How To Clean A Mattress (2024)

The best way to clean a mattress effectively involves a combination of regular maintenance and targeted cleaning techniques.

Here’s a comprehensive approach:

• Regular vacuuming: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to regularly vacuum the mattress. This helps remove dust, dead skin cells, and other debris that accumulate over time. Aim to do this every month or every time you change your bedding.

• Spot cleaning stains: As soon as stains occur, spot clean them. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water for most stains. For protein-based stains like sweat, blood, or urine, an enzyme cleaner can be more effective. Remember to dab the stains gently rather than rubbing them to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the mattress fabric.

• Deodorising: Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and leave it for several hours before vacuuming it off. This helps to neutralise odours. For a fresher scent, you can mix a few drops of essential oil with the baking soda before applying it.

• Deep cleaning: Every 6 to 12 months, consider a deeper clean. You can use a steam cleaner for a thorough cleaning, which also helps kill bacteria and dust mites. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on to prevent mold growth.

• Addressing allergens and mites: Regularly air out the mattress and expose it to sunlight, if possible. This helps reduce allergens like dust mites. Using mattress protectors can also help keep allergens at bay.

• Preventive measures: Use a mattress protector to shield against dirt, spills, and wear. Wash your bedding regularly and consider hypoallergenic covers if you have allergies.

• Professional cleaning: In cases of severe stains or for an annual deep clean, consider hiring professional mattress cleaners.

Remember, each mattress type may have specific cleaning instructions, so it's wise to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Regular maintenance not only keeps your mattress clean but can also extend its lifespan.

A mattress can turn yellow due to several factors, most commonly due to sweat and body oils.

Here's a breakdown of why this happens:

• Sweat: Everyone sweats during sleep to some degree, and, over time, this sweat can soak into the mattress. Sweat contains salts and other compounds that can leave behind a yellowish stain as they accumulate.

• Body oils: The natural oils produced by your skin can also seep into the mattress fabric and padding, leading to yellowing. These oils can attract dirt and dust, further contributing to the discolouration.

• Other bodily fluids: Apart from sweat and oils, other bodily fluids like urine (especially common in mattresses used by young children) can cause yellowing.

• Aging of materials: The materials inside the mattress, such as foam and fibers, can oxidise and break down over time due to exposure to air and light, leading to yellow discolouration.

• Spills and acidents: Food and drink spills, if not cleaned properly, can leave yellow stains over time.

• Environmental factors: Factors like humidity and exposure to sunlight can also contribute to the yellowing of mattresses.

To mitigate this, using a mattress protector is advisable, as it can help absorb sweat and oils, protecting the mattress from direct exposure.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the mattress also play a crucial role in preventing and reducing the appearance of yellow stains.

Cleaning a yellowed mattress, often caused by sweat, oils, or age, involves a few steps:

Vacuum the mattress

Begin by vacuuming the entire mattress with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and loose debris.

Spot cleaning

DIY solution: Mix a solution of equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar, or use a mild detergent mixed with water.

Method: Apply the solution directly to the yellowed areas using a spray bottle or a damp cloth. Gently dab the stain - avoid scrubbing to prevent the stain from spreading or going deeper into the mattress.

Baking soda treatment

After spot cleaning, generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.

Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odours and drawing out moisture and stains.

Leave the baking soda on the mattress for several hours or, ideally, overnight.

Vacuum again

Once the baking soda has done its job, vacuum it off thoroughly. This should lift off the baking soda along with some of the yellowing.

Air out and dry

Allow the mattress to air out and dry completely.

If possible, let it sit in a well-ventilated area or near an open window.

Sunlight can also help bleach the fabric naturally, but avoid excessive sun exposure, which can damage some mattress materials.

Repeat if necessary

For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process.

Remember, always check the mattress manufacturer’s care instructions before applying any cleaning solutions, and test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

If the mattress is severely yellowed or stained, or if these steps don’t work, you might consider professional cleaning or assessing if it’s time for a new mattress.

Yes, baking soda can effectively clean a mattress.

It's particularly good for deodorising and lightly cleaning the surface.

Here's how baking soda helps:

• Odour absorption: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural odour absorber. It's effective in neutralising acidic odours and lessening the smell of various organic compounds. When sprinkled over the mattress, it can help in removing smells like sweat or urine.

• Mild abrasive: Baking soda has a slightly abrasive texture, which can help in dislodging light stains and dirt from the surface of the mattress when rubbed gently.

• Moisture absorption: It can also help in absorbing moisture. This is particularly useful in humid environments or if the mattress has been exposed to dampness.

For general cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress, leave it for a few hours to absorb odours and moisture, and then vacuum it off.

For stain removal, it can be used as a paste (mixed with a bit of water), applied to the stain, left to dry, and then scraped off or vacuumed.

However, it's important to note that while baking soda is effective for surface cleaning and deodorising, it's not a substitute for a thorough deep clean, especially for removing deep stains or addressing issues like dust mites or allergens. 

For more intense cleaning, other methods or professional services might be required.

Removing urine from a mattress without baking soda and vinegar can be done using a few alternative methods.

Enzyme cleaner method

Enzyme-based cleaners are specifically designed to break down organic matter like urine.

They are often used for pet stains but work just as well for human accidents.

• Blot the area: Use a clean, dry towel to blot as much of the urine as possible.
• Apply enzyme cleaner: Follow the instructions on the enzyme cleaner. Typically, you spray it onto the affected area.
• Let it sit: Allow it to sit for the time specified on the product label. This is usually around 15 - 20 minutes.
• Blot again: Use a clean, dry towel to blot the area again, removing as much moisture as possible.
• Air dry: Allow the mattress to air dry completely. This may take several hours.

Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap method

If the stain is fresh and you don’t have an enzyme cleaner, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap can be effective.

• Mix the solution: Combine 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap.
• Apply the solution: Lightly spray or dab the solution onto the stain. Don't oversaturate the mattress.
• Gently scrub: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the area.
• Blot and rinse: After scrubbing, blot with a damp cloth to remove the solution, then with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
• Dry the mattress: Allow the mattress to air dry fully.

Liquid laundry detergent method

If the urine stain is not too strong, this method can be effective.

• Dilute detergent: Mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent with water.
• Apply to the stain: Using a cloth, apply the solution to the stain.
• Blot and rinse: Blot the area with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel.
• Dry the mattress: Let the mattress dry completely.

For all methods, always blot and don't rub as rubbing can push the urine deeper into the mattress.

It's also a good idea to test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first.

Always ensure good ventilation in the room to speed up drying.

Sometimes, it might be necessary to repeat the process to completely remove the odour and stain.

In all cases, it's important to tackle the stain as soon as possible for the best results.

If the stain is old or the odour persists, you may need to consider professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, replacing the mattress.

Yes, you can shampoo a mattress, but it's important to do it carefully to avoid damaging the mattress.

Here's a brief guide on how to shampoo a mattress:

• Choose the right shampoo: Use a fabric or upholstery shampoo suitable for mattresses. Ensure it's gentle and non-toxic. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the mattress fabric or cause health issues.

• Vacuum the mattress first: Before shampooing, thoroughly vacuum the mattress to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This helps the shampoo to work more effectively.

• Spot cleaning: If there are any specific stains, pre-treat them with a suitable stain remover.

• Apply the shampoo: Follow the instructions on the shampoo. Typically, you would apply a small amount of the shampoo to a clean, damp cloth or use a spray bottle to apply it evenly over the mattress surface. Avoid saturating the mattress with too much liquid.

• Gently scrub: Gently scrub the surface with a soft brush or cloth in a circular motion. Focus on areas with stains or odours.

• Wipe and rinse: After scrubbing, wipe the mattress with a clean, damp cloth to remove any shampoo residue. It’s crucial not to over-wet the mattress.

• Air dry: Let the mattress dry completely before making the bed. This might take several hours. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or placing the mattress in a well-ventilated area.

• Vacuum again: Once the mattress is dry, vacuum it again to remove any loosened dirt.

Always read and follow the instructions on the mattress shampoo label and test the shampoo on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration.

Ensure the mattress is thoroughly dry before using it to prevent mold and mildew growth.

If you’re unsure or the mattress is particularly valuable or delicate, consider professional cleaning services.

Using a carpet cleaner on a mattress is generally not recommended.

Carpet cleaners, especially those designed for deep cleaning, are often too harsh for mattresses and can saturate them with too much moisture.

Here's why it's advisable to avoid using carpet cleaners on mattresses:

• Excessive moisture: Carpet cleaners are designed to deeply penetrate fibres, which can result in too much moisture being absorbed into the mattress. Mattresses are not designed to handle this level of moisture and can take a very long time to dry completely, leading to potential mold and mildew growth.

• Harsh chemicals: The detergents and chemicals used in carpet cleaners might be too strong for mattress materials. This can lead to damage or discolouration of the mattress fabric and can also be harmful if you're sensitive to strong cleaning agents.

• Depth of cleaning: Carpet cleaners are designed to clean thick fibres and can be overly aggressive for the delicate structure of a mattress, potentially damaging the internal materials.

Rather use one of our best mattress cleaners to keep your mattress fresh.