How to Deep Clean Your Mattress at Home

Deep clean your mattress by vacuuming thoroughly, spot treating stains with appropriate cleaners, deodorizing with baking soda, and ensuring complete drying before replacing bedding.

  1. Clear and Ventilate. Remove all bedding, pillows, and mattress protectors. Take everything to the laundry immediately. Clear the area around your bed so you can access all sides of the mattress easily. Open windows or turn on fans to improve air circulation for faster drying.
  2. Banish Dust and Debris. Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to thoroughly clean the top, sides, and head of the mattress. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and the area around the head where dead skin and oils accumulate. Flip the mattress and vacuum the other side completely. This removes dust mites, dead skin, and surface debris.
  3. Spot-Treat Problem Areas. For blood stains, dab with cold water and hydrogen peroxide, then blot dry. For urine or sweat stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, mist lightly, and blot with clean cloths. For general stains, use a paste of baking soda and water, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum up. Never oversaturate the mattress.
  4. Neutralize Odors Naturally. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the entire mattress surface. For extra freshness, mix the baking soda with a few drops of essential oil like lavender before applying. Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible. This absorbs odors, moisture, and oils.
  5. Finish the Other Side. Thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda using the upholstery attachment. Make sure you get every bit, especially from seams and crevices. Flip the mattress over and repeat the baking soda treatment on the other side. This ensures both sides are completely clean and fresh.
  6. Dry Fully Before Bedding. Allow the mattress to air dry completely in a well-ventilated room before putting any bedding back on. This can take 4-8 hours depending on humidity. Check for any remaining damp spots or odors. The mattress should feel completely dry and smell neutral before you remake the bed.