How to clean a mattress
By Ellie Reeves | 7th August 2023 | 5 min read
Freshen up your mattress in five easy steps
We spend a lot of time sleeping on a mattress (about a third of our lives – in fact), so it’s important we keep it fresh and hygienic for a good night’s rest. Cleaning a mattress might sound daunting, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. With a clean and hygienic bed, you can enjoy a restful slumber and wake up each morning feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will show you the best way to clean a mattress.
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Why should I clean my mattress?
We highly recommend cleaning your mattress on a regular basis. Here's why:
Dust mite prevention
Each night, you shed millions of skin cells, which become a valuable food source for dust mites. By cleaning your mattress, you can reduce the population of these microscopic pests and improve the air quality in your home.
Enhanced air quality
Regularly cleaning your mattress helps to remove accumulated dust and debris, leading to improved air quality in your home. This can be especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Elimination of unpleasant odours
Over time, an uncleaned mattress may develop an unpleasant odour. This can negatively impact the quality of your sleep. By cleaning your mattress, you can eliminate unwanted smells, promoting a more restful night's sleep.
By prioritizing mattress cleaning and incorporating it into your yearly cleaning routine, you can improve the air quality in your home and ensure a more comfortable and refreshing sleep experience.
Your guide to cleaning a mattress
You might need:
- Laundry detergent or washing up liquid
- Baking soda
- A sponge or cloth
- Bucket filled with lukewarm water
- Mattress vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
Before you begin – Do your research
First things first, do a little bit of research on your type of mattress before you start cleaning it. The mattress manufacturer might have special guidelines for how to clean your mattress. You may need to treat it differently depending on the material or finish. Also, is your mattress double sided or single sided? If it’s double sided, you’ll be able to clean both sides, but if it’s single sided, you’ll only be able to clean one side of your mattress.
Step 1 - Wash your bedding
Before you start cleaning your mattress, strip your bedding and put all your sheets and pillowcases in your washing machine. Wash your sheets at a high temperature. This will ensure that any sweat, dust, and bacteria is removed. Washing your bedding at a lower temperature may not eliminate all bacteria or remove sweat as efficiently. And remember, your washing machine needs cleaning too! Read our guide on cleaning your washing machine.
Step 2 - Air out your mattress
Once you've removed all bedding, it's a good idea to let your mattress air out for a little while. You can do this by opening your windows to promote the circulation of fresh air in the room. If you have enough space, we recommend taking your mattress off the bed and placing it closer to the window. Let it sit there for a few hours to adequately air out.
Step 3 - Vacuum your mattress
Lay your mattress back down on the bed so you can vacuum any dust, crumbs, and hairs. Use a special mattress vacuum cleaner, or a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment will also do the trick. This attachment is designed to capture smaller particles while being gentle on the fabric. Begin vacuuming your mattress from the top and work your way down. This will ensure that you cover the entire mattress evenly. For a more thorough cleaning, try vacuuming in horizontal lines and then go over the top surface in vertical lines. This way every part of your mattress will receive proper cleaning attention.
Our favourite vacuum mattress cleaners:
Step 4 – Remove stubborn mattress stains
Now that your mattress has been aired out and vacuumed, it’s time to tackle any stains lingering on your mattress. Whether it’s sweat stains or spilled food, we’ll guide you through the process and show you how to clean mattress stains.
Step 5 - Put your clean bedding back on
Now that your mattress is clean, stain-free and smelling fabulous – it’s time to put your bedding back on. Once your bed is made, you’re all set for a great night’s sleep! By following these easy steps, you can effectively eliminate unpleasant smells and maintain a fresh, clean sleeping environment. Sweet dreams!
How to get stains out of your mattress
If you've never cleaned your mattress before, it's common to have visible stains. Fortunately, you can easily treat these with a spot clean using the following steps:
1. Choose your cleaning solution. You can create your own cleaning solution with items typically found in your kitchen cupboard, or you can buy a specialised mattress or upholstery cleaning product.
2. Using a cloth or old toothbrush, apply the stain-removing solution to the stained areas of your mattress. Gently scrub the solution into the stain, allowing it to penetrate and lift the marks.
3. With a damp cloth, wipe away the excess solution from the mattress. This will help to remove any residue and ensure a cleaner finish.
4. After wiping away the excess solution, check to see if the stains have disappeared. In most cases, the combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will lead to effective stain removal.
5. Let any wet spots air dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting to help speed up the drying process.
6. Finally, sprinkle the entire surface of your mattress with baking soda, this will absorb any nasty smells and leave your bed smelling fresh. After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining residue. This will leave your mattress clean and refreshed. If you have a double sided mattress, simply flip it over and repeat the process.
Make your own DIY mattress stain remover
To create a mattress cleaning solution, gather the following ingredients and follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- A few drops of liquid dishwashing soap
Method
In a container, combine 1 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap. Stir the mixture well until the baking soda dissolves completely. This may take a few moments of stirring to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning solution.
