Key Takeaways

1. Mattresses accumulate sweat, dead skin, and allergens that can trigger health issues and break down foam over time.
2. Wash bedding weekly, spot-check monthly, and deep clean every six months.
3. Never pour liquid directly on a mattress as trapped moisture causes permanent mold damage.
4. Memory foam needs minimal moisture while innerspring mattresses require focused cleaning on seams and edges.
5. A waterproof protector washed monthly can block most dirt before it reaches the mattress.
6. Replace mattresses over 20 years old as cleaning cannot restore worn materials or hygiene.

A mattress is one of the most heavily used items in any home, yet it is frequently overlooked during routine cleaning. You wash your sheets, swap out your pillowcases, and launder your blankets, but the mattress underneath continues to absorb sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and allergens night after night. Understanding how to clean a mattress properly is essential for maintaining a hygienic sleep environment, preventing indoor allergies, and extending the lifespan of your investment.

Whether you are dealing with an unexpected spill, trying to salvage an older mattress, or researching maintenance requirements before purchasing a new mattress, knowing exactly how to treat different materials and stains will protect your purchase. This comprehensive guide covers the exact methods required to maintain a clean sleeping surface, from routine maintenance to targeted stain removal.

Why you need to clean your mattress?

It is easy to assume a fitted sheet and mattress pad keep a mattress clean. In reality, what builds up beneath your bedding is exactly why regular mattress cleaning matters.

Each night, your body sheds dead skin cells and releases sweat. Over time, that moisture and organic matter pass through your bedding and settle into the mattress. This buildup creates a favorable environment for dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells. Dust mites do not bite, but their waste is a common trigger for allergies and asthma. If you often wake up with congestion, itchy eyes, or a scratchy throat, your mattress could be contributing to the problem.

Regular cleaning also helps protect mattress life. Sweat and body oils can wear down foams and fibers over time. Memory foam is especially sensitive to moisture, which can weaken its structure and lead to sagging or reduced support.

A mattress cover helps, but it does not eliminate the need for cleaning. Covers can shift or develop small tears, allowing dust and moisture to reach the mattress.

Cleaning also has limits. If you are wondering whether it is okay to sleep on a 20-year-old mattress, the short answer is no. At that point, the materials are heavily worn, and years of buildup can affect both hygiene and support. Cleaning may improve the surface, but it cannot restore a mattress that old. If your mattress is closer to 10 years old, cleaning can help extend its usable life, especially when it becomes part of a regular care routine early on.

How often should a mattress be cleaned?

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions.

Routine maintenance prevents heavy buildup and makes deep cleaning much easier. A standard cleaning schedule should look like this:

• Weekly: Strip the bed and wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, in hot water. While the mattress is bare, let the mattress air out for a few hours before making it again.
• Monthly: Inspect the mattress surface for any new spots or spills. Spot-clean as necessary to prevent stains from setting.
• Every six months: Perform a full deep clean following the step-by-step process outlined below. Rotate the mattress 180 degrees (if the manufacturer recommends it) to ensure even wear.

If you share your bed with pets, sweat heavily at night, or frequently eat in bed, you should increase the deep cleaning frequency to every three to four months.

Essential supplies for mattress cleaning

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions.

Gather the right cleaning materials, as using improper chemicals can permanently damage a mattress, especially a memory foam mattress. The goal is to lift dirt and stains without saturating the internal materials.

You will need:

• A vacuum cleaner equipped with a clean upholstery attachment and a crevice tool.
• Baking soda for drawing out moisture and neutralizing odors.
• Hydrogen peroxide for lifting protein-based and colored stains.
• An enzyme-based cleaner or enzyme-based laundry detergent for organic stains, such as sweat and food.
• White vinegar for deodorizing and tackling tough odors.
• A spray bottle to apply cleaning solutions as a fine mist rather than a heavy pour.
• Clean white cloths or microfiber towels for blotting. Always use white cloths to prevent dye transfer from the towel to the mattress surface.
• Cold water (hot water can permanently set protein-based stains).
• Mattress Protector A waterproof, breathable mattress protector helps protect against stains, spills, allergens, and everyday wear.

Step-by-step process to deep cleaning your mattress

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions

When it is time for your bi-annual maintenance, follow this process to thoroughly deep clean a mattress without damaging the internal components.

Step 1: Strip the bed and wash all bedding

Remove the pillows, sheets, blankets, and your mattress protector. Wash everything according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. Whenever possible, use hot water and a high-heat drying cycle to kill off dust mites and remove body oils from the fabric. While the bedding is washing, take a moment to wipe down your bed frame and headboard to remove accumulated dust.

Step 2: Vacuum the entire mattress surface

Once the mattress is completely bare, use your vacuums’ upholstery attachment to clean the entire surface. Start at the top left corner and work your way down in overlapping, methodical strokes. Pay special attention to the seams, tufts, and edges, as these crevices collect the highest concentration of dead skin cells and dust mites. Switch to the crevice tool to get deep into the seams around the perimeter of the mattress. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it over and repeat the vacuuming process on the bottom.

Step 3: Spot-clean stains

This is the stage where you address specific discoloration. The most critical rule for spot-cleaning any mattress is to never soak it. Pouring liquid directly onto a matress will cause moisture to sink deep into the padding or foam, where it cannot dry. This trapped moisture will quickly lead to mold and mildew growth, ruining the mattress entirely. Always apply your cleaning solution to a clean cloth first, or use a spray bottle to lightly mist the stained area.

Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda

After spot-cleaning, allow any damp areas to dry completely. Once dry, sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that alters the pH of odor-causing molecules and draws out lingering moisture. For maximum effectiveness, leave the baking soda on the bed for at least 4 to 6 hours. If possible, leave it for a full 24 hours. Opening a window to let natural sunlight hit the mattress during this time adds an extra layer of sanitation, as the UV rays from the sun naturally kill bacteria.

Step 5: Vacuum again

After the baking soda has had ample time to sit and absorb odors and moisture, vacuum it up. Use the upholstery attachment again, going slowly to ensure every particle of powder is removed from the fabric cover.

Step 6: Air-dry in a well-ventilated area

Before putting your mattress protector and clean sheets back on the bed, ensure the mattress is 100% dry. Turn on a ceiling fan, set up a floor fan pointing at the mattress, or open the windows to maintain a well-ventilated environment. Covering a mattress that is even slightly damp will trap moisture and lead to mold.

How to get stains out of a mattress

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions

Different spills require different chemical reactions to lift them from fabric. Knowing how to clean the stains from mattress covers depends entirely on what caused the stain in the first place.

If you are wondering, “What is the best thing to clean a mattress with?”, there is no single answer. You must match the cleaning solution to the stain type. Always remember to blot rather than rub. Rubbing pushes the staining compound deeper into the mattress fibers and can damage the fabric’s texture.

Sweat and yellow Stains

Over time, sweat and body oils oxidize, leaving large, unsightly yellow rings on the mattress. People frequently ask, “How do you get yellow stains out of mattresses?”

For these common discoloration marks, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda is highly effective.

1. Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Gently swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients. Do not shake it vigorously, as the hydrogen peroxide will expand.
3. Lightly mist the yellow stains with the solution.
4. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. As it sits, the hydrogen peroxide will break down the biological bonds of the sweat, and the baking soda will pull the moisture to the surface.
5. Take a damp, clean cloth and gently blot the area to remove the cleaning residue.
6. Let it air-dry completely.

Blood stains

Blood is a protein-based stain, meaning it will essentially cook and set permanently into the fabric if exposed to hot water. Always use cold water when dealing with blood.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove mattress stains caused by blood? Yes, it is one of the most effective methods.

1. Apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly to a clean white cloth.
2. Dab the blood stain. You will likely see it start to bubble, this is the chemical reaction breaking down the proteins.
3. Blot the bubbling area with a separate dry cloth to lift the stain away.
4. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Urine stains

Whether from a pet or a child, urine requires immediate attention. Because urine contains uric acid crystals, traditional soap and water will not permanently remove the odor; the smell will return on humid days. You must use an enzyme-based cleaner to chemically destroy the uric acid.

1. If the stain is fresh, immediately blot up as much liquid as possible using dry towels. Press down firmly to absorb moisture from beneath the surface.
2. Lightly spray the area with a specialized pet urine enzyme cleaner.
3. Let the enzyme cleaner sit for 15 minutes to do its work.
4. Blot the area with a damp cloth.
5. To tackle lingering odors, spray a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and cold water over the area.
6. Blot again, then cover the damp spot with a thick layer of baking soda to absorb the remaining moisture as it dries. Vacuum the baking soda once the spot is completely dry.

Old, Set-in stains

A frequent concern for those inheriting a bed or cleaning an older one is, “Can old stains be removed from a mattress?” and “How do you clean a badly stained mattress?”

Old, set-in stains are notoriously difficult to remove completely because the compounds have permanently dyed the fibers. However, you can significantly lighten them and sanitize the area. For brown stains (often a mix of old sweat, oxidation, or rust from old inner springs), start by applying a light mist of white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen the set-in debris. Next, apply the hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda mixture mentioned earlier. Let it dry completely into a crust, then scrape and vacuum the crust away. You may not achieve a perfectly white mattress surface, but the area will be clean and sanitary.

Sanitizing and Disinfecting Your Mattress

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions.

Cleaning removes visible dirt and stains, but sanitizing is necessary to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Many people ask, “How do you sanitize a mattress without washing it?” Since you cannot throw a mattress in a washing machine, surface sanitization relies on natural elements and careful application of heat or chemicals.

• UV Light: Leaving a mattress in direct, strong sunlight for a full day naturally disinfects the surface layers and removes musty odors.
• Steam Cleaning: A garment steamer can be used to run hot steam over the surface of traditional innerspring mattresses. The heat kills dust mites and bacteria. However, use extreme caution: keep the steamer moving to avoid soaking the mattress, and never use a steam cleaner on a memory foam mattress, as the high heat will melt and permanently deform the foam structure.
• Antibacterial Sprays: You can use a light mist of a commercial fabric sanitizer, but ensure it is safe for upholstery and let it dry in a well-ventilated space.

Another critical question is, “How to disinfect a mattress from bed bugs?” It is important to note that DIY cleaning solutions, baking soda, and standard vacuuming will not eliminate a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs hide deep inside the mattress structure, inside the bed frame, and behind baseboards. If you suspect bed bugs, you must contact a professional exterminator who can apply commercial heat treatments. Once treated, the only way to protect the mattress is to use a specialized, bed-bug-proof encasement that seals the mattress entirely, trapping any remaining pests inside and preventing new ones from entering.

Special care tips for different mattress types

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions.

Different mattress materials respond differently to moisture, pressure, and cleaning products. Understanding how to care for each type can help you protect the mattress surface, avoid accidental damage, and support a longer usable life. Always check the manufacturer’s care label before cleaning, since approved methods can vary by model.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are especially sensitive to excess moisture and harsh cleaning solutions. Because the foam is absorbent, too much liquid can soak into the material and become difficult to remove. When cleaning, use a light touch, avoid saturating the surface, and allow the mattress to dry fully before putting bedding back on.

Innerspring mattresses

Innerspring mattresses tend to collect dust, dirt, and debris around seams, tufting, and edges. Their layered construction can create small spaces where particles settle, especially if the mattress is not cleaned regularly. Focus on surface cleaning and pay close attention to creases and stitched areas where buildup is most likely.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine multiple materials, such as foam and coils, so their care needs can be more mixed. Like innerspring models, they may trap dust and debris around seams and edges, while foam layers may be more sensitive to moisture. For that reason, it is best to use a balanced approach that removes surface buildup without over-wetting the mattress.

Protecting your mattress moving forward

DISCLAIMER: read manufacturer and warranty details before proceeding with any of the following steps. This guidance is for informational purposes only. Ashley assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from these suggestions.

Once you have invested the time to properly deep clean your mattress or invested the money in a brand new one, prevention is the key to minimizing future labor.

The single most important accessory for any mattress is a high-quality, waterproof mattress protector. A protector acts as a barrier against sweat, dead skin, spills, and allergens. If you are comparing sleep essentials, Ashley mattresses and mattress topper collection options can work together with a reliable protector to support comfort and help extend the life of your mattress. Look for a protector that is explicitly labeled as waterproof, stain-resistant, and anti-allergy. Many modern protectors use breathable polyurethane membranes to block liquids while allowing airflow, so they do not trap heat or feel like plastic.

Washing your mattress protector every one to two months with your regular bedding will intercept 99% of the dirt and moisture before it ever reaches the mattress surface. By combining a protective barrier with a regular maintenance schedule of vacuuming and spot-cleaning, you ensure that your mattress remains a supportive, hygienic, and comfortable place to sleep for years to come.