Buzz
The upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner works wonders for cleaning your mattress. (Photo: jopstock/Getty Images)We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, but thinking about all the germs, bacteria, and tiny creatures lurking under your sheets could make you lose sleep.
Even if you diligently change and wash your sheets every week, it's crucial to understand how to clean your mattress, as it needs a good cleaning every six months. Dust mites, body oils, sweat, and dead skin find their way through your sheets and accumulate on your mattress.
With just a bit of effort, you can clean and sanitize your mattress's surface. (Getting inside the mattress is another matter, unless you have access to an industrial steam cleaner and a sterile environment.)
How to Clean Your Mattress in 5 Easy Steps
The first step: Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for your mattress type.
That being said, here are a few basic steps to follow:
- If your mattress cleaning mission is due to a recent spill, pet accident, or bedwetting incident, use clean towels to absorb as much liquid as you can.
- If possible, consider cleaning your mattress outside on a warm, dry day with minimal humidity. The sun will help it dry quickly and also act as a natural disinfectant, using UV rays to kill bacteria. (If getting your mattress outside isn't an option, the next best thing is to prop it up against a wall in front of an open window.)
- Start by removing as much dust (and possibly a few dust mites) as you can by using the upholstery attachment and crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner to go over the entire mattress surface.
- A good way to treat stains on a mattress is with a carpet and upholstery cleaner designed for pet stains. Lightly spray the cleaner on the stained area and blot the stain, starting from the outer edge and working inward. This will help prevent the stain from spreading.
- Once the stain is gone, sponge the area with a damp cloth and blot with a dry cloth.
For light stains on your mattress, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Use 1 teaspoon of dish soap for every cup of water and focus on treating the stained areas.
How to Disinfect Your Mattress
After addressing the dust and stains, you can choose from several methods to disinfect your mattress.
- Use a garment steamer or a handheld steam cleaner on the mattress surface to eliminate germs and dust mites.
- Sprinkle baking soda to deodorize and freshen the upholstery. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up.
- For additional bacteria-fighting power, use a disinfectant solution or another cleaning agent. (Surprisingly, vodka works as a disinfectant!)
- Spray with an antibacterial spray. Hydrogen peroxide is also a natural disinfectant that works well on organic stains like blood, sweat, and urine.
- While bleach is great for eliminating germs, it's too harsh for most mattress fabrics. If you decide to use bleach, dilute it with warm water as per the instructions on the label.
Whatever method you choose, always use a clean rag soaked in warm water. The key is to wring out the rag thoroughly, ensuring it’s just barely damp.
The objective is to clean the surface of the mattress without soaking it in moisture, as excess moisture could cause mold or mildew growth.
How to Properly Dry Your Mattress
Make sure to start your cleaning early in the day to allow enough drying time if you plan to sleep on your mattress that evening. Ideally, each side should dry for a few hours, but here are some tips to help speed up the drying process:
- Use towels to soak up the wet areas of the mattress.
- Baking soda not only freshens the mattress but also helps absorb moisture—just make sure to vacuum it up thoroughly.
- Open additional windows to improve airflow in the room.
- Position fans to blow directly on the damp areas. You can also use a hair dryer on a cool setting, but avoid using hot air.
- Prop the mattress against a wall to enhance airflow, and it’s even better if you can place it in the sun.
- Running a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air.
Additional Tips for Mattress Cleaning
If you have a memory foam mattress, remember that it absorbs moisture more quickly, which not only encourages mold and mildew growth but can also damage the foam structure. It’s best to use gentle, nontoxic cleaning methods or opt for products specifically made for memory foam.
Once you've finished cleaning your mattress, consider covering it with a freshly cleaned mattress pad, waterproof mattress cover, or mattress protector to help maintain its cleanliness for a longer time.
If these methods don't work (and you find your mattress needs a more thorough cleaning), you might want to explore specialized mattress vacuums or hire professional cleaning services.
