Cleaning your mattress may not be at the top of your to-do list every week but knowing how to clean a mattress is very important as a homeowner. Mattresses can harbour many yucky things like dirt, debris, dead skin, bugs and more.
We’ve often seen that the best way to clean a mattress is to hire professionals who specialise in mattress care and who have the equipment needed to get that deep clean. That being said, here’s a simple guide on how to clean a mattress at home for emergencies and those in between cleaning sessions.
Cleaning a Mattress
A mattress is an essential investment for anyone, as we spend considerable time resting our bodies and minds in bed each day. So, by properly caring for your mattress, you will ensure it lasts as long as possible while providing you with the healthiest, most comfortable sleeping environment possible.
Sure, accidents can happen that require immediate attention. Still, it’s good to establish a healthy mattress care routine in general to ensure you and your family are getting the best sleep possible! This is especially important for pet owners or those who struggle with allergies.
- You should get your mattresses professionally cleaned twice a year
- You can use everyday household items to clean your mattress in emergencies
- Tougher stains may need stronger chemicals and more time to eliminate
- Steam cleaning with hot water is the most effective mattress-cleaning solution
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Mattress
A clean mattress’s health and well-being benefits cannot be understated.
A dirty mattress will consistently expose you and your family to dirt, perspiration, body oils, food particles, pet hair and more. These pollutants can worsen allergies and other underlying health issues like respiratory infections and more.
Here are some of the main benefits of regularly cleaning your mattress:
- Sleep quality can be enhanced
- Reduces allergy reactions and skin problems
- Removes fungal spores and mould on mattress
- Protects against household pests
- Extends the life of your mattress
- Promotes cleaner indoor air
- Helps to control odours and stains
Supplies Needed for Cleaning a Mattress
If you’re wondering how to remove a stain from a mattress or what the best way to clean a mattress is, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
There are a few basic household items you need to deep clean your mattress but some tougher stains like urine stains, pet stains, severe sweat stains or blood stains may require stronger chemicals which can typically be found at your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Here are some of the basic supplies you need to do a good mattress clean:
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Some sort of enzyme cleaner or dish soap as a stain remover
- Laundry detergent
- Baking soda (bicarb soda)
- Cloths or towels for cleaning
- Cold water
How to Clean a Mattress: Step-by-Step Guide
As we’ve mentioned, it is recommended to clean your mattress at least twice a year, no matter which mattress or material you have. This includes memory foam mattresses.
The more frequently you get your mattress cleaned, the easier it will be to remove tough stains, liquids, dirt, grime, and bodily fluids.
Step 1: Strip the Bed and Wash All Bedding and Sheets
Remove all your bedding linen including your sheets, pillowcases, blanket and blanket covers, and mattress protector if you have one. Wash your bedding as per the manufacturer’s guidelines or as you usually would at home. Washing your sheets and bedding weekly can actually help keep your mattress even cleaner!
Step 2: Vacuum All Accessible Mattress Surfaces
Using your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment, thoroughly vacuum the mattress surfaces that you can reach including the top and sides. Vacuuming will help to get rid of pesky dust mites. If you wish, you can also vacuum the base and underneath of your bed.
Step 3: Treat the Stains
Sweat tends to be the main stain culprit on mattresses. This is where your enzyme cleaners like hydrogen peroxide or dish soap will help. Gently mist the stains with some cold water then mix a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide or some dish soap with 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle with cold water.
Spray the cleaning solution over the entire stain, scrubbing lightly with a soft cloth or soft bristle scrub brush until the stain fades. Repeat as needed. Always check if products are suitable for use on mattresses.
Step 4: Deodorise Your Mattress
Now to eliminate the odours. One of the best ways to do this is to place your mattress in direct sun and fresh air. The UV rays will help sterilise the mattress. If you can’t put your mattress in the sun and fresh air, baking soda will be your next best bet.
Sprinkle baking soda across the mattress, creating a thin layer. Bicarb soda will help to absorb moisture, pull out stains, and neutralise odours. Leave for a few hours in a well-ventilated location.
Step 5: Vacuum Again
Vacuum the mattress again using your upholstery attachment. This will pick up any stray baking soda and stubborn dust mites.
Step 6: Flip and Rotate Your Mattress – Then Repeat!
Flip your mattress over and rotate it if necessary. Then, repeat steps 2 to 5 to deep clean the entire mattress.
Tackling Tough Mattress Stains
Tougher stains like urine, vomit, or blood stains may require some additional TLC.
These stains can become very unhygienic if left untreated and they can also smell terrible quickly! Dealing with them immediately is often the best course of action to avoid the added risk of bacterial infections and unpleasant odours.
If you’re wondering how to remove a stain from a mattress, this is the best way to do it.
Using gloves, gently try to scoop up any excess fluids, trying not to spread it across the mattress but rather to lift what you can. Grab an old towel or cloth and gently dab the affected area to help absorb as much moisture as possible.
Then, treat the stains as suggested above, using a mixture of dishwashing liquid, a few drops of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and some bicarb in water.
Repeat the treatment a few times for tough stains, being careful not to get the mattress too wet. Alternatively, mix bicarb and water to make a thicker paste to apply to stains. Leave for about an hour then remove with a damp cloth.
How to Clean a Mattress: Frequently Asked Questions
Is baking soda enough to clean a mattress?
Baking soda makes for an excellent natural deodoriser for cleaning mattresses. It is mild, inexpensive, and can be used safely on fabric without causing any damage. Its fast-absorbing properties make it a powerful product for getting rid of moisture and odours.
How do you deep clean a mattress without a machine?
If you don’t have access to a vacuum cleaner, you can still give your mattress a good clean using baking soda and vinegar. Add some white vinegar to a spray bottle filled with cold water. Mist the entire mattress thoroughly then gently scrub and dab the stained areas.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress until the affected areas are covered. Cover with towels then leave the mattress for a few hours until it is dry.
When should I clean my mattress?
Because this process can take some time, it is best to start cleaning your mattress first thing in the morning. This will allow the mattress to get enough ultraviolet rays and for the baking soda to sit for a good 6 to 8 hours.
What is the best home remedy to clean a mattress?
A mixture of dishwashing liquid, baking soda, and 3% hydrogen peroxide in some cold water will create an effective and safe-to-use mattress stain remover. Use a spray bottle to apply this solution to your mattress then blot or dap stains using a dry towel or cloth.
What is the best way to clean a mattress?
DIY mattress cleaning at home is a great way to maintain your mattress hygiene and longevity in general but in our many years of experience, we’ve often found that the best way to clean a mattress is to get professionals out who specialise in mattress care and who have the best equipment and products for the job.
Final Tips When Cleaning a Mattress
- When treating stains, dab them rather than rubbing them
- Spray your cleaning solution onto the cloth first, not the mattress
- Avoid getting your mattress too wet when cleaning as this can lead to mould problems
- Use a mattress protector and fitted sheets to reduce dust mites and stains
- Try to avoid eating and drinking in bed
- Air out your bedroom as much as possible
Call Myer Carpet Cleaning Today
At Myer Carpet Cleaning, we value a clean family environment! We are a 100% Australian-owned and family-operated steam cleaning business, proudly servicing Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney for many fruitful years.
Our timely, friendly, and professional technicians will have your carpets and mattresses looking brand new again, without any hassle from your side!
Contact us today for all of your steam cleaning needs, or book your cleaning service online in a few easy steps!
Knowing How to Clean a Mattress Ensures a Fresh and Comfortable Night’s Sleep
So, there you have it, our simple step-by-step guide for cleaning a mattress at home.
As you can see, you don’t need any overly specialised products or equipment to deal with accidents or general staining on your mattress. Using our DIY cleaning guide above, you can create a healthy routine mattress cleaning solution for your home.
For all your professional steam cleaning needs in Australia, be sure to contact us here at Myer!
We hope you now have a good idea of how to clean a mattress and look forward to servicing your carpets and mattresses in the future!