How to Clean a Mattress at Home: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Most people wash their sheets regularly but never clean the mattress underneath. Over time, mattresses accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, and allergens that affect both sleep quality and health. A regular mattress cleaning routine keeps your bed fresh, extends the mattress's life, and improves the air quality in your bedroom. Here's how to do it properly.

What You'll Need

Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover Spray — oxygen-powered formula for pre-treating stains on mattress fabric
Nutricost Baking Soda (2 lbs) — the most effective natural mattress deodorizer
Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner — sanitizes and refreshes the mattress surface without chemicals
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack)
Vacuum with upholstery attachment

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Every 3 months: Full clean including vacuuming and deodorizing
Every 6 months: Deep clean with steam
Immediately: After any spill or accident
When rotating: Clean both sides when you flip or rotate the mattress

Step 1: Strip and Wash All Bedding

Remove all sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and pillow covers. Wash everything on the hottest setting the fabric allows — high heat kills dust mites. While bedding is washing, clean the mattress.

Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Mattress

Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire mattress surface — top, sides, and any tufted areas. Work in overlapping strokes from top to bottom. Pay extra attention to seams and edges where dust mites and debris accumulate. This removes loose debris, dead skin cells, and surface dust before any treatment.

Step 3: Treat Stains

Identify any visible stains and treat them before deodorizing:

Spray Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover directly on the stain
Let sit 3–5 minutes
Blot with a clean microfiber cloth — never rub
For urine or organic stains, see our dedicated guides for those stain types

Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda

This is the most important step for a fresh-smelling mattress:

Sprinkle baking soda generously and evenly over the entire mattress surface
For extra freshness, mix a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling
Let sit for at least 30 minutes — several hours or overnight gives the best results
Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly

The baking soda absorbs moisture, odors, and helps neutralize the acidic compounds in sweat.

Step 5: Steam Clean (Optional but Recommended)

After vacuuming up the baking soda, use the handheld steam cleaner to sanitize the mattress surface. Move slowly across the entire surface — the high-temperature steam kills dust mites, bacteria, and allergens without chemicals. Allow to dry completely (1–2 hours with good airflow) before making the bed.

Step 6: Protect with a Mattress Protector

Once the mattress is clean and dry, put on a PlushDeluxe Waterproof Bamboo Mattress Protector before replacing your sheets. A quality mattress protector prevents future stains, repels moisture, and creates a barrier against dust mites — dramatically reducing how often you need to deep clean the mattress itself.

Pro Tips

Clean your mattress on a sunny day with windows open — sunlight and fresh air help dry the mattress faster and naturally kill bacteria
Rotate your mattress 180 degrees every 3–6 months to ensure even wear and clean both ends regularly
A mattress protector is the single best investment for mattress longevity — it keeps the mattress clean between deep cleans

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?

With good airflow and a fan, most mattresses dry within 2–4 hours after steam cleaning. Never make the bed on a damp mattress — trapped moisture causes mildew and musty odors.

Can I use a carpet cleaner on my mattress?

A portable upholstery cleaner like the BISSELL Little Green can be used on mattresses for stain extraction, but use minimal water and ensure thorough drying. Steam cleaning is generally safer as it uses less moisture.

How do I know if my mattress has dust mites?

You can't see dust mites with the naked eye, but signs include waking up with allergy symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion), or a musty smell from the mattress. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning effectively control dust mite populations.

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