A clean mattress is not a luxury, but a foundation for good sleep and well-being. And hence, we may spend hours of our time researching how to clean a mattress. Regularly cleaning your mattress enhances its lifespan but also makes sure of a healthier sleeping environment.
Over time, the mattress becomes a hub for dust mites, bed bugs, allergens and even bacteria. Let’s face it, a clean mattress is a good night's sleep's best friend. Read on to find the best ways to clean your mattress, and make it fresh like your morning cup of coffee!
Why Should You Clean Your Mattress?
Imagine this - every night, you spend 6-8 hours on your mattress, and after some time, it starts to collect dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, and coffee stains too! (We know, we have all been there).
The damp weather in the UK can encourage mould and mildew growth, and this can be a serious issue as research says that dirty mattresses can cause significant damage to your health as well as to the aesthetics of your home.

So, cleaning your mattress not only prolongs the life of your mattress but also:
- Improves your sleep quality by reducing allergens.
- Keep your bedroom fresh, as clean mattresses don’t carry odours.
- Preserve your mattress’s appearance by preventing stains from setting.
What You Will Need to Clean Your Mattress:
Have these essentials with you before you begin:
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda (a natural deodoriser)
- Mild detergent
- Hydrogen Peroxide (For tough stains)
- A clean cloth or a sponge
- Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
- Warm water in a spray bottle
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Clean Your Bed And Mattress:
1. Strip the Bed
To begin with, remove all bedding, which also includes the mattress protector. Wash them in hot water to kill any dust mites and bacteria.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
If you have an upholstery attachment, use it with your vacuum cleaner. This will help to remove any kind of dust and dirt from your mattress. Pay close attention to the seams and crevices for a cleaner-looking mattress.
3. Deodorise with Baking Soda
Generously cover the surface of the mattress with baking soda and allow it to sit on it for at least 30 minutes. This will help in neutralising the odour and absorbing moisture efficiently.
Tip: Letting the baking soda sit on the mattress for a longer period will give you even better results!
4. Treat the Stains
Stubborn stains can be treated only when you have a targeted solution for each stain. Here are some common stains and their solutions:
Sweat and Urine Stains:
For stains like these, you can mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Then, spray onto the stain and pat it with a clean cloth. Repeat this step until the stain is visibly gone.
Blood Stains:
For blood stains on the mattress, applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain will help immensely. Let it mix with the stain, then pat dry.
Coffee Spills:
Wipe the coffee stain with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
5. Vacuum Again!
After letting the baking soda sit on the mattress for an extended period, just vacuum the entire surface of the mattress again to remove all residue.
6. Flip and Repeat
If you have a double-sided mattress, then flip it over and repeat the process.
How to Remove Stains from Your Mattress
Be it a late-night snack gone wrong or an unexpected spill while dancing, we know accidents happen, but stains don’t have to ruin your mattress. Although we already discussed some of the common stains present on the mattress, here are a few more with a solution:
Red Wine: If you accidentally spilled your drink on your clean mattress, immediately clean the area with a mixture of baking soda and cold water.
Food Stains: For any kind of food stain, just gently scrub the area with a sponge and a mild detergent solution. This will help break down the stain and help you to clean it effortlessly.
Top Tips to Keep Your Mattress Clean and Fresh for Longer
- Investing in a mattress protector is an easy and affordable way to help protect your mattress from unwanted stains and spills.
- Make it a habit to vacuum your mattress every other day if not every day. This will keep the allergens, dust or any kind of bacteria away for a longer period.
- On a bright sunny day, place your mattress in a well-ventilated area and air it out to remove excess moisture. (Great for UK spring and summer days!).
- We know it is quite tempting to have your meals in bed, but these crumbs can lead to unwanted pests.
If you are not sure how to clean your mattress or you are cleaning your mattress for the first time, this all may look like a daunting task. But by following these simple steps, you can make sure that you have a mattress that is hygienic, fresh and odour-free. Your bed is a space where you relax at the end of the day, so give it the care it deserves!
Have you been using your mattress for more than 8 years? Then it might be the right time for you to change and get your hands on the new one. If you are not sure where to start, browse our top-selling mattress here:
FAQs:
How to clean a mattress with baking soda?
Cover the surface of your mattress with a generous amount of baking soda. Let it sit there for at least 15-20 minutes before you vacuum. This will help absorb moisture and odours.
How to clean a mattress that has been peed on?
Clean the stain with a cloth to absorb as much urine as possible. Then, spray a mixture of warm water and white vinegar over the stain and sprinkle baking soda. After letting it sit for a while, vacuum thoroughly.
How to deep clean a mattress at home?
You should vacuum the mattress to remove the dust and any debris present. Then clean the stains with a mild DIY cleaning solution. Before vacuuming the mattress again, let the baking soda sit on the mattress for a while. Then air out the mattress by placing it in a well-ventilated area.
How to clean a mattress stain in the UK?
The process is the same everywhere. Just follow these easy steps - Vacuum the mattress, clean the stain, and use a mattress protector. You may also use baking soda to remove odours.
How to wash a mattress stain?
You can gently scrub the area with a damp cloth and apply a cleaning solution like mild detergent or vinegar. After letting it sit for a while, clean it again and let it air dry.