How to Clean a Mattress: Remove Stains, Odors and Dust Mites

Knowing how to clean a mattress helps you sleep in a fresher, healthier bed. Mattresses collect sweat, skin cells, dust mites and sometimes spills. Over the years, these build up and cause odors, stains and allergy flare-ups. A deep clean every six months takes under an hour of hands-on work.

What You Need

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
• Clean white cloths
• A spray bottle

How to Clean a Mattress Step by Step

1. Strip the Bed

Remove all sheets, pillows and the mattress protector. Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites. Check the care labels first.

2. Vacuum the Entire Surface

Use the upholstery attachment. Go slowly across the top, sides and seams. Seams and tufts hold the most dust and debris.

3. Treat Stains

Treat the stain according to its type.

• Sweat or yellow stains: mix one tablespoon dish soap, two tablespoons baking soda and half a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Spray lightly, let sit for 30 minutes and blot.
• Blood: blot with cold water and a drop of dish soap. Never use hot water, because it sets the stain.
• Urine: blot, then spray with equal parts vinegar and water. Cover with baking soda and let dry.

Always blot instead of rubbing. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper.

4. Deodorize With Baking Soda

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda across the whole mattress. Leave it for at least an hour. For strong odors, wait several hours. Baking soda absorbs moisture and smells.

5. Vacuum Again

Remove all the baking soda with the upholstery attachment. Go over the surface slowly so none remains.

6. Flip or Rotate

If your mattress is two-sided, flip it. Otherwise, rotate it head to foot. This step spreads wear evenly. Then repeat the cleaning on the other side if you flipped it.

7. Let It Dry Completely

Dampness breeds mold. Open windows or use a fan. Let the mattress air out in sunlight if possible before remaking the bed.

Keep Your Mattress Clean Longer

• Use a waterproof mattress protector and wash it monthly
• Wash sheets weekly
• Vacuum the mattress every few months
• Avoid eating or drinking in bed
• Keep bedroom humidity low

What Not to Do

Do not soak the mattress. Too much liquid soaks into foam and takes days to dry. Also avoid steam cleaning memory foam. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before trying new products.

The Sleep Foundation offers helpful advice on mattress care.

Cleaning bedding goes together with a fresh laundry routine. See how to clean a washing machine so your sheets come out fresher.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clean a mattress from top to bottom. Vacuum, treat stains, deodorize and dry completely. Repeat every six months, and your bed will stay fresh, comfortable and healthier to sleep on.