How To Clean A Mattress (The Easy Way That Actually Works)

ByChanel Campbell
how to clean a mattress

If we’re being truly honest, most of us wash our sheets on repeat and totally forget the thing under them. 🫣

But your mattress collects everything from sweat and dust to skin cells and pet hair (yep, sorry).

Over time, that can affect both how clean your bed feels and how well you sleep.

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The good news?

Deep cleaning your mattress doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

You can get it fresh, deodorized, and sleep-ready in under an hour — no special gadgets, no harsh chemicals, just a few simple steps.

What You’ll Need:

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How To Clean A Mattress

Step 1: Strip the Bed

Start with a clean slate. Remove all bedding — sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and the mattress protector (if you use one). Toss everything into the wash on a warm cycle to kill bacteria and refresh fabrics.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Cleaning mattress with a steam cleaner in a bright room. How to clean a mattress

Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to go over the entire surface — top, sides, and even the seams where dust likes to hide. This gets rid of hair, dust, and crumbs (because breakfast in bed happens 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

For small stains, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water. Lightly dab (don’t soak) the area using a clean cloth or sponge, then blot dry.

Tip: For tougher stains (like sweat or spills), a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a spray bottle can work wonders — just test a small area first to avoid discoloration.

Step 4: Deodorize With Baking Soda

Hand cleaning surface of mattress with baking soda

This is where the magic happens. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda all over the mattress. It helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors. If you want a subtle scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling — lavender or eucalyptus works beautifully.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time).

Step 5: Vacuum Again

Once the baking soda has done its job, vacuum it up thoroughly. This not only removes the powder but also lifts away any trapped residue, leaving your mattress feeling — and smelling — completely fresh.

Step 6: Let It Air Out

If possible, leave the mattress bare for a bit. Crack a window or turn on a fan to let everything dry out completely. This prevents mold or mildew from forming and keeps your sleep space light and airy.

Step 7: Protect It for the Future

Woman Putting Protector on Mattress, Top View

Once your mattress is clean and dry, add a mattress protector — ideally a breathable, washable one. It’s the easiest way to keep dust, sweat, and accidental spills from building up again (and makes future cleaning so much easier).

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How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Every 3–6 months is ideal for a full refresh, but you can stretch it longer if you regularly wash your bedding and use a protector.

If you have pets, allergies, or live in a humid climate, a quick monthly vacuum or light baking soda treatment helps keep it in top shape.

Bonus Tip: Keep It Smelling Fresh Longer

Every time you change your sheets, give the mattress a quick mist with a fabric refresher or a DIY spray (mix water, witch hazel, and a few drops of essential oil). It keeps things smelling like “just washed” without the extra work.

Final Thoughts

A clean mattress might not be something you notice right away, but you definitely feel it — fresher air, better sleep, and that subtle sense of calm that comes from knowing your space is truly clean.

So the next time you strip your sheets, give your mattress a little love too.

TRY THIS NEXT: How To Deep Clean Your Room (+ Free Printable Checklist)