MastersHow to Clean a Mattress and Keep It Fresh
In this guide
To keep a mattress fresh, wash your sheets weekly, keep a washable protector on it, vacuum it every month or two, deodorize it with baking soda twice a year, and treat spills immediately by blotting, never soaking. Let it breathe each morning and rotate it every few months. That simple routine prevents most stains, odours, dust mites and mould, and helps any mattress last its full lifespan.
Key takeaways
- A waterproof, breathable protector is the single most effective way to keep a mattress clean.
- Baking soda (left for several hours, then vacuumed) is the safest all-purpose deodorizer.
- Use as little liquid as possible; moisture trapped inside a mattress leads to mould.
- Never use bleach, ammonia or a steam cleaner on foam or latex.
- Persistent odour, allergy symptoms or deep stains that will not lift can be signs it is time to replace.
A mattress cleaning schedule
| How often | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Pull back the covers for 20–30 minutes in the morning to let moisture escape |
| Weekly | Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water |
| Monthly | Wash the mattress protector; vacuum the mattress surface and seams |
| Every 3–6 months | Rotate the mattress head-to-foot (flip only if it is two-sided) |
| Every 6 months | Deep deodorize with baking soda; wash or replace pillows |
| Immediately | Blot and spot-clean any spill or accident |
How to deep clean a mattress
- Strip everything and wash all bedding, including the protector, in hot water.
- Vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment: top, sides, seams and around buttons or tufts, where dust and skin cells collect.
- Spot-clean stains (see below), using as little liquid as possible.
- Deodorize: sift a thin, even layer of baking soda over the whole surface. Leave it for at least several hours, ideally all day with the curtains open, then vacuum it up.
- Air it out: open a window or run a fan for an hour before remaking the bed.
How to remove common mattress stains
Always blot, never rub, and dab rather than pour. Work from the outside of the stain inward so it does not spread.
- General stains and spills: a few drops of mild dish soap in a cup of cool water. Dab with a barely damp cloth, then blot with a clean dry towel.
- Sweat and yellowing: equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, dabbed on and blotted (test on a hidden spot first).
- Urine: blot up as much as possible, spray lightly with half white vinegar and half water, blot again, then cover with baking soda overnight and vacuum. An enzyme cleaner helps with stubborn odours.
- Blood: cold water only (heat sets it), with a little hydrogen peroxide; blot repeatedly.
For foam mattresses, see our detailed guide to cleaning a memory foam mattress. For latex, see maintaining a natural latex mattress.
Avoid: soaking the mattress, steam cleaners, bleach, ammonia and harsh solvents. They can damage foam and fabric, cause mould and void the warranty.
Everyday habits that keep a mattress fresh
- Use a protector. It blocks sweat, oils, spills and dust mites, and it is required by many warranties.
- Let it breathe. Leave the bed unmade for a little while each morning so overnight moisture can evaporate.
- Manage heat and sweat. Breathable cotton or bamboo sheets and a cooler bedroom (around 18 °C) keep moisture down.
- Keep food and pets off the bed where possible.
- Control humidity. Aim for 40–50 percent indoors; a dehumidifier helps in humid Toronto summers and basement bedrooms.
- Get some sun. On a dry, sunny day, open the curtains on a bare mattress for a few hours; UV light and airflow help freshen it.
When cleaning is not enough
If your mattress has a persistent musty smell, mould spots, deep stains through the layers, sagging, or you wake up with allergy symptoms that improve elsewhere, it is time to replace it. Bites or blood spots may signal bed bugs; see how to deal with bed bugs. Read how often to replace a mattress for more signs.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean your mattress?
Vacuum it every one to two months, deodorize with baking soda every six months, and spot-clean spills immediately. Wash sheets weekly and the protector monthly.
What is the best way to deodorize a mattress?
Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface, leave it for several hours or all day, and vacuum it up. Airing the mattress in sunlight or near an open window also helps.
Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?
Not on memory foam or latex; the heat and moisture can damage the materials and cause mould. Use baking soda and light spot-cleaning instead.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in my mattress?
Dry it thoroughly with airflow and sunlight, then treat it with baking soda. If the smell returns or you see dark spots, there may be mould inside, and the mattress should be replaced.
Do I really need a mattress protector?
Yes. It prevents most stains and odours, keeps allergens out, and many warranties are void if the mattress is stained.
