How to Clean a Mattress
The average mattress contains 100,000 to 10 million dust mites. Here's how to deep clean your mattress in 6 steps using household products.
What You'll Need
6-Step Deep Cleaning Process
Strip the Bed Completely
5 minutesRemove all sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and toppers. Wash them separately on the hottest cycle the fabric allows.
Vacuum the Entire Surface
10 minutesUse the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to clean the top, sides, and all seams of the mattress. Pay special attention to crevices where dust mites, dead skin, and debris accumulate. Vacuum both sides if possible.
Spot-Clean Stains
15–20 minutesFor most stains: Mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda into a paste. Apply to stain, let sit 10–15 minutes, then blot (don't rub) with a damp cloth. For blood stains: Use cold water and hydrogen peroxide. For urine: Use an enzyme-based cleaner.
Deodorize with Baking Soda
30 min – overnightSprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. For extra freshness, add 5–10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes — ideally 2–4 hours or overnight.
Vacuum Again
10 minutesThoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda. Go over each area multiple times to ensure no residue remains. Check seams and edges.
Air Dry and Protect
1–4 hours dryingIf you used any liquid cleaners, let the mattress air dry completely before remaking the bed. Open windows or use a fan to speed drying. Once dry, put on a waterproof mattress protector to prevent future stains.
Stain Removal Guide by Type
Blood Stains
Solution: Cold water + hydrogen peroxide. Never use hot water — it sets blood stains permanently.
Pro tip: Apply H2O2 directly, let fizz, blot with cold damp cloth. Repeat if needed.
Urine Stains
Solution: Enzyme-based cleaner (Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie) or white vinegar + baking soda.
Pro tip: Spray enzyme cleaner liberally, let sit 15 min, blot dry, then baking soda overnight.
Sweat / Yellow Stains
Solution: Hydrogen peroxide + dish soap + baking soda paste.
Pro tip: Apply paste, let sit 30 min, scrub gently with soft brush, blot clean.
Coffee / Wine Stains
Solution: Cold water + dish soap, then hydrogen peroxide if stain persists.
Pro tip: Blot (don't rub) immediately. The faster you act, the easier removal is.
Mold / Mildew Stains
Solution: Isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar spray. Do NOT use bleach on foam.
Pro tip: Spray, let sit 15 min, blot, then vacuum. Ensure mattress dries completely. Consider professional cleaning for severe mold.
What NOT to Do
Never soak a mattress — excess moisture causes mold growth inside foam layers.
Don't use bleach — it damages foam structure and can create toxic fumes.
Never use a steam cleaner on memory foam — the heat and moisture degrades the foam.
Don't skip the drying step — even slight moisture trapped inside can cause mold within 24–48 hours.
Avoid scrubbing stains — always blot. Scrubbing pushes the stain deeper into the mattress.
Recommended Cleaning Schedule
Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water (130°F+) to kill dust mites.
Wash mattress protector. Vacuum mattress surface and rotate 180°.
Deep clean with baking soda deodorizing. Check for stains and spot-treat.
Full 6-step deep clean. Inspect for sagging, wear, or damage. Flip or rotate.