How to Clean a Mattress: 9 Steps That Actually Work

Most people don't clean their mattress until something goes wrong — a stain, a smell, or someone gets sick. The truth is a basic cleaning routine takes less than an hour and makes a real difference in sleep quality, allergen levels, and how long your mattress lasts.

Here's exactly what to do.

The 9-Step Mattress Cleaning Process

Step 1: Strip All Bedding

Remove sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and any mattress protector. Wash everything in hot water — high heat kills dust mites. While the mattress is bare, you have full access to clean it properly.

Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Surface

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment. Work in overlapping lines from top to bottom, then side to side. Pay extra attention to seams and edges — dust, skin cells, and allergens accumulate there. Don't rush this step. A thorough vacuum is the foundation of a clean mattress.

Step 3: Treat Stains Before Deodorizing

Address stains before applying baking soda — the order matters. For each stain type:

• General stains: Mix a few drops of dish soap with cold water. Dab (don't rub) with a clean cloth. Blot with dry cloth to absorb moisture.
• Urine: Use an enzyme cleaner — it breaks down the compounds causing the odor. Don't use hot water; it sets the stain.
• Blood: Cold water only. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide can help on fresh stains. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
• Sweat / yellowing: Mix equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of baking soda. Apply, let sit 10 minutes, then blot away.

Important: Never soak the mattress. Memory foam and innerspring cores don't dry properly when oversaturated — this leads to mold. Use minimal liquid and blot thoroughly.

Step 4: Apply Baking Soda Generously

Once stains are treated and the surface is mostly dry, sprinkle baking soda across the entire mattress surface. Use a full box for a queen or king. Baking soda is mildly alkaline — it neutralizes acidic odors from sweat and body oils, and absorbs residual moisture.

Step 5: Let It Sit (The Longer, the Better)

Leave the baking soda on for at least 2 hours. Overnight is better. If you can open a window and let sunlight hit the mattress during this time, even better — UV light naturally kills bacteria and helps dry moisture.

Step 6: Vacuum Again

Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly. Work in the same overlapping pattern as Step 2. The mattress should smell noticeably fresher after this step.

Step 7: Flip or Rotate

Most modern mattresses are one-sided and shouldn't be flipped. But they should be rotated 180° every 3–6 months. This prevents a permanent body impression from forming in one spot. If your mattress is double-sided, this is a good time to flip it too.

Step 8: Let the Mattress Air Out

Before putting fresh bedding back, let the mattress air out for at least 30 minutes. If weather allows, propping it near a window speeds drying and airing. Don't put bedding back on while any moisture remains — trapped moisture leads to mold and odor.

Step 9: Put on a Mattress Protector

This is the step that makes future cleanings much easier. A quality waterproof mattress protector prevents sweat, spills, and skin cells from reaching the mattress surface. You wash the protector instead of the mattress. It's one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in your mattress's longevity.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Signs Your Mattress Needs Cleaning Now

• Visible yellow staining (sweat oxidation over time)
• Musty or stale smell — especially after being away from home
• Allergy symptoms that worsen at night (dust mites)
• Skin irritation or acne that improved when traveling
• You've had the mattress 6+ months and never cleaned it

What NOT to Do When Cleaning a Mattress

• Don't steam clean memory foam — heat and moisture can break down the foam layers
• Don't use bleach — damages fabric and foam, and the residue is irritating to skin
• Don't soak it — moisture trapped in a mattress is almost impossible to fully dry and creates mold
• Don't dry with a hair dryer on high heat — can damage fabric; use low or let air dry

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?

On innerspring mattresses, a light steam treatment can sanitize the surface. Avoid steam cleaning memory foam or latex — the heat and moisture can degrade the materials. If in doubt, stick to the baking soda method.

How do I get rid of a urine smell that keeps coming back?

You need an enzyme cleaner, not a standard cleaner. Enzymes break down uric acid crystals that standard soap leaves behind. Apply generously, let it soak in, and blot — don't scrub. Repeat if needed. The smell returns when those crystals aren't fully broken down.

Does sunlight actually clean a mattress?

UV light kills bacteria and helps dry moisture — both useful. But sunlight alone won't remove stains or significant odors. Use it as a supplement to the baking soda step, not a replacement.

My mattress is old and smelly no matter what I do — what now?

If a mattress has deep odor that doesn't respond to cleaning, it's usually because the foam or fill material has absorbed years of sweat and body oils. At that point, cleaning won't restore it. It may be time for a new mattress. Browse our full selection here, or visit one of our LA showrooms to find the right fit.

Is it worth buying a mattress protector after the fact?

Yes — even on an older mattress. It slows further contamination and makes ongoing maintenance easier. View mattress protectors here.

Keep Your Mattress Cleaner Going Forward

The single best thing you can do for mattress cleanliness is use a quality protector from day one. Beyond that, the routine above — monthly vacuum, seasonal baking soda treatment — handles almost everything else. If you need help choosing the right mattress or protector, our sleep experts at any of our 5 LA locations are happy to help.