How to Clean a Mattress the Right Way

Even if you use a mattress protector—and virtually all mattress manufacturers and experts suggest you do—your bed can get dirty over time. Dust mites and sweat can seep into mattress fibers, causing stains and unpleasant odors. And since you can't simply toss your mattress into the washer when it needs a refresh, it's easy to assume that cleaning yours is difficult, if not impossible. But fear not; our experts assure us it is not that hard. Ahead, they explain exactly how to clean a mattress.

How to Clean Your Mattress

You just need a few household tools to freshen up any type of mattress, as they all typically feature a protective fabric layer on top that you can clean.

Materials You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Baking soda
• Gentle dish soap
  

Instructions

1. Remove all blankets, pillows, and sheets.
2. Optional: Move the mattress outside to a sunny area, if possible—the UV light will kill bacteria, says Vera Peterson, the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
3. Use a vacuum hose to rid the mattress of any noticeable debris.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
5. Re-vacuum your mattress.
6. Use a damp sponge and a gentle dish soap to wipe down your mattress generously.
7. Let your mattress dry thoroughly.

How to Remove Stains From Mattresses

When treating stains, avoid using formulas with bleach, says Jill Johnson, the vice president of marketing with Tempur-Pedic. Chlorine-based cleaning solutions and harsh stain removers are also out since they can be difficult to thoroughly rinse from mattress fibers.

Materials You'll Need

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Gentle dish soap
• Vinegar
• Baking soda

Surface Stains

If you have a surface stain, dampen a cloth with a mild soap and cold water mixture and spot clean the area. Be sure to wipe down the surface lightly with the solution, since you don't want to soak the mattress with liquid, says Johnson.

Deep Stains

To remove deep stains from a mattress, follow these expert-approved steps with some help from Leanne Stapf, the chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority.

1. Fill a bowl with 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Mix well.
2. Use a clean sponge to apply the mixture to your mattress stains.
3. Allow the mixture to work for a few minutes, and then blot or rub the stains with a damp rag.
4. If you are still having difficulty removing the deep stain, spray vinegar on the spot and sprinkle baking soda on top, says Stapf.
5. Place a towel over the area and let it sit for one to two hours.
6. After the cleaning products have set in, pass over the spot with a vacuum.

How to Clean a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is one of the best ways to keep your mattress clean. These are typically fitted encasements; some iterations have elastic straps at the corners, says David Rubin, the director of product testing at TheSleepDoctor.com. "Regardless of how they go over your mattress, mattress protectors—often waterproof—are designed to keep spills, sweat, dust mites, bodily fluids, and other contaminants off your mattress," he says. "They can also protect you from molds and bacteria that may already be in the mattress."

Just like your mattress, you'll need to clean the protector, too. "Some protectors never get cleaned, but that is where oil and other materials gather," says Brooke Alexander, chief brand officer of Nest Bedding. "A clean protector will provide a strong surface between the sheets and the mattress."

Follow our tips to get your mattress protector clean:

Wash Separately

Always wash your mattress protectors separately from other bed linens in the washing machine. "Even if you have a large washing machine, you want to wash each by itself so it has enough room to clean fully," Alexander says. "Placing a variety of bedding in the wash together can cause them to bundle up."

Read Care Instructions

It's always important to read the care instructions before washing, as many mattress protectors aren't made with the same fabrics. "Protectors that are 100 percent cotton will most likely wash well in a washer on any setting and with any type of detergent," says Alexander. "If your protectors aren't 100 percent cotton, however, then be sure to read the instructions carefully." Also consider purchasing mattress protectors made from hypoallergenic or anti-microbial materials, as they stay cleaner for longer, says Johnson.

Select the Right Temperature

Though you should default to your mattress protectors' washing temperature instructions, the hotter the water, the better. "Keep in mind that washing with hot water or in a sanitizing setting is a great way to remove germs from your bedding," says Alexander.

Dry the Mattress Protector

Either dry your mattress protector in your dryer (on a cool setting, Johnson says) or air-dry on a clothesline until it is thoroughly dry.

How Often to Clean Your Mattress

You'll only need to clean your mattress at least once a year, says Peterson—which is good news, since this task can be time-consuming. A yearly refresh will keep your mattress free of dust and debris that inevitably build up over time (even if you use a mattress protector).

When to Flip Your Mattress

You should rotate and flip your mattress more frequently, at least every three months. "This helps combat body indentations that result from sleeping in the same spot night after night," says Peterson. "This is especially important if you share a bed with someone, as both sides of the mattress are being affected every day."