How to clean a mattress

Freshen up your mattress in five easy steps

We spend a lot of time sleeping on a mattress (about a third of our lives – in fact), so it’s important we keep it fresh and hygienic for a good night’s rest. Cleaning a mattress might sound daunting, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. With a clean and hygienic bed, you can enjoy a restful slumber and wake up each morning feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will show you the best way to clean a mattress.

Why should I clean my mattress?

We highly recommend cleaning your mattress on a regular basis. Here's why:

Dust mite prevention

Each night, you shed millions of skin cells, which become a valuable food source for dust mites. By cleaning your mattress, you can reduce the population of these microscopic pests and improve the air quality in your home.

Enhanced air quality

Regularly cleaning your mattress helps to remove accumulated dust and debris, leading to improved air quality in your home. This can be especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Elimination of unpleasant odours

Over time, an uncleaned mattress may develop an unpleasant odour. This can negatively impact the quality of your sleep. By cleaning your mattress, you can eliminate unwanted smells, promoting a more restful night's sleep.

By prioritizing mattress cleaning and incorporating it into your yearly cleaning routine, you can improve the air quality in your home and ensure a more comfortable and refreshing sleep experience.

Your guide to cleaning a mattress

You might need:

• Laundry detergent or washing up liquid
• Baking soda
• A sponge or cloth
• Bucket filled with lukewarm water
• Mattress vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment

Step 4 – Remove stubborn mattress stains

Now that your mattress has been aired out and vacuumed, it’s time to tackle any stains lingering on your mattress. Whether it’s sweat stains or spilled food, we’ll guide you through the process and show you how to clean mattress stains.

How to get stains out of your mattress 

If you've never cleaned your mattress before, it's common to have visible stains. Fortunately, you can easily treat these with a spot clean using the following steps:

1. Choose your cleaning solution. You can create your own cleaning solution with items typically found in your kitchen cupboard, or you can buy a specialised mattress or upholstery cleaning product.

2. Using a cloth or old toothbrush, apply the stain-removing solution to the stained areas of your mattress. Gently scrub the solution into the stain, allowing it to penetrate and lift the marks.

3. With a damp cloth, wipe away the excess solution from the mattress. This will help to remove any residue and ensure a cleaner finish.

4. After wiping away the excess solution, check to see if the stains have disappeared. In most cases, the combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will lead to effective stain removal.

5. Let any wet spots air dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting to help speed up the drying process.

6. Finally, sprinkle the entire surface of your mattress with baking soda, this will absorb any nasty smells and leave your bed smelling fresh. After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining residue. This will leave your mattress clean and refreshed. If you have a double sided mattress, simply flip it over and repeat the process.