Quick Answer
To clean a mattress, strip all bedding and vacuum the entire surface first. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the mattress, leave it for at least an hour, then vacuum it off. Treat any stains with a mild solution of washing up liquid and cold water, blotting rather than rubbing. Let the mattress air dry fully before putting bedding back on, and repeat this process roughly every three to six months.
What You Will Need
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Bicarbonate of soda
- A mild washing up liquid
- Cold water
- Clean white cloths or paper towels
- A spray bottle, optional
- Hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme cleaner, for tougher stains only
Step 1: Strip and Vacuum
Remove all sheets, protectors, and pillows. Vacuum the entire top surface using an upholstery attachment, working in slow, overlapping passes to lift dust, skin cells, and debris from the fabric weave. Turn the mattress if it is a flippable type and vacuum the underside too. Do not skip this step, since cleaning products applied over trapped dust and debris are far less effective.
Step 2: Treat Any Visible Stains
For most everyday stains, mix a small amount of mild washing up liquid with cold water in a spray bottle or bowl. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stain, working from the outside edge inward to avoid spreading it further. Never rub, since this pushes the stain deeper into the fabric and padding. Use a second cloth dampened with plain cold water to rinse the area, then blot dry with a fresh towel.
Dealing With Specific Stain Types
| Stain Type | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|
| Sweat or general body oils | Bicarbonate of soda paste, left for 30 minutes, then blotted and vacuumed |
| Blood, fresh | Cold water only, blotted immediately, never hot water which sets the stain |
| Blood, dried | Hydrogen peroxide dabbed on with a cloth, left briefly, then blotted with cold water |
| Urine | Cold water and washing up liquid solution, followed by an enzyme cleaner to break down odour-causing compounds |
| Vomit | Scrape off any solids first, then treat with the standard washing up liquid solution and finish with bicarbonate of soda for odour |
Step 3: Deodorise the Whole Mattress
Once any stains are treated and the surface is fully dry, sprinkle a generous, even layer of bicarbonate of soda across the entire mattress. Leave it for at least one hour, ideally several hours or overnight if you have the time and a spare bed or sofa to sleep on. The bicarbonate of soda absorbs moisture and odours from deep within the fabric. Vacuum it off thoroughly afterwards, going over the surface at least twice to remove all the powder.
Step 4: Let It Air and Dry Completely
Open windows if possible and let the mattress air for a few hours before putting bedding back on. If you have treated a stain with any liquid, make sure the area is completely dry before covering it, since trapped moisture can lead to mould or mildew developing inside the mattress over time. A fan pointed at the mattress can speed up drying on a damp day.
How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?
A full clean every three to six months is a reasonable target for most households, with a lighter vacuum in between whenever you change your bedding. Households with pets, young children, or allergy sufferers often benefit from cleaning slightly more often, roughly every two to three months.
Keeping a Mattress Fresh Between Deep Cleans
- Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector to catch spills and sweat before they reach the mattress itself
- Wash bedding weekly in a hot cycle where the fabric allows
- Vacuum the mattress surface briefly every time you change the sheets
- Rotate or flip the mattress according to the manufacturer’s guidance to spread out wear
- Keep the bedroom well ventilated to reduce moisture build up
What to Avoid
- Soaking the mattress with large amounts of liquid, since this can damage the internal padding and springs and take days to dry
- Using bleach, which can weaken fibres and, on some fabrics, react to create harmful fumes
- Rubbing stains vigorously, which spreads them and pushes them deeper
- Putting bedding back on before the mattress is completely dry
Related Reading
If you are also comparing mattress types while you are at it, see our guide on memory foam vs hybrid mattresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean a mattress without bicarbonate of soda?
Yes, vacuuming and spot treating stains with a mild washing up liquid solution still removes most everyday dirt and stains, though bicarbonate of soda is particularly effective for lingering odours.
How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?
Typically a few hours with good airflow, though this depends on how much liquid was used and how humid the room is.
Can I steam clean a mattress?
Some mattress types tolerate light steam cleaning well, but check the manufacturer’s care instructions first, since excess moisture can damage certain foams and fillings.
What causes yellow stains on a mattress?
Usually a combination of sweat, body oils, and oxidation over time, which is why regular cleaning and a mattress protector make a noticeable difference.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in a mattress?
A generous bicarbonate of soda treatment left for several hours, combined with airing the mattress in a well ventilated room, usually resolves musty odours from moisture build up.