Over time, mattresses can accumulate dirt, dust mites, dead skin cells, and other debris that can impact the cleanliness and hygiene of your bed. Regular mattress cleaning is important to remove these contaminants and promote better sleep hygiene. While specialized mattress cleaning solutions are available, many common household items can also be effective for cleaning and deodorizing your mattress at home.
Why Clean Your Mattress?
Here are some key reasons you should periodically clean your mattress:
- Removes dust mites – Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and thrive in mattresses. Cleaning can remove them and their allergen-containing waste.
- Eliminates odors – Sweat, body oils and spills can cause mattress odors over time. Cleaning helps freshen up your mattress.
- Prevents mold/mildew growth – Moisture in a mattress can promote mold or mildew. Regular cleaning helps keep mattresses dry.
- Gets rid of debris and dirt – Bedding, pets, people, crumbs and other sources introduce debris into your mattress that can build up over time.
- Improves sleep hygiene – A clean mattress can help provide a healthier, more comfortable and refreshing sleep environment.
If your mattress looks visibly dirty or has an odor, it’s definitely time to clean it. But even mattresses that look clean should be cleaned every 6 months to a year to optimize hygiene.
Effective Household Mattress Cleaning Solutions
Many common household items can be used to effectively clean mattresses at home without the need for specialized mattress cleaners. Here are some of the best options:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive to help lift dirt and absorb odors. To use it:
- Sprinkle a liberal layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface.
- Let sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb odors.
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove baking soda and dirt.
For severe odors, leave the baking soda on overnight before vacuuming. A sprinkling of fresh baking soda can also be left on the mattress to continue absorbing odors.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective household cleaner and deodorizer. To use it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray over entire mattress surface.
- Let solution fully dry on mattress.
- Follow up by sprinkling on baking soda, letting sit briefly, and vacuuming.
The vinegar neutralizes odors while the baking soda scrubs the surface and absorbs any remaining smells.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a mild bleach, hydrogen peroxide can help remove stains and disinfect mattresses.
- Mix a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Spray or gently rub solution into stained or dirty areas of the mattress.
- Let sit for 15 minutes before drying with a clean cloth.
Be sure to avoid saturating the mattress and don’t use it on a memory foam mattress, as it could damage the material.
Dish Soap
Dish soap’s degreasing properties work well to cut through body oil and dirt buildup on mattresses:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out well.
- Gently rub soapy water over mattress surface using a circular motion.
- Wipe clean with a fresh damp cloth to rinse.
Focus on areas that need cleaning rather than soaking the entire mattress. Allow mattress to fully dry afterward.
Laundry Detergent
For deeper cleaning power, mix 1-2 tbsp laundry detergent per quart of water. Clean with a lightly damp cloth soaked in the solution. Rinse afterward with a cloth dipped in clean water. Laundry detergent helps lift away body oils, sweat and other concentrated grime.
Essential Oils
Many popular essential oils have anti-microbial and deodorizing properties. Add a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray over mattress. Tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and peppermint oils work well. Just avoid over-saturating your mattress.
Dry Carpet Cleaner
Powder carpet cleaners can help freshen mattresses. Just sprinkle generously over the surface, let sit for 20-30 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. The cleaner’s odor removal and deep cleaning powders will get absorbed into the mattress.
Best Practices for Mattress Cleaning
Follow these tips to clean your mattress effectively and safely:
- Vacuum the mattress first to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration.
- Focus on visible stains and dirt rather than wetting down the entire mattress.
- Allow plenty of time for the mattress to completely dry before replacing sheets.
- Avoid soaking the mattress which can lead to mold growth.
- Spot clean only with hydrogen peroxide and rinse immediately.
- Rotate and flip the mattress with each cleaning to evenly distribute cleaning over time.
- Sprinkle baking soda in fresh sheets to help absorb residual odors.
- Consider mattress covers to protect against future stains and dirt.
- Clean mattress covers, protectors and sheets frequently in hot water.
With the right techniques and solutions, you can keep your mattress fresh and clean for a healthier night’s sleep.
Deep Cleaning Tips for Severely Soiled Mattresses
For mattresses that are excessively dirty, heavily stained or have deep odors that regular cleaning hasn’t resolved, you may need to do a deeper cleaning:
- Remove all bedding and wash on the hottest setting possible.
- Vacuum mattress thoroughly including creases, seams and sides.
- Mix an enzymatic cleaner (like pet stain remover) with warm water and spray over the mattress. This will start breaking down organic matter.
- Use a scrub brush to work it into heavily soiled areas.
- Let sit for 30-60 minutes so the enzymes can work.
- Use clean cloths and warm water to blot the area and soak up enzymatic cleaner.
- Spray white vinegar over mattress and let sit another 30 minutes.
- Rinse the vinegar residue with damp cloths then let air dry.
- Sprinkle fresh baking soda over entire mattress and let sit overnight before vacuuming.
- Finish by putting clean sheets and mattress cover back on.
This intensive cleaning can help recondition badly soiled mattresses and provide a fresh surface for sleeping. However, if stains or odors persist after deep cleaning, it may be time to replace an older, worn out mattress.
When to Call a Professional Mattress Cleaner
While regular light cleaning can be done at home with common household items, some cases may require calling in a professional mattress cleaning service:
- Mattress is extensively stained or soiled into the upholstery.
- You’ve tried deep cleaning to no avail.
- Someone with a contagious illness has used the mattress.
- There are signs of a bed bug infestation or other pests.
- The mattress has been contaminated by floods, smoke or other damage.
- There are multiple unknown biological stains.
- The mattress has a pervasive odor you can’t identify or eliminate.
- You simply want the peace of mind of professional cleaning.
Professional mattress cleaning services use truck-mounted extraction systems, commercial cleaning agents and disinfectants, and training on safely handling heavily contaminated bedding. This can provide a deeper level of cleaning when needed.
Mattress Cleaning Tips by Type
Mattress cleaning techniques may need to be adjusted based on the specific mattress type and materials:
Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses
The upholstered cover can be cleaned with a cloth, carpet cleaner, or mild detergent solutions. Avoid soaking the inner foam layer which can lead to mold growth. Spot clean stains carefully.
Latex Mattresses
Clean with a mild detergent and water solution using minimal moisture. Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning. Avoid bleach or alcohol-based cleaners that can damage latex.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water solution. Don’t soak foam or use cleaners containing alcohol, ammonia or other harsh chemicals that could break down the foam.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe down the surface gently with a cloth and mild detergent. Don’t use excessive moisture that could damage mattress components.
Pillowtop Mattress
Clean the surface with a soft brush and vacuum upholstered cover regularly. For deeper cleaning, use an enzymatic cleaner sparingly to break down stains and odors. Avoid over-wetting the mattress interior.
Organic/Non-Toxic Mattresses
Use only non-toxic cleaners without harsh chemicals, like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils or mild plant-based detergents. Don’t use conventional cleaners that contain VOCs, bleach or chemical residues.
Best Mattress Cleaning Products to Purchase
While regular household items can clean mattresses, you can also buy specialty mattress cleaning products for convenience and effectiveness:
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Deodorizer, abrasive cleaner and odor absorber |
| White Vinegar | Cuts grease, removes odors and disinfects |
| Essential Oil Sprays | Disinfect, deodorize with natural antimicrobial oils |
| Enzymatic Cleaners | Break down organic stains and odors on contact |
| UV Sanitizers | Kill germs, bacteria and dust mites with UV light technology |
| Dry Carpet Cleaners | Absorb odors and freshen mattresses overnight |
| Mattress Shampoo | Foaming cleanser lifts dirt and stains from mattress surfaces |
Look for plant-based, non-toxic formulas when possible. Always spot test cleaners first on an inconspicuous area before overall use.
DIY Homemade Mattress Cleaning Recipes
You can also make effective homemade mattress cleaners using simple ingredients:
Baking Soda Mattress Freshener
- 1 cup baking soda
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Mix ingredients in a sealed container. Sprinkle over mattress, let sit, then vacuum up. The baking soda deodorizes and absorbs odors.
Vinegar Disinfectant Mattress Spray
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree or eucalyptus oil
Combine in a spray bottle, shake well and spray over mattress. The vinegar sanitizes while the essential oil adds antibacterial properties.
Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Solution
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp liquid dish soap
Mix together in a bowl. Use a soft cloth to rub solution into stained or discolored areas of a mattress. Let sit 5-10 minutes before wiping clean.
Lemon and Salt Mattress Freshener
- 1 cup salt
- Zest from 2 lemons
Blend salt and lemon zest together. Spread over mattress surface and let sit overnight before vacuuming. The citrus aroma helps deodorize.
Conclusion
Regular mattress cleaning is an important part of maintaining a fresh, hygienic sleep environment. While specialized mattress cleaners are available, many common household items can be used effectively and cheaply to clean mattresses at home. Baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, laundry detergent and essential oils are go-to items for DIY mattress cleaning.
Focus on spot treating visibly dirty areas and let mattresses dry fully after cleaning. Clean mattresses every 6 months to a year along with washing bedding regularly. For tough odors or heavy staining, consider contacting a professional mattress cleaning service for deeper cleaning and sanitizing of your mattress. With the right techniques, you can keep mattresses fresh and free of dirt, allergens and odors for a healthier night’s sleep.