How to Clean a Mattress

Spotted muddy paw prints on your mattress and now wondering, “How on earth do I clean this?” Or maybe it’s a spilt cup of tea, a sweat patch that won’t go away, or just that musty smell that makes you think it’s time for a freshen-up. Mattresses quietly collect all sorts over time - dust, spills, dead skin, pet hair, and more - yet we rarely think to give them a proper clean. Left too long, these build-ups can affect how your bed smells, feels and even how well you sleep.

The good news? Cleaning your mattress isn’t as tricky as it sounds. With a few basic tools and a bit of know-how, you can lift stains, tackle odours, and help your mattress last longer. Scroll down for a simple, step-by-step guide that’ll take you through everything you need to know - no specialist products, no fuss.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before starting, it's a good idea to gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need in one place. This helps you move through the process without unnecessary interruptions. Most of these items are commonly found in UK households, and others can easily be purchased from local supermarkets or online.

You’ll need the following:

• Vacuum Cleaner: Choose one with an upholstery or crevice tool and strong suction to remove dust, dirt, pet hair, and allergens from deep within the mattress.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Also known as baking soda, this is excellent for absorbing odours and moisture naturally without the use of harsh chemicals.
• Mild Liquid Detergent: A gentle soap diluted with water is ideal for general surface cleaning and treating light stains without damaging the fabric.
• White Vinegar: This natural disinfectant works well on sweat and urine stains, helping to break down residues and neutralise odours.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Particularly useful for treating blood and stubborn stains, but should be patch tested first as it can cause light bleaching.
• Spray Bottle: A simple bottle allows you to mix and apply homemade cleaning solutions evenly and with control, avoiding over-saturation.
• Clean Microfibre Cloths or Towels: These are essential for blotting, wiping, and drying without leaving behind fibres or lint.
• Soft-Bristled Brush or Toothbrush: Ideal for working cleaning solutions gently into stains without damaging the surface of the mattress.
• Rubber Gloves (optional): These can protect your hands from strong odours or cleaning agents during more involved stain treatments.
• Essential Oils (optional): A few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can be added to baking soda for a pleasant, natural scent during deodorising.

By ensuring all your tools and materials are ready to go, you’ll make the entire cleaning process more efficient and manageable.

Step 1: Strip the Bed

To begin, remove all bedding and any items that cover your mattress. This includes your duvet, sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector and any added toppers or covers.

Once stripped, place all washable items straight into the washing machine. Wash your bedding at 60°C or higher if the fabric care labels allow, as this temperature is effective for killing dust mites and bacteria. For duvets and pillows, use a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low or air-dry thoroughly to prevent mould. If you use an electric blanket, check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. Most can be surface cleaned with a damp cloth, but many are not machine-washable.

It’s also a good opportunity to air out your bedding while you work on the mattress. Hanging sheets and pillows near an open window or on a washing line can help remove odours naturally.

Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Mattress

Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove loose debris, allergens, and dust mites from your mattress. Even if the surface looks clean, mattresses can hold a surprising amount of hidden grime.

Start by attaching the upholstery tool or crevice nozzle to your vacuum cleaner. Work from the top of the mattress downwards using slow, overlapping strokes. Pay special attention to seams, edges, and any tufted areas, as these spots often trap the most dust and pet hair.

Don’t forget to vacuum the sides of the mattress, as dust tends to settle in those areas over time. If your mattress is double-sided and you plan to flip it later, you can vacuum the underside now or once you’ve rotated it.

For allergy sufferers, wearing a dust mask or opening a window while vacuuming can help reduce exposure to airborne particles.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

Spot cleaning is essential for maintaining a hygienic mattress, especially if you’re dealing with spills, sweat, or accidents. Unlike other soft furnishings, mattresses can’t be thrown in the wash, so stains need to be treated carefully with minimal moisture to avoid mould or mildew. Use a targeted approach depending on the type of stain you're dealing with, and always start by blotting the area - never scrubbing, as that can push the stain deeper.

Sweat and Urine Stains

Sweat and urine are common, especially if you have young children, experience night sweats, or sleep with pets. These stains often leave behind yellow patches and odours.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle.
• Lightly spray the stained area without soaking it.
• Blot the surface gently with a clean cloth to lift as much moisture and residue as possible.
• Sprinkle a layer of bicarbonate of soda directly over the damp area and let it sit for at least six hours or overnight.
• Once dry, vacuum up the powder thoroughly.

This method helps neutralise odours and draw out moisture without damaging the mattress fabric.

Blood Stains

Blood can be one of the trickier stains to remove, especially if it has dried. It’s important to avoid using hot water, as heat sets the stain permanently.

• Start by dabbing the area gently with cold water using a clean cloth to loosen the stain.
• Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) directly to the blood stain and let it fizz for a few minutes.
• Blot with a clean, dry cloth to lift the residue.
• Repeat the process if necessary, but be sure to patch test first, as hydrogen peroxide may cause slight discolouration on some fabrics.

If hydrogen peroxide is not available, cold salt water can work as a milder alternative for fresh stains.

Food and Drink Spills

Spilt tea, coffee, juice, or snacks can leave sticky patches or dark marks on your mattress if not cleaned properly.

• Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid into a cup of warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently blot the stained area.
• Rinse the cloth in clean water, wring it out, and blot again to remove soap residue.
• Press a dry towel firmly onto the area to soak up any remaining moisture.

Avoid rubbing the stain or using too much liquid, as this can spread the stain or saturate the mattress.

Grease or Oil Stains

These are less common but may occur from skincare products, body oils, or takeaway eaten in bed.

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda directly onto the greasy spot and let it sit for several hours.
• Vacuum up the powder to lift the oil from the surface.
• If needed, follow up with a diluted washing-up liquid solution to blot any remaining residue.

Always ensure the area is completely dry before putting any bedding back on.

General Tips for Spot Cleaning

• Always test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden section of the mattress before applying them to a larger stain.
• Use minimal moisture to avoid damaging the interior padding.
• Work gently and patiently - harsh scrubbing can fray the fabric or spread the stain.

Dividing stains into types and treating them accordingly will help keep your mattress clean without risking damage or lingering odours. In all cases, make sure to dry the treated area thoroughly. Press a dry towel onto the area to absorb excess moisture, and allow it to air dry fully before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Deodorise with Baking Soda

Even if your mattress doesn’t have visible stains or strong odours, deodorising it is an important part of the cleaning process. It helps refresh the surface, absorb hidden moisture, and maintain a cleaner sleeping environment overall. Whether or not your mattress seems to smell, this step is worth including every time you give it a deep clean.

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is a simple, cost-effective way to deodorise your mattress naturally. It’s especially useful for dealing with musty smells or any lingering odours caused by spills, sweat, or general use.

• Apply the Baking Soda Evenly: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the entire surface of the mattress; you can do this by hand or use a fine mesh sieve for even distribution, especially around seams and corners.
• Add a Natural Scent (Optional): Mix a few drops of essential oil into the baking soda before applying; lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils are popular choices for a calming, fresh fragrance.
• Let It Sit for Several Hours: Allow the baking soda to rest on the mattress for at least four hours; for best results, leave it for six to eight hours so it has enough time to absorb moisture and neutralise odours.
• Increase Ventilation: Open windows or use a fan in the room during this time; improved airflow helps the baking soda work more effectively and supports faster drying.
• Watch for Humidity: Be mindful if you live in a damp or humid environment; using too much baking soda in these conditions can sometimes lead to clumping, though this is rarely an issue in most UK homes, especially during colder months.

Once the baking soda has had time to work, you’ll move on to vacuuming it away — which we’ll cover in the next step.

Step 5: Vacuum Again

Once the baking soda has had time to work its magic, it’s time to vacuum the mattress again to remove the powder along with any remaining dirt and odours.

Use the same upholstery tool as before and make sure to go over the mattress slowly. Focus on corners, seams, and any dips or tufts where baking soda tends to settle. It’s helpful to vacuum in more than one direction (horizontal and vertical) to lift as much residue as possible.

If your vacuum has a filter, clean or replace it after this step to prevent clogging. Baking soda is very fine and can build up in your vacuum over time, so regular maintenance is important.

Step 6: Air It Out

After cleaning, it's essential to let your mattress breathe. Allowing it to air out helps remove any lingering moisture and improves freshness overall.

If the weather allows, place your mattress near an open window or in a well-ventilated room. Even a few hours of airflow can make a noticeable difference. On dry, sunny days, consider placing the mattress outside on a clean surface for natural airing. Sunlight has mild antibacterial properties and can help eliminate odours.

If outdoor space or good weather isn’t available, using a standing fan or ceiling fan nearby can help. Make sure the mattress is fully dry before putting bedding back on - sleeping on a damp mattress can lead to mould growth or an unpleasant smell.

Step 7: Flip or Rotate

Regular flipping or rotating extends the lifespan of your mattress and prevents uneven wear. However, it’s important to know whether your mattress is designed to be flipped.

Most modern mattresses, particularly memory foam or hybrid types, are one-sided and should only be rotated 180 degrees - head to foot - every three to six months. This helps distribute pressure evenly and prevents sagging where you sleep most often.

If your mattress is double-sided, meaning both sides are designed for sleeping, then it can be flipped and rotated during your cleaning routine. Flip the mattress over and then rotate it so the head becomes the foot.

While flipping or rotating, take a moment to inspect the base or bed frame for any signs of damage or sagging, which can affect how well your mattress performs.

Step 8: Protect It Going Forward

Now that your mattress is clean and fresh, it makes sense to keep it that way for as long as possible. By taking a few simple, preventative steps, you can reduce the build-up of dirt and allergens and cut down how often a deep clean is needed.

• Use a Mattress Protector: A washable, waterproof mattress protector acts as a barrier against spills, sweat, dust mites and allergens, and should ideally be cleaned once a month.
• Avoid Eating or Drinking in Bed: Food crumbs and drink spills are among the leading causes of mattress stains and lingering smells; sticking to meals outside the bedroom is a simple way to avoid this.
• Change Bedding Weekly: Fresh sheets help prevent the transfer of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells; regular changes also improve overall sleep hygiene and comfort.
• Schedule Regular Cleaning: Set a reminder to clean your mattress every three to six months; this routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your mattress and ensures a cleaner sleeping environment, particularly if you have allergies or pets.

By building these habits into your regular routine, you’ll help preserve the cleanliness, comfort, and hygiene of your mattress for the long term.

Now that you’ve read how to clean your mattress, you’re well on your way to a fresher, more comfortable night’s sleep. Regular maintenance really does make a difference and it’s easier than most people think. And if you’re still thinking about upgrading your bed, we’ve got you covered. Explore our full range of beds, mattresses, and bedroom essentials at amazing prices. Whether you’re after memory foam, hybrid support or a complete bed bundle, check out the links below to find a deal that suits your sleep style.