Keep the Frame Clean Too
Don’t forget your bed frame. Dust and dirt from the frame eventually end up on your mattress. Wipe it down every time you deep clean the mattress. If you’ve got a slatted frame, vacuum between the slats.
Spot Clean Stains Immediately
Accidents happen, but the quicker you deal with a spill or stain, the easier it is to remove. Blot - never rub - using a clean cloth to soak up liquid. Then, use a mild cleaning solution like water and dish soap to gently dab the area. Quick action prevents stains from setting.
Vacuum Regularly
Your mattress collects dust, dead skin cells, and (if you eat in bed!) crumbs. A quick vacuum with the upholstery attachment every few weeks keeps the surface fresh and helps reduce allergens. Don’t forget to go over the seams and crevices where dust loves to hide.
Use a Mattress Protector
Think of a mattress protector as your bed’s armor. It shields your mattress from spills, sweat, dust mites, and pet dander. A waterproof one is especially handy if you’ve got kids or pets. Just toss it in the wash every couple of weeks, and your actual mattress stays much cleaner with almost no extra effort.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is like magic when it comes to freshening up your mattress, and you can get it cheap from almost any store. Sprinkle a thin layer across the surface, let it sit for an hour or two, then vacuum it up. It helps neutralize odors from sweat.
Deodorize With Essential Oils
If your mattress has a stale smell, add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to your baking soda before sprinkling. It freshens things up naturally and leaves a scent that makes climbing into bed feel extra nice. Just don’t overdo it - too much oil can leave residue.
Rotate Your Mattress
Rotating your mattress every few months prevents uneven wear, which can trap dirt and make cleaning harder later. Plus, it helps maintain its shape and comfort. Just flip it 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot.
Flip It (If Possible)
Not all mattresses can be flipped, but if yours is double-sided, go for it every six months. It distributes weight more evenly, reduces sagging, and helps with airflow. Plus, it’s a good excuse to vacuum both sides and give the whole thing a deep clean while you’re at it.
Treat Sweat Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide
Yellow sweat stains are seriously annoying. Mix a little hydrogen peroxide with dish soap and baking soda, spray it on the stain, let it bubble up, then blot it away. Don’t worry that you might sweat too much, either – virtually every mattress has sweat stains.
Use a Handheld Steam Cleaner
A handheld steam cleaner is perfect for a deeper clean without soaking your mattress. The heat kills dust mites and bacteria while loosening dirt trapped in the fabric. Just make sure to let your mattress dry completely afterward so you don’t accidentally invite mold or mildew in.
Air It Out
Sometimes, the simplest cleaning method is sunlight and fresh air. Strip the bed and let your mattress air out near an open window - or if possible, outside in direct sunlight. (This might be tricky though.) UV rays help kill bacteria and reduce odors naturally.
Enzyme Cleaners for Organic Stains
Food, sweat, or blood stains (hey, it happens to all women, don’t worry) are organic, which means they respond really well to enzyme-based cleaners. Spray a little on the spot, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth.
Don’t Soak Your Mattress
Mattresses and too much water are a bad combo. Liquids can seep deep inside, where they’re impossible to dry completely. That dampness becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold. Always stick to spot cleaning and light sprays instead of dousing the whole thing. It’s an expensive mistake, unfortunately.
Use Cornstarch for Grease Stains
If you’ve ever spilled lotion or body oil on your mattress, cornstarch is a lifesaver. Sprinkle some directly onto the greasy spot, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. The cornstarch absorbs the oil and makes cleanup a lot easier than scrubbing with soap alone.
Wash Bedding Weekly
Clean sheets mean a cleaner mattress. Washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly helps reduce the amount of sweat, oils, and skin cells that end up on your mattress. And of course, sliding into freshly washed sheets always feels amazing.
Vacuum Both Sides
Even if you never flip your mattress, don’t forget to vacuum the underside every so often. Dust, pet hair, and even mold can accumulate there, especially if your bed frame doesn’t have a solid base. Keeping both sides clean makes your bed a whole lot better.
Use Dryer Sheets for Freshness
Slip a couple of dryer sheets under your mattress protector for a subtle, fresh scent that lasts. They help mask any lingering odors between deep cleans. It’s a small trick, but it makes your bed feel more inviting without much effort.
Check for Mold Spots
Every time you deep clean, take a minute to inspect your mattress for signs of mold or mildew - especially near the bottom. Small dark spots or a musty smell are red flags. Catching it early lets you treat it with vinegar or alcohol before it spreads and ruins your mattress completely.
Keep Pets Off the Bed
As cozy as it is to snuggle with your furry friend, pets bring dirt, dander, and hair straight onto your mattress. It’s a pity, but that’s just life. If you can, keep them on a blanket at the foot of the bed instead. It’ll cut down on cleaning time and extend the life of your mattress.
Use White Vinegar on Odors
A light misting of white vinegar works wonders on mattress odors. It kills bacteria and helps break down lingering smells from sweat or spills. Don’t worry about the smell, the vinegar smell fades as it dries. Just make sure to air your mattress out afterward for best results.
Treat Blood Stains With Salt Paste
Blood stains can be stubborn, but a simple salt-and-water paste can help. Spread it over the stain, let it sit for an hour, then blot with a damp cloth. Salt helps draw out the proteins in the stain, making it much easier to lift without harsh chemicals.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier in your bedroom keeps your mattress from absorbing too much moisture. Less moisture means less chance of mold, mildew, and funky smells. It’s especially important if your mattress sits on a solid platform bed with limited airflow.
Don’t Eat in Bed
It’s tempting and all, but eating in bed almost always leads to crumbs and grease stains. Even if you’re careful, it will attract dust mites and pests. Keeping food out of the bedroom is one of the easiest ways to keep your mattress fresh and much easier to clean in the long run.
Use a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper adds a layer of protection and comfort, making it easier to keep your actual mattress clean. Most toppers can be machine-washed or spot-cleaned more easily than a mattress. Plus, they help absorb sweat and oils, so your mattress underneath stays in better shape over time.
Dry Thoroughly After Cleaning
Whenever you use liquid cleaners, make sure your mattress dries completely before putting sheets back on. A fan, open windows, or even a hairdryer on cool can help speed things up. If moisture gets trapped inside, it can lead to mildew - and nothing ruins a bed faster than that.
Neutralize Urine Stains With Baking Soda & Vinegar
If you’ve got kids or pets, accidents happen. First, blot up as much liquid as possible. Then spray the spot with a mix of vinegar and water, blot again, and sprinkle with baking soda. Once it’s dry, vacuum it up. This combo neutralizes both the stain and the smell.
Try Activated Charcoal for Smells
If your mattress has a stubborn odor, place a breathable bag of activated charcoal under your sheets for a few days. It naturally absorbs moisture and odors without any added chemicals. Think of it as a low-effort deodorizer.
Use Lemon Juice for Brightening
Lemon juice mixed with a little salt can help lighten older stains. Apply it directly, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a damp cloth. The acidity helps break down discoloration while leaving behind a light, fresh scent. Just don’t use it on delicate fabrics.
Keep Humidity Low in the Room
Even without a dehumidifier, you can help your mattress by keeping bedroom humidity under control. Use your AC in summer, open a window when possible, or run a ceiling fan. Good airflow prevents dampness and mold.
Wash Pillows Regularly
Your pillows sit directly on the mattress, so keeping them clean helps your bed overall. Wash them every few months to prevent sweat, oils, and dust mites from transferring to the mattress.
Store Mattresses Properly
If you ever need to store a mattress, don’t ever just toss it in a basement or garage. Wrap it in a breathable cover, stand it upright, and keep it in a dry, cool spot. Poor storage leads to mold, pests, and a completely ruined mattress.
Stick to a Cleaning Schedule
Mattress cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you stick to a schedule. Vacuum monthly, deodorize every few months, and deep clean twice a year. Add reminders on your phone so it’s not forgotten.
Use UV Light Sanitizers
Small UV light sanitizers can be run over your mattress to kill bacteria and dust mites without any sprays or chemicals. They’re especially helpful if you suffer from allergies. Just a quick pass every so often adds another layer of cleanliness that regular vacuuming alone can’t achieve.
Freshen With Fabric Spray
A light spritz of fabric refresher spray keeps your mattress smelling nice between deep cleans. Just avoid using too much - you don’t want to soak it. A quick mist does the trick, leaving your bed feeling freshly laundered without the hassle of stripping it every day.
