How To Properly Clean Your Mattress At Home: The Full, Friendly, No-Nonsense Guide You’ll Actually Use

Keep Your Mattress Fresh and Healthy With These Science-Backed, Real-World Cleaning Strategies For Every Stain, Smell, and Situation

You spend roughly one-third of your life on your mattress — so it’s no surprise that over time, it collects everything from sweat, dust mites, and allergens to mystery stains that make you squint and ask, “When did that happen?” 

Proper mattress cleaning is about more than keeping things looking nice. It’s about health, longevity, and yes, better sleep. This is your complete at-home guide to cleaning, deodorizing, and maintaining your mattress — with real tips for different problems and the occasional “absolutely do not do this” warning.

Why Cleaning Your Mattress Isn’t Optional

Your mattress is like a silent roommate — it’s with you for years, but it doesn’t complain when you spill coffee or sweat through a hot summer night.

What it does do, however, is quietly collect a surprising list of unwanted guests:

• Dust mites and their droppings (not dangerous for most people, but a nightmare for allergy sufferers)

• Sweat, body oils, and skin cells (which feed those dust mites)

• Pet hair, dander, and the occasional muddy paw print

• Spilled food and drinks (because breakfast in bed is always risky)

• Odors from moisture, mildew, or just everyday use

Studies from the American Lung Association have shown that mattresses are a hotspot for allergens and microscopic pests, which can aggravate asthma and allergies. In fact, researchers at Ohio State University estimate that a typical used mattress may harbor anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dust mites.

Step One: Know Your Mattress Before You Clean It

Not all mattresses can be cleaned in the same way. Memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses all have different care needs. For example:

• Memory foam is like a sponge — it absorbs liquid quickly, so deep soaking is a terrible idea.

• Latex is naturally more resistant to dust mites and bacteria but still hates excessive moisture.

• Innerspring models often have pillow tops that require gentler cleaning to avoid damaging the stitching.

• Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, so follow the cleaning instructions from the manufacturer if you still have them.

If you’re unsure, check the care tag or the manufacturer’s website. Many brands such as Tempur-Pedic or Sealy provide mattress-specific cleaning advice that could prevent accidental damage.

Scenario 1: General Freshening and Dust Removal

If your mattress isn’t stained or smelly but you just want it cleaner, here’s your low-risk, high-reward routine:

1. Strip the bedding — sheets, pillows, mattress protector (yes, even that one you haven’t washed in a while).

   
   

2. Vacuum thoroughly using the upholstery attachment. Focus on seams, crevices, and the sides.

   
   

3. Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the surface. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes — longer if possible — to neutralize odors.

   
   

4. Vacuum again to remove the baking soda and any loosened debris.

   
   

5. Air it out — if you can, open windows to let sunlight and fresh air in. Sunlight naturally helps kill bacteria and dust mites, according to Mayo Clinic.

Scenario 2: Sweat and Body Oil Stains

These are the slow creepers — you don’t notice them until your mattress looks like it’s been in a sauna.

• Do not pour water or soak the area.

• Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%), baking soda, and a tiny drop of liquid dish soap.

• Lightly spray (do not saturate) the stained area.

• Blot with a clean, white cloth — always blot, never scrub.

• Let it air dry completely before remaking the bed.

This method is frequently recommended by professional cleaners, and the Good Housekeeping Institute confirms it’s effective for yellowing from sweat over time.

Scenario 3: Pet Accidents (Urine)

Pets and mattresses have a complicated relationship. The key to dealing with urine stains is acting fast.

1. Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth.

2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the stain to neutralize odor-causing compounds.

3. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the area.

4. Let it sit for several hours — overnight is best.

5. Vacuum thoroughly.

Warning: Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners — the smell can encourage pets to re-mark the area, according to the Humane Society.

Scenario 4: Blood Stains

Blood is one of the trickiest stains because it sets quickly.

• Always use cold water, never warm or hot — heat sets protein stains.

• Mix hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of dish soap.

• Dab (don’t rub) the stain with a cloth dipped in the solution.

• Repeat as needed, then blot with plain cold water to rinse.

The American Red Cross notes that protein-based stains like blood are far easier to lift if treated immediately and without heat.

Scenario 5: Musty or Mildew Smells

This usually happens if your mattress has been exposed to moisture, humidity, or poor ventilation.

• Vacuum the surface thoroughly.

• Lightly mist (not soak) with a vinegar-and-water spray.

• Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let sit for 24 hours.

• Vacuum again and air it out in sunlight if possible.

If mildew persists, it may be inside the mattress — in which case, replacement is often the healthier choice, per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on mold exposure.

When NOT to Clean a Mattress at Home

Some situations call for professional help or replacement:

• Deep, widespread mold or mildew — dangerous for respiratory health.

• Severe bedbug infestations — requires professional extermination, per the CDC.

• Mattress older than 8–10 years — at some point, cleaning isn’t enough.

• Heavy smoke damage or strong chemical odors — these often penetrate too deeply to remove fully.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

Regular upkeep keeps your mattress fresher, longer:

• Use a washable, waterproof mattress protector.

• Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly, as advised by the National Sleep Foundation.

• Vacuum the mattress every few months.

• Rotate or flip your mattress as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Keep pets off the bed if possible (we know, easier said than done).

The Bottom Line

Cleaning your mattress isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of those small, satisfying home care rituals that pays you back in better sleep and fewer allergens. The good news? Once you know the right methods for different problems — and the mistakes to avoid — it’s surprisingly easy to keep your bed fresh.

And if your mattress is past its prime, consider this your gentle nudge: a clean, supportive bed is one of the best investments you can make in your health and comfort.