How to Clean a Bed

Browsing online to figure out how to clean a bed properly? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a tea spill from last week, mystery marks that appeared out of nowhere, or that musty smell that just won’t shift - most of us reach a point where fresh sheets just aren’t enough. Between sweat, dust, pet hair and snack crumbs, your bed quietly collects more mess than you'd think.

That’s why giving your whole bed a proper clean - mattress, frame, and all - can make a real difference. Whether you're tackling stains, smells, or just aiming for a fresher sleep space, this step-by-step guide has you covered with simple tools and methods. Read on for everything you need to get

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, round up everything so you’re fully prepped. Here's what you’ll likely need to clean your bed thoroughly from top to bottom:

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment - A must for cleaning both the mattress and fabric headboards. If you’ve got a cordless vacuum like a Dyson or Shark, check for a motorised mini brush to lift dust better.
• Bicarbonate of soda - Readily available at home or in supermarkets, this is ideal for deodorising your mattress naturally.
• White vinegar - Cheap and effective for stain removal. You can get it from any supermarket or eco-friendly store.
• Spray bottle - Useful for creating your own cleaning solutions (e.g. vinegar and water mix).
• Clean microfibre cloths - Ideal for blotting stains or wiping bed frames without leaving fibres behind.
• Mild laundry detergent or upholstery cleaner - Check labels to ensure it's suitable for use on mattresses or soft furnishings.

Step 1: Remove All Bedding

Strip off all bedding - this includes fitted sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, mattress protectors and even throws or bedspreads. Put everything in the wash immediately.

• Wash your bedding at 60°C (if the label allows) to kill bacteria, dust mites, and lingering odours. For sensitive fabrics, 40°C with an antibacterial laundry cleanser (like Dettol Laundry Cleanser) will do the trick.
• Duvets and pillows should be washed every 3 - 6 months. Most synthetic duvets can be machine washed, but feather-filled ones may need dry cleaning or a trip to the local launderette.

Top Tip: Use a sunny, breezy day to air-dry duvets or pillows outdoors - it’s better than tumble drying and helps kill germs naturally.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress Surface

Now that the bed is bare, it's time to vacuum the mattress properly. You want to remove not just visible dust but also allergens and tiny debris trapped inside the fabric.

• Use a brush or upholstery attachment and vacuum the entire top surface, then the sides and seams.
• Don’t rush - go slowly to lift embedded dust.
• If your mattress has handles or labels sewn in, run the nozzle carefully around them as they collect a surprising amount of grime.
• If you suffer from allergies, consider wearing a face mask while vacuuming to avoid breathing in allergens stirred up in the process.

Top Tip: For fabric headboards or bed bases, give them a once-over with the vacuum too. Upholstered areas attract dust just like sofas.

Step 3: Spot Clean Any Stains

This is where you tackle visible marks - sweat, tea, coffee, blood, or other mystery stains. Don’t soak the mattress; spot cleaning is the safest method.

Choose the right method for each stain:

• Tea or coffee stains: Blot immediately with cold water. Then mix a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water and blot gently with a cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a towel.
• Sweat stains: Mix white vinegar and water (1:1), lightly spray the area, let sit for 5–10 minutes, and blot dry.
• Blood stains: Use cold water (not hot) and dab with a cloth soaked in diluted hydrogen peroxide or salt water. Blot until the stain lifts.
• Urine stains (from kids or pets): Use an enzyme cleaner if available (often sold as pet odour removers in supermarkets). Alternatively, white vinegar and baking soda can help neutralise both the stain and the smell.

Top Tip: Always patch test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous spot first to avoid discolouring the fabric.

Step 4: Deodorise with Baking Soda

Once any visible stains have been treated, it’s time to tackle the less obvious build-up of odours and moisture that can linger in your mattress over time. Sprinkling a generous, even layer of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) across the surface helps to naturally neutralise smells, absorb moisture, and lift residues left behind from sweat, spills, or general use. This is especially useful if someone has been unwell in bed or if it’s been a while since your last deep clean.

For best results, use a sieve to spread the powder evenly, focusing on areas where people usually sleep, as these zones tend to trap the most body oils and smells. You can leave it unscented or mix in a few drops of essential oil—lavender or eucalyptus are popular options, especially in colder UK months when rooms are more closed up. This easy step refreshes the mattress without harsh chemicals and lays the foundation for a more hygienic bed.

Step 5: Let It Sit for a Few Hours

To get the full benefit of the baking soda, it’s important to give it time to work. Leaving it to sit for at least 4-6 hours allows it to absorb odours, pull out excess moisture, and loosen particles that you’ll later vacuum away. If you have the flexibility, letting it sit overnight will give even better results - especially helpful in humid or poorly ventilated bedrooms.

Try to open the windows and let in fresh air while the baking soda rests, as this will speed up the drying process and help air out any trapped smells. If possible, prop the mattress up against a wall or near a window so it can breathe from underneath. While you're waiting, it’s a great time to tackle other bedroom tasks, like wiping down bedside tables or putting freshly washed bedding on the line. Regular ventilation like this is especially useful in UK homes, where condensation and indoor humidity can often lead to musty smells in winter.

Step 6: Vacuum Again

Vacuuming after the baking soda has done its job is a crucial step - it removes the absorbed moisture, odours, and any remaining fine dust or allergens. If you skip this part, all the bacteria-neutralising and deodorising benefits of the baking soda can be undone by simply leaving it on the mattress. A thorough vacuum helps to lift away any remaining debris, leaving the surface clean and ready for fresh bedding.

Use the upholstery attachment and vacuum slowly, making sure to cover the entire surface, including seams, corners, and edges where powder tends to settle. If your bed has a slatted or open base, vacuum underneath as well, since dust from the floor can easily find its way back into the mattress. Even if there are no visible stains, this step makes a noticeable difference in freshness - and when done regularly, it can help reduce allergens, prevent musty smells, and maintain a healthier sleeping environment.

Step 7: Wipe Down the Bed Frame

Whether your bed frame is made of wood, metal, or upholstered fabric, cleaning it helps complete the job.

Here’s how to tackle each material:

• Wooden frames: Use a damp cloth and a gentle furniture spray (like Method or Ecover). Wipe down slats, side panels, and any headboard detail. Dry with a separate cloth to prevent moisture damage.
• Metal frames: These can collect fingerprints and dust easily. Wipe with a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid, then dry thoroughly to avoid rust.
• Upholstered bed bases or headboards: Vacuum first, then spot clean with a fabric-safe cleaner like Vanish or a white vinegar and water solution. Dab gently and allow to air dry.

Top Tip: Wipe under the bed or give the flooring a mop if it’s exposed. Dust and fluff gather underneath, especially if you store things down there.

Step 8: Replace with Clean Bedding

Once the bed frame and mattress are clean, it’s time to put everything back together with fresh bedding. This is also the perfect moment to make small changes that can help protect your mattress and improve your sleep comfort.

• Use a Mattress Protector: A waterproof or quilted mattress protector acts as a barrier against spills, stains and allergens, helping your mattress last longer.
• Choose the Right Sheets: Opt for breathable cotton or bamboo sheets, which regulate temperature better - especially useful in the UK’s unpredictable weather.
• Swap Duvets by Season: Use a lighter 4.5 tog duvet in summer and a 10.5 or 13.5 tog in winter for optimal comfort without overheating or feeling chilly.
• Wash Pillows and Duvets Regularly: Aim to wash pillows every 2–3 months and duvets every 3 - 6 months to keep dust mites and odours at bay.
• Consider Anti-Allergy Bedding: If you suffer from hay fever or asthma, anti-allergy pillows and duvet sets can reduce symptoms caused by dust mites and pollen.

A clean, well-layered bed not only looks inviting but also supports better sleep hygiene throughout the year.

Now that you’ve read how to clean your bed properly - from mattress to frame and everything in between - you’re all set to keep your sleeping space fresh, hygienic, and comfortable. If you’re thinking about upgrading your setup or replacing worn-out bedding, don’t forget to explore our full range of beds, mattresses, and sleep essentials. Check out the links below for great deals on quality products that can help you sleep better, night after night.