How to clean your mattress

How to clean a mattress - summary:

• We spend over a third of our lives in bed, so mattresses need regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and prevent allergens.
• Use baking soda as a natural, cost-effective solution to clean mattresses.
• Regular vacuuming every 3–6 months helps remove dust mites, which are common allergens.
• Spot clean stains with a water-vinegar solution for effective cleaning.
• Deep cleaning can be done using a steam cleaner, but ensure minimal moisture is left on the mattress to prevent mould growth.
• Invest in a mattress protector to safeguard against body oils and moisture.
• When you change your sheets, leave the mattress to air for a few hours if you can.

We spend a third of our lives asleep, and often even more time lounging in bed. With all that time spent between the sheets, a mattress can wear down quickly if it isn't kept clean of dust mites, dirt, stains, and other debris that build up naturally. To help you keep your bed fresh, we have put together a simple step-by-step guide to save you time and protect you from hidden allergens.

How to clean a mattress with baking soda

Cleaning a mattress with baking soda is a natural, inexpensive, and effective way to freshen up and remove unwanted odors and stains from your bed. When choosing baking soda for mattress cleaning, it's best to use a plain and unscented formula that hasn't been mixed with other cleaning agents that could harm your bed. And check that you've picked up the baking soda and NOT baking powder for this cleaning method!

To clean your mattress with baking soda, you will need one box of baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.

5 easy steps to clean a mattress with baking soda:

• Strip your sheets and mattress protector. If you don't own a mattress protector, now is the perfect time to think about investing in one!
• Sprinkle the whole box of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress
• Let the baking soda sit for at least an hour. If you think your mattress needs a more intense clean, you can leave the baking soda overnight. This might be challenging if it's your only mattress! In this case, sprinkle on the baking soda first thing in the morning and vacuum right before bed.
• Thoroughly vacuum your mattress to remove all baking soda. Try to use short strokes as you vacuum the entirety of the bed and pay special attention to areas that get the dirtiest such as under your head or your feet.
• Make sure you do this slowly to ensure all the baking soda has been removed. Make your bed with a clean mattress protector and fresh sheets.

Baking soda is a natural and safe cleaning product, but because it's abrasive it may not be suitable for mattresses made with delicate mattress materials like silk. We recommend that you spot-test before sprinkling the entire mattress with baking soda in order to avoid any risks. While the baking soda is working its magic, this is also a great time for your mattress to air out. Open the windows in your bedroom and clean up any debris around the mattress for an even cleaner bedroom.

How to clean a dusty mattress

Dust mites live in every home! The little bugs feed off human and pet dander and accumulate easily on our mattresses and other furniture around the home. They love a warm, moist environment, so are naturally at home in our beds.

Dust mites are a major irritant and can trigger allergies and asthma. While you won't be able  to get rid of them completely, keeping mattresses as clean as possible can be a huge help to sensitive sleepers.

We recommend everyone tries to vacuum their mattress every three to six months, but aim for more frequently if you have allergy and asthma sufferers in your house. 

Cleaning a dusty mattress is simple: all you need is a vacuum with a brush attachment. 

Clean a dusty mattress:

• Strip your sheets, pillowcases and mattress protector and wash them on a warm cycle.
• Vacuum the mattress using a brush attachment to remove as much dust and debris as possible. Make sure to get into the seams, around labels and in any divots on your bed because that is where most of the dust will accumulate.
• Spot-clean any stained areas with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Pour a small amount of the mix onto the area and dab with a clean cloth until it is almost dry. Don't drench any stains as mattresses are very absorbent – a little-by-little method is recommended here.

Sleepyhead has mattresses designed with health in mind, using a range of naturally hypoallergenic materials and antimicrobial treatments for enhanced protection.

How to clean urine from a mattress – deep cleaning a mattress

Accidents happen! But if you're only alerted to them 8 hours later, it can be tricky to get the evidence out of the mattress. Here's how you give the mattress a proper deep clean to get rid of what might have seeped deeper into the bed.

The most effective way to deep clean a mattress is by using a steam cleaner (and we're talking a garment cleaner, not a carpet cleaner!) If you have a foam mattress, check the care label to ensure it's safe to steam before you start. 

How to steam clean a mattress:

• Vacuum the mattress using a brush attachment to remove as much dust and debris as possible before steaming.  
• Each steam cleaner is different, so it's important to follow the set-up instructions.
• Hold the steamer 5 to 7 centimeters above the mattress and move slowly in long strokes covering every bit of the surface. Avoid doing blasts of steam and check frequently that the surface of the mattress is damp and not wet.
• Open your windows or turn on a fan and allow the mattress to air dry for at least three hours, we don't want any moisture to be trapped inside the fibres.

Other tips for deep cleaning and mattress protection:

• Removing odor: If you can smell an odor coming off your mattress, you can mix baking soda and cornstarch together. Sprinkle the mix over the entire mattress and leave it overnight before vacuuming the excess. Cornstarch is also helpful in removing and lifting oils.
• Invest in a mattress protector: Purchasing a breathable, waterproof mattress protector protects against body oils and moisture by creating a barrier between your mattress and bed sheets.
• We recommend cleaning your mattress every 6 to 12 months in order to keep it fresh and free of germs and allergens. However, if your mattress is extremely soiled and cannot be cleaned, you may need to replace it.

Check out our Sleep Guide for more tips on sleep and mattress care, and helpful advice on maintaining a clean and healthy sleeping environment.