A clean mattress is essential for better sleep and allergy relief, but many people forget to deep clean theirs. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust mites, sweat, dead skin, and stains—yuck! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to deep clean a mattress effectively using simple household products like baking soda and a mattress-specific handheld vacuum cleaner. Follow these steps to refresh your bed and sleep cleaner tonight!
Step 1: Strip the Bed
Start by removing all bedding—sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and duvet covers. Wash everything in hot water (following care instructions) to kill dust mites and bacteria. For extra freshness, dry on high heat or line-dry in direct sunlight, which naturally disinfects fabrics.
Step 2: Wash Pillows & Comforter
Check care labels—some pillows and comforters are machine-washable, while others require dry cleaning. Use a gentle detergent and an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue. To prevent clumping, dry completely with tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff them back up.
Step 3: Vacuum the Mattress
Use a mattress-only vacuum that has HEPA filtration to remove dust, dead skin, and allergens. The high-frequency tapping technology helps dislodge deeply embedded particles. Pay extra attention to seams, crevices, and edges, where dust mites love to hide.
Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
- Odors? Sprinkle baking soda over the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, then vacuum again.
- Tough stains? Use an enzyme cleaner for organic messes (sweat, food, or urine). Blot—don’t scrub—to avoid pushing stains deeper.
Step 5: Deodorize & Freshen the Mattress
Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress and let it sit for 30 minutes (or overnight for strong odors). This neutralizes smells and absorbs moisture. Then, vacuum thoroughly to remove all residue.
Step 6: Rotate or Flip the Mattress
To prevent sagging and ensure even wear, every 3-6 months you should flip over your mattress if it’s double-sided. If not, rotate 180 degrees (head to foot).
Step 8: Protect Your Mattress
Prevent future buildup with a waterproof, breathable mattress protector. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to maintain freshness and hygiene.
Final Thoughts on How To Deep Clean a Mattress
Now that you know how to deep clean a mattress, you can enjoy a fresher, healthier sleep every night. For best results, repeat this process every 3-6 months—or more often if you have allergies.
