and then follow the product instructions.
- For greasy or oily stains: Sprinkle cornstarch on the area. Allow it to sit for several hours to absorb the oil, then vacuum it up.
- Deep stains: Older or stubborn stains may require a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste, let it dry, and then vacuum it off.
- Very stubborn stains: Consult the manufacturer's care label for their recommended stain remover.
Benefits of a Mattress Cover
- Protects your investment: Shields your mattress from spills, stains, sweat, and everyday wear, helping extend its lifespan.
- Improves sleep comfort: Some covers add light cushioning or offer cooling or temperature-regulating features.
- Blocks allergens: Creates a barrier against dust mites, allergens, and pet dander that can embed in the mattress over time.
- Easy to clean: Most mattress covers are machine washable.
- Simplifies mattress maintenance: Toss the cover in the wash while you clean and air out your mattress to keep everything fresh.
How often do you need to clean your mattress if you use a mattress protector?
A mattress protector significantly reduces spills and debris, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for cleaning altogether. Even with a protector, you should still clean your mattress every few months to address trapped moisture, airborne allergens, and everyday wear. The protector simply allows you to clean less aggressively and helps keep deep clean mattress sessions to a minimum.
What’s the difference between regular cleaning and a deep clean mattress routine?
Regular cleaning focuses on surface maintenance, like removing dust and odors, while a deep clean mattress routine targets what builds up over time—embedded allergens, bacteria, and lingering moisture.
Deep cleaning is especially helpful after illness, heavy sweating, pet accidents, or long periods without maintenance, and it helps restore freshness rather than just maintaining it.
