How to Clean a Mattress: Stains, Odours & Mites

You probably wash your sheets regularly, but when did you last clean the mattress underneath? Over time, mattresses collect sweat, body oils, skin flakes, dust mites and the occasional spill or accident. Because the mattress stays covered, it's easy to forget. A clean every few months keeps it fresher, can help people with dust mite allergies, and may help it last longer. This guide explains how to clean a mattress at home: the basic routine, how to remove common stains such as sweat, urine and blood, how to deal with odours, and how to protect the mattress afterwards.

Before You Start

Check the label

Look at the mattress care label and the manufacturer's website. Some mattresses, especially memory foam and latex, should never get wet, and some manufacturers recommend against certain products. Using the wrong method may affect your warranty.

The golden rule: don't soak it

Mattresses are thick and absorb liquid quickly. Moisture trapped deep inside can lead to mould, mildew and odours. Always use as little liquid as possible, blot rather than scrub, and let the mattress dry completely.

What you'll need

- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment. - Bicarbonate of soda. - Mild dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent. - Clean white cloths. - A spray bottle. - An enzyme-based cleaner for urine and biological stains (optional). - Cold water.

Step-by-Step Mattress Cleaning

1. Strip and wash the bedding

Remove sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector and any toppers. Wash them according to their care labels while you clean the mattress.

2. Vacuum thoroughly

Vacuum the whole top surface slowly with the upholstery attachment, paying attention to seams, buttons and edges where dust and skin flakes collect. Vacuum the sides too. A vacuum with a HEPA filter traps fine particles rather than blowing them back into the room.

3. Spot clean stains

Treat any stains using the methods below. Work on one stain at a time and blot, never rub.

4. Deodorise with bicarb

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of bicarbonate of soda over the whole surface. Leave it for several hours, or as long as you can, with windows open. Bicarb helps absorb moisture and odours.

5. Vacuum again

Vacuum up all the bicarb thoroughly.

6. Air and dry

Let the mattress air in a well-ventilated room, with sunlight on it if possible. Make sure any damp patches are completely dry before putting the bedding back on.

7. Flip or rotate

If your mattress is designed to be flipped, flip it. Most modern mattresses are one-sided and should only be rotated head to foot. Check the manufacturer's advice.

How to Remove Common Mattress Stains

Always test any solution on a hidden spot first, and use cold water. Hot water can set protein stains.

Sweat and yellowing

1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or gentle detergent with cold water. 2. Dampen a cloth, not the mattress, and blot the stain. 3. Blot with a clean cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap. 4. Blot dry with a dry cloth and let it air dry. Old sweat stains may lighten but not disappear completely.

Urine

Deal with urine as soon as possible. 1. Blot up as much liquid as you can with dry cloths or paper towel. Press firmly, don't rub. 2. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner designed for urine, following the label. Enzymes break down the proteins that cause lingering odours. 3. Blot, then sprinkle with bicarb once it's nearly dry to absorb remaining moisture and odour. 4. Vacuum once dry. For pets that keep returning to the same spot, enzyme cleaners are particularly important. Our cleaning tips for pet owners cover accidents in more detail.

Blood

1. Blot with a cloth dampened in cold water. Never use hot water on blood. 2. A small amount of mild detergent in cold water can help. 3. Some people use diluted hydrogen peroxide on fresh blood stains, but it can lighten some fabrics. Test it on a hidden spot first and check your mattress care guide. 4. Blot with plain water and dry thoroughly.

Food and drink spills

Blot immediately, then clean with a mild detergent solution and blot dry. For coffee, tea and wine, treat as quickly as you can, as these stains set over time. Our guide to removing carpet stains explains the general principles of blotting and working from the outside in.

Dust Mites and Allergies

Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows and bedding, and their droppings are a common allergy trigger. You can't remove them entirely, but you can reduce them. - Vacuum the mattress regularly with a HEPA vacuum. - Wash bedding weekly in hot water, as the care label allows. - Use allergen-barrier covers on mattresses and pillows if your doctor recommends them. - Keep the bedroom well ventilated and avoid high humidity. Our guide to cleaning for allergy sufferers has more on reducing dust mites, pollen and pet dander at home.

Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses

Foam mattresses are particularly sensitive to moisture. - Vacuum and use bicarb as usual. - Spot clean with the smallest amount of liquid possible, using a barely damp cloth. - Never steam clean or soak foam unless the manufacturer says it's safe. - Allow extra drying time.

Protect Your Mattress

The easiest mattress to clean is one that's protected. - Use a mattress protector, ideally waterproof and breathable, and wash it regularly. - Wash bedding weekly. - Avoid eating and drinking in bed. - Air the bed each morning by pulling back the covers for a while before making it. - Clean spills straight away.

How Often to Clean a Mattress

- Vacuum every month or two. - Deodorise and spot clean every three to six months. - Clean immediately after spills, illness or accidents. - Consider a professional clean once a year or so, especially if anyone has allergies.

When to Call a Professional

Professional mattress cleaning uses equipment that extracts dirt and moisture more effectively than home methods, and technicians can treat stains with products suited to the fabric. It's worth considering for old stains, strong odours, after illness, or when you move into a home with existing mattresses. Mattress cleaning is often done alongside carpet and upholstery cleaning. See our carpet cleaning service for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean a mattress without a steam cleaner?

Vacuum thoroughly, spot clean stains with a mild detergent and cold water, sprinkle with bicarb to deodorise, then vacuum again once dry.

How do you get urine out of a mattress?

Blot as much as possible, treat with an enzyme cleaner designed for urine, blot again, then use bicarb to absorb remaining moisture and odour.

Can I use vinegar on a mattress?

Diluted vinegar is sometimes used for odours, but it adds moisture and its smell lingers. Bicarb and enzyme cleaners are generally better choices, and check your manufacturer's advice.

How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?

It depends on how much liquid was used and the room's ventilation. Spot-cleaned areas may dry in a few hours. Make sure it's completely dry before making the bed.

Want a Deep-Cleaned Mattress?

If your mattress needs more than a home clean, contact iCleanPro to book professional mattress, carpet or upholstery cleaning.

How to Clean a Mattress: Stains, Odours and Dust Mites