We spend a huge chunk of our lives asleep on our mattresses, yet most of us are far better at changing our sheets than at actually cleaning what’s underneath them. With kids in the house — bedwetting, spilled drinks, the odd sick bug — a clean mattress matters even more.
The good news is that cleaning your mattress isn’t difficult. Once it’s part of your regular routine, it only takes a few minutes of hands-on time (the rest is just waiting).
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How to Clean a Mattress
Grab your vacuum cleaner and a box of baking soda, and follow these steps:
1. Strip all the bedding off the mattress.
2. Vacuum the surface using the upholstery attachment, working in overlapping paths so you cover the whole mattress.
3. Switch to the crevice attachment to get into the seams and edges, where dust and crumbs tend to collect.
4. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the top of the mattress and leave it to sit for a few hours — the longer you can leave it, the better it works.
5. Vacuum the mattress one more time to lift away the baking soda (and whatever it’s absorbed).
If you’re dealing with a stain, there’s a quick homemade fix below.
It’s also worth checking whether your mattress needs to be turned or flipped. Some mattresses need flipping two to three times a year, while others only need turning from top to bottom. Check the care label or manufacturer’s guidance for your specific mattress, as this varies by type.
Make a Cleaning Mixture to Clean Stains Off Your Mattress
You will need:
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Lavender essential oil (optional)
- A spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Mix one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide in your spray bottle.
2. Add a couple of squirts of dish soap.
3. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil if you’d like — it won’t help clean the stain, but it does leave the mattress smelling lovely.
4. Shake well.
5. Spray the stain and rub gently with a damp cloth.
6. Let the mattress air-dry for a couple of hours.
7. Vacuum up any dried residue left on the surface.
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How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?
A mattress protector makes this whole job easier. Choose one that’s waterproof and hypoallergenic, and it will catch most of the spills and sweat before they reach the mattress itself.
- With a mattress protector: wash the protector at least once a month, and do a deeper vacuum clean of the mattress itself two to three times a year, ideally when you’re turning or flipping it.
- Without a mattress protector: aim to clean the mattress monthly, to keep on top of the dead skin cells and dust mites that build up over time.
If you also use a mattress topper or pad for extra comfort, put it between the mattress protector and your fitted sheet, so the protector still does its job of keeping moisture away from the mattress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my mattress?
If you use a mattress protector, a deep clean two to three times a year is enough, alongside washing the protector monthly. Without a protector, aim to clean the mattress itself about once a month.
What’s the best way to remove a stain from a mattress?
A simple mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a little dish soap, sprayed on and rubbed gently with a damp cloth, works well for most stains. Let it air-dry fully before putting bedding back on.
Do I need to flip or turn my mattress?
Many mattresses benefit from being turned or flipped a few times a year to even out wear, though this depends on the type of mattress you have — check the manufacturer’s care guidance to be sure.
Is a mattress protector really necessary?
It’s not essential, but it makes cleaning much easier, especially with kids around. A waterproof, hypoallergenic protector catches spills and sweat before they soak into the mattress itself.
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Looking for more quick home wins like this one? Browse our other cleaning and family life tips for simple ideas you can fit around busy family days.
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