PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /How to Clean a Mattress

How to Clean a Mattress

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Sprinkle on baking soda to absorb odor and moisture

    Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the entire mattress surface and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour β€” it helps absorb odor and moisture, cutting down on that damp, musty feeling.

  2. Vacuum up the baking soda and dust

    Once it's had time to work, go over the whole mattress with your vacuum's upholstery attachment (or a regular nozzle) to lift away the baking soda along with dust and dead dust mites.

  3. Vacuum on a regular basis

    Vacuuming your mattress at least once a month keeps ongoing dust mites and skin flakes from building up, even the parts you can't see.

  4. Blot stains with minimal water

    For stains, dab gently with a cloth lightly dampened in a mild, diluted detergent rather than soaking the area β€” too much water can seep deep into the mattress, where it dries slowly and invites mold.

  5. Rotate or flip the mattress periodically

    Rotating or flipping the mattress every three to six months prevents pressure from concentrating on the same spot, which helps it last longer.

  6. Air it out in sunlight or good ventilation

    When possible, stand the mattress up somewhere well-ventilated or pull back the cover to let it air out β€” this helps reduce internal moisture and prevent odor from building up.

For a mattress, absorbing and vacuuming beats soaking with water

Since a mattress can't be thrown in a washing machine or soaked whole, sprinkling on baking soda to absorb moisture and odor and then vacuuming it away is the safest and most effective way to keep it clean.

Curtains deserve regular washing too

Bedroom hygiene depends on more than just the mattress β€” curtains collect dust just as readily and are easy to overlook. Taking them down for a wash every couple of months, following the care label, rounds out a cleaner bedroom overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I leave baking soda on before vacuuming it up?

Thirty minutes to an hour is usually plenty to absorb moisture and odor, but if the mattress feels especially damp, leaving it for two to three hours before vacuuming can help even more.

What should I do if I spill water on a mattress?

Press a dry towel firmly onto the spot as quickly as possible to soak up as much moisture as you can, then let it finish drying completely with a fan or good airflow β€” thorough drying is what keeps mold from taking hold inside.