“A dirty mattress can be a hub of bacteria, as mattresses can accumulate dust mites, bacteria, mold, dead skin, dirt, and different allergens over time,” notes Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional at Two Maids and a Mop. Michael Rubino, a cleaning expert and founder of HomeCleanse, adds that keeping your mattress clean not only improves your well-being and sleep quality, but it can even improve the lifespan of the mattress and promote better indoor air quality. Here’s how to clean a mattress, step-by-step.
How Often to Clean a Mattress
Aim to clean your mattress once every six months to avoid major damage or dirt, dust, and dead skin cell buildup, says Cohoon. The process is easier than you think and doesn’t take too long. Plus, if you incorporate the task into a day of deep-cleaning your home, you can work on other projects in between mattress cleaning steps. “Homeowners should clean their mattresses more often if they notice an uptick in allergy or asthma symptoms or if they find their mattress is losing consistency," Rubino adds. Pro Tip: Swap out your mattress every six to 10 years, depending on how much use it gets.
How to Clean a Mattress
Perhaps part of the reason why people forego cleaning their bed is because they simply don’t know how to clean a mattress. Here’s the step-by-step rundown.
What You’ll Need
Laundry detergentLaundry additive (optional)Vacuum Hydrogen peroxideBaking soda
Instructions
How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress
This process is similar to cleaning a regular mattress. However, one key distinction for memory foam mattresses is that the materials are more delicate. Avoid applying any harsh chemicals, which can break down the memory foam inside. Gentle cleaners are a better option. Also avoid over-saturating the material, since memory foam tends to hold onto moisture.
How to Clean Pee Out of a Mattress
Accidents happen, but rest assured that pee can be cleaned from a mattress. You just need to catch the stain and clean it as soon as possible. “First, strip and wash all the bedding. Then use an enzyme cleaner to spot-treat the affected area and allow it to dry well,” Cohoon says. “Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda and allow it to sit for an hour to absorb any bacteria and odor, then vacuum well.”
How to Clean Mold From a Mattress
Unfortunately, the best way to handle mold on a mattress is to replace it with a new one. “That’s the only way to ensure all of the contamination is removed,” Rubino warns. “If it’s a small spot, you can attempt to clean it, but you just never know how deep the contamination issues go.”
More Mattress Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Wash your bedding often. “Your bedding makes a difference in the cleanliness of your mattress,” says Cohoon. Wash your bedding weekly so bacteria and dirt don’t build up between the bedding and mattress. Your comforter should be washed at least once every two to three months. Treat stains immediately.“Treat any stains and damage as soon as you see it to avoid it becoming a bigger issue,” Cohoon says. Mattresses are porous and absorbent, so the quicker you get to a stain, the better. Flip or rotate the mattress. When possible, flip your mattress once every three to six months, or any time you notice sagging or dents, Cohoon advises. Do check with the manufacturer regarding whether your bed can be flipped, though. Most memory foam, pillow-top, and hybrid mattresses can only be rotated since they’re one-sided. Use an air purifier. Adding an air purifier to your home is a good move in general. In the bedroom, it helps “remove small particles like mold spores and other organic matter from the air so they don’t settle on the mattress,” Rubino says.
