How to Deep Clean a Mattress at Home — 6 Easy Steps

How to Deep Clean a Mattress at Home — 6 Steps Using What You Already Have

Key takeaways

• Start by washing all bedding in hot water and vacuum the mattress. Focus on seams and corners to remove hidden dirt and dust mites.
• Use baking soda to absorb odours and spot-clean stains with targeted cleaning agents. Finish with a light vinegar mist to tackle lingering smells.
• Extend your mattress’s life by rotating or flipping it regularly. Use a waterproof protector to prevent future stains and allergens.

 

Mattresses take more abuse than we like to admit. 

Sweat, dirt, skin cells, and who-knows-what-else pile up over time. All these turn your once-pristine mattress into a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and funky smells. 

The good news is that you don’t need expensive cleaning products or professional to revive it. Chances are, everything you need is already sitting in your home.

Whether you’re dealing with stains, odours, or just years of neglect, these seven steps will get your mattress looking — and smelling — like new again. 

How to deep clean a mattress at home?

Step #1 — Strip your bed down completely 

Start by removing everything from the mattress. This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, toppers, and protectors. Your mattress should be totally bare so you can clean it properly.  

Take all that bedding and toss it straight into the wash. Use hot water if the fabric allows — it’s the most effective way to kill germs and dust mites hiding in your sheets. 

If the care labels recommend cold washing, go with that instead. This helps you avoid damaging delicate fabrics.  

While you’re at it, don’t forget about items like duvets and comforters. These might not need washing as often as your sheets, but they still collect dirt over time.

Once washed, make sure everything is 100% dry before putting it back on the bed. Damp bedding is an open invitation for mould and mildew.  

And yes, wash that mattress protector too. It’s been soaking up sweat and spills for who-knows-how-long, so give it some love. 

No point deep-cleaning your mattress only to slap dirty bedding back on top of it.

Step #2 — Grab the vacuum for hidden debris 

 

Mattresses act like sponges for crumbs, pet hair, and even dead skin flakes. Gross, right? That’s where your vacuum comes in handy.  

Use the upholstery attachment — the one with bristles — for this step. Slowly work your way across the entire surface of the mattress, making sure you don’t miss any spots. 

Move methodically from edge to edge, paying close attention to seams and corners. Dust mites love hanging out there.  

Don’t stop at the top. Flip the mattress on its side (or upside down if it's double-sided) and vacuum those areas too. Even though they’re less exposed, they’re not immune to collecting grime.  

If you notice stubborn bits of debris stuck in tufted areas or stitching, try patting or gently brushing them loose while you vacuum.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing. Remember, you’re cleaning a mattress, not sanding wood.  

This step alone will remove a surprising amount of dirt and allergens. Think of it as giving your mattress a fresh slate before tackling stains and smells.  

Step #3 — Tackle stains the smart way 

Stains are inevitable, especially if you eat, drink, or share your bed with pets. The trick is using the right cleaning solution for each type of stain.  

How to handle sweat stains 

Sweat leaves behind yellowish marks that aren’t exactly Instagram-worthy. To fix this, mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. 

Gently spread the paste over the stained area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Done.  

For older or tougher sweat stains, you might need to repeat this process. Just be patient; scrubbing won’t speed things up and could damage the fabric.  

How to clean up food or drink spills

Spilled coffee or wine in bed? Don’t panic — just act fast. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dab (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth soaked in the solution. Keep blotting until the stain lifts.  

Rubbing pushes liquid deeper into the mattress, which makes the problem worse. Blotting absorbs the spill without spreading it around.

 Once the stain is gone, use a slightly damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.  

How to deal with pet messes 

Pets bring joy, but accidents happen. For urine or vomit stains, start by blotting up as much moisture as possible with paper towels or a clean cloth. 

Then mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area generously, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then blot it dry again.  

Once the stain is gone, sprinkle baking soda over the area to neutralise lingering odours. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up in the morning. 

Crisis averted, and no more mystery smells.  

Step #4 — Sprinkle baking soda everywhere 

Baking soda is a cheap yet powerful deodoriser. After dealing with stains, cover the entire surface of your mattress with a generous layer of it.  

If you can let it sit overnight, that’s even better. This gives it enough time to absorb odours, sweat, and oils trapped in the mattress. 

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda beforehand if you want your mattress to smell amazing. 

Lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint are great options for creating a calming vibe. 

When you’re ready, grab your vacuum again and thoroughly remove all the baking soda. Be patient here. 

Any leftover powder will make your bed feel gritty, and nobody wants to sleep on sandpaper.  

Step #5 — Use vinegar to deal with odours   

If your mattress still smells funky after the baking soda treatment, it’s time to bring out the big guns — vinegar.  

Lightly mist the entire mattress with white vinegar using a spray bottle. Don’t soak it — just a light spritz will do. Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and will break down any remaining odour molecules.  

Let the mattress air-dry completely before moving on to the next step.

If it’s sunny outside, place the mattress near a window for extra drying power. Sunlight also helps kill bacteria and mould spores. Win-win.  

Step #6 — Flip and repeat 

Most mattresses are one-sided these days, but if yours isn’t, flip it over and repeat steps two through five on the other side.

Mattresses collect dust and grime everywhere, not just on the side you sleep on.  

Even if your mattress is single-sided, rotating it 180 degrees can help extend its lifespan. Sleeping in the same spot every night causes uneven wear and tear. 

Rotating evens things out, keeping your mattress supportive for longer.  

Don’t forget to protect your hard work  

Now that your mattress is squeaky clean, protect it from future spills, stains, and grime with a waterproof mattress protector. If you don’t have one, invest in one — it’s worth it. 

A good mattress protector keeps liquids, sweat, and allergens from seeping into the fabric, saving you the hassle of another deep clean anytime soon. 

Just remember to wash it regularly along with your sheets.  

Once your bedding is dry and ready, make your bed as usual.

Cleaning a mattress doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a vacuum, some baking soda, and a little elbow grease, you can tackle even the dirtiest mattress at home. 

Stick to these steps every six months to keep things fresh and hygienic. Your mattress works hard every night. Taking care of it is the least you can do. 

Now go enjoy your freshly cleaned bed — you’ve earned it.