How to Clean a Mattress

Wed Mar 27 2024

  • Mattress Guides

Every day the average person spends six to eight hours each night sleeping on their mattress. While bed sheets and protectors do a good job of protecting your mattress, it is still advised to clean your mattress. In this blog, our mattress experts present effective methods for cleaning your mattress and maintaining a healthy sleep environment.

Purple bed sheets

Cleaning Your Mattress

Cleaning your mattress is essential for maintaining a healthy sleep environment. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and even allergens like dust mites. These can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and even affect the lifespan of your mattress. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these contaminants, ensuring you have a clean and hygienic place to rest each night.

Before you start cleaning your mattress, you will need the following supplies:

  • • Vacuum cleaner, preferably with the upholstery attachment,
  • • baking soda, a mild detergent, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide,
  • • spray bottle, and
  • • garment steamer (optional)

Make sure to remove all sheets and mattress cover to wash them separately.

Removing Dust From a Mattress

The first step to properly cleaning your mattress is to vacuum it. While using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the mattress. Press down firmly to get the dust out from beneath the surface and in quilting creases.

If you have dust allergies, a garment steamer will be helpful. When using a garment steamer, the hot water vapor penetrates deep into the fabric of the mattress, effectively eliminating dust mites and allergens that may be lurking on the surface.

Person vacuuming mattress

Getting Stains Out of a Mattress

Whether it's from eating in bed, pets, sweat stains, or children, many mattresses eventually get unsightly stains. Do not use harsh stain removers; instead, use upholstery cleaner, sensitive dish soap, detergent, or warm water. Use a clean cloth and spot clean as needed to remove the stain.

In most cases, a mild detergent with water can do the trick. Apply the solution to a clean cloth, and blot the stain repeatedly. Always use minimal moisture, and never soak the mattress. For blood, urine, and sweat stains, follow these steps:

  • Blood Stains: Remove blood stains by using hydrogen peroxide. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with cold water.
  • Urine Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to urine stains. Blot with a clean cloth, then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry before vacuuming.
  • Sweat Stains: Create a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to sweat stains. Let it sit for several hours before brushing off and vacuuming.

Try to use as little water and product as possible to remove the stain. Once the stain is removed, blot the area with towels to remove excess water. Let your mattress air dry. Do not put the bedding back on the mattress until the spot has completely dried.

At Bedzzz Express, we recommend taking extra precautions to prevent mattress stains from happening. It can be extremely difficult to fully remove and clean a mattress. A high-quality mattress protector can prevent stains from setting in. Removable allergy covers are available in all sizes that will protect your mattress from dust, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. This Five 5IDED® mattress protector from Malouf offers breathable protection from allergens and dust mites.

Purple mattress sheet protector

Getting Odor Out of Your Mattress

Over time, mattresses can begin to develop unwanted odors. Baking soda can be used to absorb unwanted smells. Sprinkle on the top of the mattress and let it sit for at least an hour, or ideally overnight for a deeper clean. Then vacuum up to remove the baking soda along with any trapped odor.

Don’t forget, your mattress has two sides! Once you are done cleaning one side, make sure to flip it and repeat the process. Once done, let your mattress air out completely. If possible, leave it close to an open window for better ventilation.

Stearns reserve mattress

Is It Important to Clean a Mattress?

Cleaning your mattress is important for maintaining a healthy sleep environment. Over time, your mattress accumulates dust, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and even allergens like dust mites. These can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and even affect the lifespan of your mattress. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these contaminants, ensuring you have a clean and hygienic place to rest each night.

Consider Purchasing a New Mattress

If you find that despite your efforts, your mattress is stained or left with smelly odors that you just can't seem to eliminate, it may be time to invest in a new one.

At Bedzzz Express, we offer different types of mattresses including memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and more. If you're ready to purchase the best mattress for yourself, our experts will help you find the right one for you. We understand that choosing the right mattress is essential for your comfort and sleep quality, which is why we pride ourselves on offering the best products and services in the industry. Contact us today or visit one of our mattress store locations in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cleaning Your Mattress

How can I remove urine stains from my mattress?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to urine stains. Blot with a clean cloth, then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry before vacuuming.

Can I clean my mattress with just water?
While water can be used for spot cleaning, it may not be sufficient for removing tough stains and odors. Using mild detergent or natural cleaning solutions is more effective.

Can I use bleach to clean my mattress?
It's not recommended to use bleach on your mattress, as it can damage the fabric and potentially harm your health. Stick to mild detergent and natural cleaning solutions instead.

How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?
We recommend customers clean their mattresses every six months to keep their mattresses fresh and extend their longevity. However, if you suffer from allergies or have pets, more frequent cleaning would be beneficial. Regular cleaning helps eliminate dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, and other allergens, ensuring you have a clean and healthy sleep environment.

Silky sheetsTempur-Pedic luxebreeze hybrid mattress without sheets

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