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The best way to clean a mattress is to vacuum it, treat stains with as little moisture as possible, let it dry fully, and protect it with a washable mattress protector. Avoid soaking the mattress. Too much water can leave moisture trapped inside the foam or padding.
What You Need
Gather a few basic supplies:
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Clean white cloths or towels
- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
- Cool or lukewarm water
- Baking soda
- Soft brush, if needed
- Fan for faster drying
Check the mattress care label and manufacturer guidance before using any cleaner. Some foams, covers, and specialty materials need different care.
How to Clean a Mattress Step by Step
1. Remove All Bedding
Take off the sheets, mattress pad, protector, and blankets.
Wash them according to their care labels. This is also a good time to wash pillowcases and any washable pillow protectors.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the full surface.
Pay extra attention to:
- Seams
- Tufted areas
- Edges
- The area near the head of the bed
- Creases where dust and pet hair collect
Use gentle suction on delicate quilted covers.
3. Spot-Clean Stains
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture, then blot the stain.
Do not pour cleaner directly onto the mattress.
Work from the outside of the stain toward the center. This can help keep the mark from spreading.
After cleaning, blot the area with another cloth dampened with plain water. Then press with a dry towel to remove extra moisture.
4. Use Baking Soda for Odors
Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the mattress.
Let it sit for several hours when possible. Baking soda can help absorb mild surface odors and moisture.
Vacuum it up carefully before making the bed.
5. Let the Mattress Dry Completely
Open windows when weather allows, or run a fan across the mattress.
Do not put sheets or a protector back on until every cleaned area feels fully dry. Trapped moisture can lead to lingering odors and damage to some mattress materials.
How to Clean Common Mattress Stains
Sweat or Body Oil
Use a lightly dampened cloth with mild detergent. Blot instead of rubbing.
Several light treatments are safer than one soaking treatment.
Urine
Blot fresh moisture with clean towels first. Then use a small amount of cleaner that is allowed by the mattress maker.
Pet and child accidents may need more than one light treatment. Keep the mattress uncovered until it is fully dry.
Avoid making strong claims about odor or stain removal. Some deep stains may remain, especially if liquid reached the inner layers.
Blood
Use cool water, not hot water. Heat can make some protein-based stains harder to remove.
Blot gently with a small amount of mild detergent solution. Test the cleaner on a hidden area first.
Food or Drink
Blot spills right away. Remove any solid material without pushing it deeper into the fabric.
Use a lightly dampened cloth and mild soap. Avoid scrubbing, which can spread the stain or damage the cover.
Pet Hair
Vacuum first. A clean upholstery brush or lint roller can help with hair left on the surface.
For homes with pets, a washable mattress protector makes regular cleanup easier.
What to Avoid
Do not soak the mattress or use a steam cleaner unless the manufacturer clearly allows it.
Also avoid:
The best way to clean a mattress is to vacuum it, treat stains with as little moisture as possible, let it dry fully, and protect it with a washable mattress protector; review materials, fit, care, safety, cleaning, drying, and performance before deciding what suits your needs.
- Pouring water directly onto the mattress
- Using too much soap
- Scrubbing hard
- Using bleach without checking the care instructions
- Applying heat from a hair dryer
- Covering the mattress before it is dry
- Mixing cleaning chemicals
Memory foam and pillow-top mattresses can hold moisture deep inside, so use extra care with liquid.
Can You Deep-Clean a Mattress?
A mattress cannot usually be washed like a sheet or comforter. Most home cleaning is surface cleaning.
A good routine includes:
- Vacuuming
- Spot-cleaning
- Deodorizing with baking soda
- Drying fully
- Using a washable protector
If a spill has soaked deep into the mattress, check the manufacturer’s guidance before trying stronger cleaning methods. In some cases, professional cleaning may be an option, but it is important to confirm that the method is suitable for the mattress material.
How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?
Vacuum the mattress every few months, or more often in homes with pets, kids, or frequent guest use.
Clean spills as soon as possible.
A guest room mattress may need less frequent cleaning, but it should still be checked for dust, stains, and musty odors before visitors arrive.
Dorm beds and rental beds can be easier to maintain with a washable protector that fits the full mattress depth.
Use a Mattress Protector After Cleaning
A mattress protector sits between the fitted sheet and the mattress.
Choose one that:
- Fits the mattress depth
- Can be machine washed
- Does not bunch under the sheet
- Matches your comfort needs
- Follows the mattress maker’s guidance
For kids’ beds, pet-friendly homes, and guest rooms, a protector can make cleanup much simpler.
An encasement covers the mattress on all sides and closes with a zipper. It is different from a standard protector. Check the product listing and care label for washing and fit instructions.
Tips for Different Mattress Types
Memory Foam
Use very little liquid. Foam can take a long time to dry.
Do not press water deep into the surface.
Innerspring Mattress
Keep moisture away from seams and edges where it may move into the inner layers.
Allow plenty of drying time.
Pillow-Top Mattress
Vacuum carefully around stitched and tufted areas.
Blot stains gently because the thick top layer can hold moisture.
Hybrid Mattress
Treat the top according to its material. Many hybrids have foam layers above the springs, so avoid soaking the surface.
RV Mattress
RV bedrooms may have less airflow. Use a fan and keep the mattress uncovered until fully dry.
Check underneath the mattress from time to time, especially in humid spaces.
How to Keep a Mattress Cleaner
Use fitted sheets and a washable protector.
Wash bedding on a regular schedule and let the mattress air out for a short time before remaking the bed.
Keep food and drinks away from the bed when possible.
For pet-friendly homes, wash pet blankets often and vacuum the mattress edges where hair gathers.
Rotate the mattress only if the manufacturer recommends it. Not all mattresses are designed to be flipped or rotated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
It is usually best to avoid carpet cleaning machines unless the mattress manufacturer says they are safe. These machines can leave too much moisture inside the mattress.
Can you steam-clean a mattress?
Steam cleaning may damage some foam, adhesives, covers, or inner materials. Check the care label and manufacturer guidance before using steam.
How long does a mattress take to dry?
Drying time depends on the amount of moisture, room airflow, humidity, and mattress material. Keep the mattress uncovered until the cleaned areas are completely dry.
Can baking soda clean a mattress?
Baking soda can help absorb mild odors and surface moisture, but it does not replace vacuuming or stain treatment.
Should you clean both sides of a mattress?
Clean both sides only if the mattress is designed to be flipped or used on both sides. Many modern mattresses have a single sleep surface.
Can you use vinegar on a mattress?
Vinegar may be allowed on some mattress covers, but it can leave moisture and odor behind. Check the manufacturer guidance and test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
How do you clean a mattress without a vacuum?
Use a clean upholstery brush to loosen dust, then wipe the surface gently with a dry microfiber cloth. A vacuum is still more effective for seams and deeper surface dust.
When should a stained mattress be replaced?
Replacement may be worth considering when a mattress has deep liquid damage, a lasting musty smell, visible material breakdown, or comfort problems that cleaning cannot fix. Check the mattress condition and manufacturer guidance before deciding.
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