How to Clean a Mattress

Clean your mattress regularly to remove dust mites, dirt, dead skin cells and allergens using either a handheld vacuum or the upholstery tool on a cordless vacuum cleaner.

If your mattress contains biological stains, combine enzyme cleaner with water to spray and scrub at them with a cloth before rinsing and blotting with towels to dry them completely.

Vacuum

Your mattress can become covered with sweat, dead skin cells, germs and allergens over time, leading to rashes or worsening the symptoms of allergies or asthma. Regularly cleaning it will protect it, extend its lifespan and improve sleep quality.

For a thorough mattress clean, vacuum with the upholstery attachment and use the crevice tool to reach into seams and folds. A bi-weekly vacuuming will prevent dust from gathering on your mattress as well as premature wear and tear.

If you find any biological stains such as blood, urine or sweat on your mattress, first absorb any excess liquid with an absorbent cloth (microfiber or terry towel). Next, spray the stain with a solution made up of laundry detergent and hydrogen peroxide and allow to dry completely before covering with baking soda and leaving overnight to see if you still smell an unpleasant odor.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover, and should help with most types of mattress odors and stains. Sprinkling some onto a bare mattress for at least an hour if not longer will eliminate most odors while freshening your mattress. For stubborn bloodstains or urine spillage on mattress surface, spray 3-percent hydrogen peroxide on area then dab gently using clean damp rag until stain lifts away and eliminates odor. Repeat as necessary to lift stain or lift stain and eliminate odor.

Once the mattress has settled, use either a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum its seams and edges where dust mites tend to collect. For optimal results, take your mattress outside in direct sunlight if weather allows; sunlight can help eliminate any remaining odors or stains which may remain.

Vinegar

Are You regularly Launder Your Sheets, Pillow Shams and Throw Blanket, but when was the Last Time You Cleaned Up Your Mattress? A dirty mattress can become home to dust mites, dead skin cells and pet hair as well as being an incubator of germs and fungus that spread illness in your bed.

Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to give your mattress and its seams a thorough cleaning at least once every week, which will prevent dust mites and other allergens from settling onto your bed. This can help ensure a fresh environment.

To remove stubborn bedwetting or sweat stains that leave yellow stains, mix together one cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and several drops of liquid dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle. Use the solution on the stain by spraying from outside in. Blot it gently working from outside-inward. Finally vacuum off your mattress to get rid of all cleaning solution and baking soda residue before leaving it alone to dry overnight.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Even with a mattress protector or encasement in place, mattresses still get dirty over time. Regular mattress cleaning will help prevent dust mites, bacteria, and musty odors that can compromise sleep quality.

If your mattress has any stains on it, be sure to address them quickly. As time passes and stains set in, they become harder and harder to get rid of.

Old & Light - Wine, blood, and sweat stains can be difficult to eradicate from mattresses, so if they're new or fresh use a gentle detergent or spot cleaner to quickly clean. Blot the area to absorb as much liquid as possible before applying a mixture of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide (think the fizzy volcano experiment from science class) until completely saturated.

Create a cleaning solution by mixing together some laundry detergent, dish soap and one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bowl or pitcher. Use either a sponge or spray bottle to apply this solution directly onto any stained areas of your mattress and allow it to set for 20 minutes before repeating the steps above.