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Deep cleaning an entire mattress means cleaning the top, sides, seams, edges, and reachable underside without soaking the inner materials. The safest method is to vacuum first, treat stains with a small amount of cleaner, remove odors, and let the mattress dry completely before making the bed.
Always check the mattress care label and manufacturer guidance first. Some mattresses should not be steam cleaned, scrubbed, flipped, or treated with certain cleaning products.
What You Will Need
Gather these supplies before removing the bedding:
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Clean white cloths or plain paper towels
- A soft brush
- A small bowl
- Mild liquid laundry detergent or dish soap
- Cool or lukewarm water
- Baking soda, if allowed by the manufacturer
- A spray bottle
- A fan
- An enzyme cleaner for suitable organic stains, if needed
- A mattress protector for after cleaning
Use white cloths when possible. Colored towels can sometimes transfer dye to a damp mattress.
Do not mix different cleaning chemicals. In particular, never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other household cleaners.
Step 1: Remove All Bedding
Strip the bed completely. Remove:
- Sheets
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Mattress pads
- Mattress toppers
- Mattress protectors
Wash each item according to its care label. Large comforters and thick toppers may need a large-capacity washer or professional cleaning.
Check the mattress protector for cracks, peeling, or worn elastic. A damaged protector may no longer provide full coverage.
Step 2: Inspect the Mattress
Look over the entire mattress before cleaning. Check the top, sides, seams, handles, piping, and underside.
Pay attention to:
- Fresh spills
- Dried stains
- Yellow areas
- Pet accidents
- Food or drink marks
- Dust along the seams
- Hair and pet fur
- Damp patches
- Damaged fabric
- Loose stitching
This inspection helps you decide which areas need stain treatment. It also prevents you from spreading a wet stain while cleaning the rest of the mattress.
If the mattress is wet from a large spill, plumbing leak, or flooding, follow the manufacturer’s guidance. A deeply soaked mattress may be difficult to dry safely at home.
Step 3: Vacuum the Whole Mattress
Vacuuming is the most important part of a full mattress cleaning. It removes loose dust before moisture is added.
Use the upholstery attachment and work slowly across the entire top surface. Use overlapping passes rather than moving the vacuum quickly.
Next, vacuum:
- The quilted grooves
- Button areas
- The piping around the edges
- Every seam
- The sides
- Handles
- The underside, if accessible
A crevice attachment can help along seams and edges. Use gentle suction around loose fabric or damaged stitching.
For pet-friendly homes, loosen hair with a clean, dry rubber glove or soft brush before vacuuming. Do not scrub hard enough to damage the mattress cover.
Step 4: Treat Stains One at a Time
Do not wet the entire mattress to clean a few stained areas. Spot treatment uses less moisture and is easier to dry.
Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small hidden area. Wait for the test spot to dry and check for fading, rings, or fabric damage.
For light everyday marks
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool or lukewarm water. Stir it to create suds.
Dip a clean cloth into the suds rather than soaking it in the liquid. Blot the stained area from the outside toward the center.
Follow with a second cloth that is lightly dampened with plain water. Blot again to remove detergent residue.
Finish by pressing a dry towel onto the area.
For food or drink stains
Blot up any remaining moisture first. Do not rub, since rubbing can spread the stain.
Use a small amount of mild detergent solution. Work slowly and repeat the blotting process rather than applying a large amount at once.
Sugary drinks can leave a sticky residue. Use a lightly damp cloth after cleaning to remove as much soap and residue as possible.
For urine, vomit, or other organic stains
Check whether the mattress manufacturer allows enzyme cleaners. An enzyme cleaner is designed to break down certain organic residue.
Apply it according to the product label. Avoid spraying more than needed. Many mattresses contain foam or padding that can hold moisture for a long time.
Blot the area and allow it to dry completely. Do not combine an enzyme cleaner with bleach or another stain remover.
For dried stains
Slightly dampen the stain with the chosen cleaning solution instead of pouring cleaner over it. Let it sit only as long as the cleaner label allows.
Blot repeatedly with a clean cloth. Older stains may become lighter without disappearing fully. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can roughen or discolor the mattress fabric.
Step 5: Clean the Sides and Edges
The sides of a mattress often collect dust, hair, skin oils, and marks from moving the bed.
Use a lightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent solution. Wipe the sides in sections.
Take extra care around:
- Decorative piping
- Handles
- Zippers
- Labels
- Stitched borders
Mattress handles are usually meant for positioning, not lifting the full weight of the mattress. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before pulling or turning the mattress by its handles.
Blot each cleaned section with a dry towel.
Step 6: Deodorize the Surface
After stain treatment, you can use baking soda to help freshen the mattress if the care instructions allow it.
Wait until stained areas are mostly dry. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda across the top.
Leave it in place for several hours. A longer contact time may be helpful for a mattress that has absorbed general bedroom odors, but keep pets and children away from the uncovered mattress.
Vacuum the baking soda slowly and thoroughly. Check seams and quilted areas for remaining powder.
Baking soda may reduce mild odors, but it will not repair damaged foam or solve a deep moisture problem.
Step 7: Clean the Underside
Check whether your mattress can be flipped or turned. Many modern mattresses have only one sleeping surface and should not be flipped.
If the mattress is too heavy to move safely, ask another person to help. Do not bend or fold it unless the manufacturer says that is allowed.
Vacuum the underside and inspect it for dust or dampness. Spot clean small marks using the same low-moisture method used on the top.
You can upholstery-clean a mattress with a fabric-safe cleaning solution and an upholstery extractor, but the mattress must not become soaked.
You do not usually need to wash or heavily treat the underside. The main goal is to remove dust and check that air can move around the base.
While the mattress is raised, vacuum the bed frame, platform, or box spring.
Step 8: Dry the Mattress Completely
A mattress must be fully dry before sheets or a protector go back on it.
To speed drying:
- Open windows when weather allows
- Run a fan across the mattress
- Use a dehumidifier in a humid room
- Leave the bed uncovered
- Keep the mattress away from direct high heat
Do not use a hot hair dryer, space heater, or other strong heat source. High heat may damage foam, adhesives, waterproof layers, or mattress fabric.
Press a clean, dry cloth onto treated areas. If the cloth picks up moisture, the mattress needs more drying time.
The surface may feel dry while deeper padding is still damp. Use as little liquid as possible during cleaning to lower this risk.
Step 9: Rotate the Mattress if Allowed
After the mattress is dry, rotate it from head to foot if the manufacturer recommends rotation.
Rotation can help spread normal wear across the sleeping surface. It does not fix deep sagging or damaged support materials.
Do not flip a one-sided mattress. Check the current product instructions if you are unsure whether the mattress is flippable.
Step 10: Protect the Clean Mattress
Place a clean mattress protector over the fully dry mattress.
A protector can make future spills and everyday cleaning easier. Choose one that fits the mattress height, including any topper.
Measure from the bottom edge of the mattress to the highest point on top. This is the mattress depth. The protector’s pocket depth should be large enough to cover that measurement without pulling off the corners.
Wash the protector according to its care label. Waterproof protectors may require low heat or air drying to protect the backing.
How to Clean Different Mattress Types
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam can hold moisture. Use very small amounts of cleaning solution and blot instead of soaking.
Avoid steam cleaning unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Steam can send moisture and heat deeper into the foam.
Hybrid mattresses
A hybrid mattress contains foam layers and an inner support system, often coils. Treat the surface like a foam mattress unless the care instructions say otherwise.
Keep liquids away from seams and edges where they may travel into inner layers.
Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses may have thick fabric, foam, or fiber padding above the coils. They still should not be saturated.
Vacuum the tufted areas carefully and use low-moisture stain treatment.
Latex mattresses
Natural or synthetic latex mattresses may have removable covers, but not every cover is machine washable. A zipper does not always mean the cover should be removed.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions before removing or washing the cover. Clean the mattress core only as directed.
Pillow-top mattresses
Pillow-top surfaces have extra padding and deep stitching. Dust, baking soda, and moisture can settle into the grooves.
Vacuum slowly and avoid pouring cleaner into tufted sections. These mattresses may take longer to dry after spot cleaning.
Should You Steam Clean a Mattress?
Steam cleaning is not suitable for every mattress. Heat and moisture can affect foam, adhesives, fabric treatments, and inner padding.
Only use a steam cleaner if the mattress manufacturer says it is allowed. Follow the steam cleaner instructions and avoid holding the tool over one area for too long.
Even when steam cleaning is permitted, the mattress needs strong airflow and enough uncovered drying time. Do not make the bed while any part remains damp.
Common Mattress Cleaning Mistakes
Soaking the mattress
More water does not mean a deeper clean. Mattresses are thick and difficult to dry from the inside.
Use damp cloths and light sprays instead of pouring liquid onto the surface.
Scrubbing stains hard
Hard scrubbing can spread stains, push residue deeper, and damage the cover fabric. Blot stains with gentle pressure.
Mixing cleaning products
Combining products can create unsafe fumes or damage mattress materials. Use one method at a time and follow every product label.
Using too much detergent
Extra detergent can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. Mix a mild solution and follow with a lightly damp cloth.
Covering the mattress too soon
Sheets and protectors trap moisture. Leave the mattress bare until every cleaned area is fully dry.
Removing a zippered cover without checking
Some mattress covers contain materials or layers that are not designed for home removal. Check the care label and manufacturer instructions first.
Using strong heat
High heat may damage foam and adhesives. Use fans, ventilation, and a dehumidifier instead.
How Often Should You Deep Clean a Mattress?
A full mattress cleaning once or twice a year works for many bedrooms. You may need to clean more often in a child’s room, pet-friendly home, guest room, or bedroom where spills happen often.
Vacuuming the mattress between full cleanings can reduce dust buildup. Clean spills as soon as practical so they do not spread or dry into the fabric.
Wash sheets and mattress protectors according to their care labels. A clean protector usually reduces how often the mattress itself needs stain treatment.
When Home Cleaning May Not Be Enough
Home cleaning works best for surface dust, small stains, mild odors, and routine care.
Contact the manufacturer or a qualified cleaning service when:
- A large amount of liquid soaked into the mattress
- The mattress stayed damp for a long time
- A strong odor remains after the surface is clean and dry
- The cover is badly damaged
- The mattress contains electrical or adjustable components
- The care label requires professional cleaning
- You are unsure which products the mattress materials can handle
Check rental, dorm, or furnished-home rules before using cleaning chemicals or equipment on a mattress that you do not own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash an entire mattress with water?
No. A mattress should not be washed like bedding because its inner materials can absorb water and dry very slowly. Vacuum the full mattress, spot clean stains, and use as little moisture as possible.
Can I use baking soda over the whole mattress?
You can use a thin layer if the mattress manufacturer allows it. Let it sit on a dry or mostly dry surface, then vacuum it thoroughly. Baking soda can freshen mild odors but does not remove every stain or deep odor.
How long should a mattress dry after deep cleaning?
Drying time depends on the mattress material, room humidity, airflow, and how much liquid was used. Keep the mattress uncovered until all treated areas are completely dry. A fan or dehumidifier can help.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
Do not use a carpet cleaner unless the mattress manufacturer specifically approves it. Many carpet machines apply and extract more water than a mattress can handle safely.
Should I flip the mattress while cleaning it?
Only flip the mattress if it is designed to be used on both sides. Many memory foam, hybrid, and pillow-top mattresses are one-sided. You can still lift or turn the mattress to vacuum the underside when it is safe to do so.
How do I deep clean a mattress with pet stains?
Blot fresh moisture, vacuum dry debris, and use a cleaner that is suitable for both organic stains and the mattress material. An enzyme cleaner may be useful when allowed by the manufacturer. Follow the product label, avoid soaking the mattress, and let it dry fully.
Can I put clean sheets on a slightly damp mattress?
No. Covering a damp mattress traps moisture. Wait until the surface and deeper padding are fully dry before adding a protector or bedding.
sanitize a mattress without washing it. better to clean a mattress wet or dry. better to shampoo or steam clean a mattress.
