How to Clean a Mattress: 6 Steps

You regularly clean your bathroom and kitchen because they are the most frequented areas in your home. But do you ever think about your mattress? 

Every night your mattress supports you while sleeping, and as a result, they act as the holders of daily filth. According to a study, 41% of Americans experience night sweats as they sleep. Now maybe you wash your sheets periodically, so you think you’re covered, right? Wrong!

Your sheets collect surface dirt and debris, but dust mites, dander, bacteria and mold might be living in your mattress. Which, granted, most people forget to clean. That’s why it’s so important to know how to clean your mattress!

Keep reading to discover six steps to clean a mattress properly.

1. Start With Your Sheets

When learning how to clean a mattress, it’s best to start with the basics — your sheets!

Change the sheets and wash the mattress topper. Be sure to wash at a high temperature to kill any bacteria that are present. 

2. Bring Out the Vacuum

With the bare mattress in front of you, it’s time to begin vacuuming. Use the upholstery or mattress attachment to get a close suction in those nooks and crannies. These attachments are designed to suck up the dust and allergens lurking in the bed.

3. Sanitize Through a Deep Clean

Now that your mattress is freshly vacuumed, you are ready for the deep clean. If there are any dried blotches, use your preferred spot cleaning method. For simple stains, a bit of dish detergent and warm water may do the trick. With tougher spots, you may need additional stain-fighting power. Salt and baking soda may help grease stains, while hydrogen peroxide and water would work better on bodily fluids.

For an additional layer of sanitizing, dilute white vinegar in a spray bottle and mist the mattress. This non-toxic natural cleaner will help to kill bacteria. Allow any liquids to dry thoroughly, as moisture in a bed can cause mold growth.

4. Freshen and Deodorize

Use baking soda to freshen and deodorize your mattress. Sprinkle it on top of the dried bed and allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight. Open up the curtains to allow sunlight into the room. Sunlight is proven to kills germs, and a section exposed to daylight will have half the amount of bacteria compared to dark areas. 

After the baking soda sits for a few hours, vacuum it up. Your mattress is now ready for a set of clean sheets.

5. Tackle Fresh Stains Immediately

If you spill something in bed, it’s best to tackle the stain immediately. Strip your sheets and put them into the wash. Whether you use hot or cold water will depend on what caused the mark.

Always pretreat with your favorite stain remover and use laundry detergent to keep them looking brand new. If you have a mattress protector or topper, then your mattress may be safe. Read the instructions on the label to determine how to clean mattress accessories.

If there are stains on the mattress, spot clean the area right away. Make sure to blot at the soiled area so that the mark doesn’t smear.

6. Reduce Mattress Funk From the Start

While it’s important to know how to clean mattresses, it’s also crucial to minimize the funkiness before it has a chance to begin. Start by showering before bed. Even a quick rinse will help to clean off dirt and grime that might be on your skin. It also helps lower your body’s core temperature, which allows you to get a more restful night’s sleep.

Besides showering before getting into bed, you should also remember to remove your shoes before going into the bedroom. Shoes track in dirt, debris — including fecal matter — and bacteria that your socks carry under the covers.

Take preventative measures to keep the area tidy if you have pets that share the bed with you. Bathe and groom them regularly. Also, remember to wipe their paws before allowing them to jump up. 

Clean Your Mattresses for a Clear Mind

Using these six steps, you can clean your mattress and clear your mind. You’ll worry less when you know that you’re sleeping on washed covers and a tidy bed. You should rotate your mattresses quarterly or biannually, so it’s best to deep clean them at the same time. 

Now that you know how to clean mattresses, you and your family can enjoy a safe night’s sleep!