Your mattress may look clean, but beneath the sheets it’s home to sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, pet dander and the occasional spill. Even if you use a mattress protector, regular cleaning is essential for keeping your bed hygienic and helping your mattress last longer.

Learning how to clean a mattress is easier than you might think. With a few household essentials and a little bit of time, you can freshen up your mattress and create a cleaner sleeping environment.

How to clean your mattress

Before you begin, check what type of mattress you have. Most spring, hybrid and pillow-top mattresses can be cleaned using the method below. Foam mattresses, however, absorb water easily and can be difficult to dry properly, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions or have them professionally cleaned if you’re unsure.

You’ll need:

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • Mild liquid dish soap
  • Clean sponge or microfibre cloth
  • Bucket or container filled with cold water

Step-by-step guide to cleaning a mattress

  1. Strip the bed completely by removing all bedding, pillows, duvets, blankets, electric blankets and your mattress protector.
  2. Sprinkle a generous layer of bicarbonate of soda over the entire mattress and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps absorb moisture and neutralise odours.
  3. Vacuum the entire mattress thoroughly, including the sides and seams where dust tends to collect.
  4. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the bucket of cold water and mix gently.
  5. Lightly dampen your sponge or cloth with the soapy water. Avoid soaking it, as too much moisture can damage the mattress.
  6. Gently wipe the mattress surface, rinsing and wringing out the sponge as you go.
  7. Allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed. If possible, place it in direct sunlight, as UV rays can help reduce bacteria and lingering odours.

For a more thorough clean, repeat the process on the other side of the mattress once it’s completely dry. If your mattress has a non-flippable base, simply clean the sleeping surface again and pay extra attention to the sides.

If you’re dealing with spills or stubborn marks, treat stains separately using a stain-removal method that’s suitable for your mattress material.

How often should you clean your mattress?

Considering we spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, regular mattress cleaning should be part of every household routine.

As a general guide:

  • Vacuum your mattress once a month (or weekly if you suffer from allergies).
  • Deep clean your mattress every six to 12 months.
  • If you share your bed with a partner, children or pets, aim to clean it every three to six months.

Sweat, body oils, pet hair and dust build up surprisingly quickly, creating an ideal environment for dust mites and other allergens. Regular cleaning helps improve hygiene, reduce allergens and can even extend the life of your mattress.

Don’t forget to rotate your mattress

To help prevent sagging and uneven wear, rotate your mattress every three months. If your mattress is designed to be flipped, turn it over at the same time. This simple habit helps maintain support, improves comfort and can significantly extend your mattress’s lifespan.

A clean mattress doesn’t just look better — it can also contribute to better sleep, improved hygiene and a healthier bedroom overall.

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Why pillows turn yellow (and how to clean them)

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