BlogYour mattress might look clean, but it quietly collects a mix of things you’d rather not think about—dust, dead skin, sweat, and allergens. Over time, that build-up can affect air quality in your bedroom, trigger allergies, and leave your bed feeling less fresh (even with clean sheets).
The good news? Deep cleaning a mattress is straightforward, doesn’t require harsh chemicals, and can make a noticeable difference in how your bed feels and smells. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide you can follow at home.
Internal link idea: Pair this with a broader bedroom refresh: Green Cleaning Routine That Fits Your Lifestyle
Why You Should Deep Clean Your Mattress
1) Better air quality and fewer allergens
Mattresses can hold dust and allergens that become airborne when you move at night. A deep clean helps reduce that build-up—especially important if you have asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin.
2) Odour removal (without masking scents)
If your mattress has a lingering “musty” smell, it’s usually trapped moisture + body oils. Proper cleaning removes the cause rather than covering it up.
3) Longer mattress life
Keeping the surface clean and dry helps prevent staining, material breakdown, and unwanted wear.
4) Cleaner sleep, better comfort
A fresh mattress simply feels nicer. It’s one of those small home-care tasks that pays you back every night.
How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?
A realistic routine looks like this:
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Quick refresh: every 1–2 months (vacuum + deodorise)
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Deep clean: every 6 months (or seasonally)
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Spot clean stains: as soon as they happen
Internal link idea: If you have a seasonal guide, link it here: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Spring Cleaning
What You’ll Need (Simple, Low-Tox Supplies)
You probably already have most of these:
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Vacuum (ideally with upholstery attachment)
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Baking soda
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Clean spray bottle
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Mild dish soap (or gentle liquid detergent)
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White vinegar (optional; avoid on delicate fabrics, and don’t over-wet)
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Hydrogen peroxide 3% (optional for certain stains—patch test first)
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2–3 clean microfibre cloths
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Fan (optional but helpful for drying)
Important safety note: Don’t mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same container. Never mix vinegar with bleach.
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean Your Mattress
Step 1: Strip the bed and wash bedding properly
Remove sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protector.
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Wash bedding on the warmest setting suitable for the fabric.
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Dry fully (damp bedding can reintroduce odours).
Pro tip: If you don’t use a mattress protector, consider adding one. It’s the easiest “future-proofing” step you can take.
Step 2: Vacuum the mattress (slowly)
Vacuuming is the most important step for removing dust and allergens.
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Use the upholstery attachment if you have one.
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Go over the entire mattress surface, then the sides.
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Pay extra attention to seams and edges.
Time-saving tip: Vacuum in overlapping lines like mowing a lawn—slower is more effective.
Step 3: Deodorise with baking soda
Baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralise odours.
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Sprinkle a light, even layer across the entire surface.
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Let it sit for at least 30–60 minutes (longer is better if you have time).
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Open a window or run a fan to help airflow.
Then vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.
Step 4: Spot-clean stains (the right way)
The key rule: don’t soak the mattress. Too much moisture can encourage mould and lingering smells.
A gentle stain-lifting mix (good for most marks)
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1 cup warm water
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1–2 tsp mild dish soap
How to use:
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Lightly dampen a cloth (don’t pour onto the mattress).
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Blot the stain from outside in.
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Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to “rinse” by blotting.
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Press with a dry towel to pull moisture out.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing—it can spread stains and damage fibres.
Common Mattress Stains and What to Do
Sweat / yellowing
These often respond well to gentle soap + water blotting, followed by baking soda deodorising.
Urine (kids or pets)
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Blot immediately (don’t rub).
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Use mild soapy water to blot.
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Deodorise with baking soda once it’s mostly dry.
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Dry thoroughly with airflow.
Blood
Use cold water (warm water can set protein stains).
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Blot with a cloth dampened in cold water + a tiny amount of soap.
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Repeat patiently, then dry and deodorise.
Vomit
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Remove solids first, then blot.
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Mild soapy water works well.
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Deodorise once dry.
If a stain is stubborn, patch test a small hidden area before using stronger options like hydrogen peroxide.
Step 5: Dry the mattress completely
Drying matters as much as cleaning.
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Leave the mattress uncovered for several hours.
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Use a fan and open windows if possible.
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If you can, stand the mattress on its side briefly to increase airflow.
Do not remake the bed until it’s fully dry.
Step 6: Flip or rotate (if suitable)
Not all modern mattresses are flippable, but most benefit from rotating.
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Rotate head-to-foot every 3–6 months.
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If the mattress is designed to be flipped, follow the manufacturer guidance.
Preventing Future Build-Up (Easy Wins)
Use a mattress protector
This is the biggest difference-maker. It blocks sweat, spills, and dust from sinking into the mattress.
Let the bed breathe
Avoid making the bed immediately in the morning if you can. Even 15–30 minutes of airflow helps moisture evaporate.
Keep a simple schedule
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Vacuum mattress: every 1–2 months
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Baking soda refresh: monthly (or as needed)
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Deep clean: every 6 months
Internal link idea: For a whole-bedroom system, link this: Non-Toxic Cleaning Checklist
When to Call a Professional Mattress Clean
Consider professional help if:
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You’ve got large, old stains (especially moisture-based)
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There’s persistent odour that keeps returning
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Allergies are severe and you want a more intensive extraction clean
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It’s an end-of-lease or property refresh situation
Internal link idea (service): Book a Deep Cleaning Service
Internal link idea (general): Our Cleaning Checklist
Quick Mattress Deep Clean Checklist
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Strip bedding + wash
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Vacuum surface + seams + sides
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Baking soda layer (30–60 mins)
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Vacuum again thoroughly
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Spot-clean stains by blotting (no soaking)
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Dry fully (fan + airflow)
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Rotate/flip if suitable
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Add clean protector + bedding
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning your mattress isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the highest-impact cleaning jobs in the home. It improves freshness, supports allergy-friendly living, and keeps your bed feeling comfortable for longer—without needing harsh chemicals or expensive products.
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