how to clean a mattress
the sleep summary
You should clean your mattress to reduce the risk of dust mites and bacteria growth, as well as to avoid dust, sweat and allergen build-up which can be potentially harmful to your skin and respiratory system.
To remove a stain from your mattress, remove your bedding, dab the stain with a clean cloth, use a solution of mild soap and warm water and apply it to the stains using a fresh cloth, ensuring you don't soak the material. Next, gently scrub the stain, before rinsing it and dabbing it dry. Lastly, sprinkle some bicarbonate soda on the area and leave for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Always let your mattress dry fully before reapplying bedding.
Is your mattress beginning to collect dirt or are there noticeable stains on it? Or maybe you’ve had it for a few months, and you want to keep it in tip top condition by caring for it early doors? Whatever the case, it's time for a refresh. We always encourage our customers to keep their mattresses clean to stop the build-up of debris, bacteria from growing and allergens from forming - so they can enjoy a fresh, hygienic sleep night after night.
Whether you’re looking for mattress care tips as part of an annual spring clean or you just want to learn the best ways to clean a mattress, we’ve got some handy tips and tricks to help you give your mattress a new lease of life.
why should you clean your mattress?
Getting a good night’s sleep is all well and good, but a healthy night’s sleep is just as important. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust, sweat, dead skin cells and nasty allergens which can lead to skin irritation and unpleasant odours, therefore impacting your sleep quality and potentially your health.
By upkeeping a regular cleaning regime on your mattress, you’ll reduce the risk of dust mites and bacteria growth, making it a more hygienic and pleasant place to sleep, while also extending its lifespan. We guarantee you’ll wake up feeling a lot fresher with a consistently clean mattress too.
how often should you clean your mattress?
We always recommend that you clean your mattress every 3 to 6 months, but this refers to a general vacuum and spot cleaning. In terms of a deep clean, there's no need to do it more than twice a year. Deep cleaning refers to steam cleaning and adding some elbow grease to your scrubbing.
Top tip: A mattress protector can also reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
what are the signs that your mattress needs cleaning?
While you should routinely clean your mattress, particular signs mean it's time do it sooner or more regularly.
Visible stains, i.e. yellowish sweat marks, spills or spots from bodily fluids
Stale or musty smell
You tend to wake up feeling congested or sneezy
Itchy skin or unexplained bite marks
Allergy or asthma symptoms worsen
Discolouration or dark spots
Dusty or gritty feeling
Bed bug signs
Pet hair, dander or hair accumulation
so, how can I clean a mattress?
We’ve outlined how to keep your mattress clean and fresh in a range of situations below, whether you’re dealing with a stain or memory foam.
how to remove a stain on a mattress
If you own a Silentnight mattress, we don’t recommend any vigorous cleaning methods as any harsh chemicals or heavy moisture may damage the fabric and stitching. However, it’s still recommended that you keep it refreshed, especially if you’ve found a stain or two on the surface. Below covers how to get blood stains out of a mattress, as well as spot cleaning any other accidental spillages.
Remove your bedding: Strip the bed, including sheets, pillowcases, and your mattress protector, so you can clean the mattress directly.
Dab the stain: If the stain is fresh (not dried), dab it gently with a clean cloth or kitchen roll to soak up as much of the liquid as possible first. Don’t rub the stain as this may spread it.
Make a cleaning solution & apply it to the mattress: Mix warm water and a mild soap detergent and add it to a fresh cloth before applying it directly to the stains in moderation and let this soak in for a few minutes. Remember to avoid adding too much moisture.
Gently scrub the stains: Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the stained area in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously as it may damage the mattress fabric.
Dab it again: Similar to step 2, use a clean cloth or kitchen roll to re-dab the area to eradicate any excess moisture while lifting the stain.
Rinse the section: Spray the area with clean, cold water to rinse away any remaining soap residue and dab again with a clean, dry towel.
Use bicarbonate of soda: Once the mattress is dry, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda over the entire surface. You can leave it to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or longer if needed. We recommend this because baking soda helps neutralise odours.
Vacuum your mattress: Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove the bicarbonate of soda from the mattress - make sure there is no residue left.
Let the mattress dry: Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting your bedding back on. This may take several hours, so consider following this process in the morning to ensure its dry by bedtime.
how to clean urine from a mattress
Cleaning urine from a mattress is a little different to a stain as it requires a slightly harsher cleaning agent to banish the scent and stain.
Here's one of the best methods for removing urine stains from a mattress:
Blot the liquid: As quickly after the accident as possible, blot as much liquid up as possible using a clean cloth or kitchen towel.
Create a mixture: Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and using a spray bottle, spray the affected area before blotting it again.
Sprinkle baking soda: To banish any unwanted odours, sprinkle some baking soda over the area. Let it sit for at least a few hours before vacuuming it up. This step will absorb any excess moisture and neutralise the scent.
how to deep clean a mattress effectively
To deep clean a mattress at home, follow the same steps as above when vacuuming the surface and spot cleaning any stains, before adding baking soda to neutralise any unwanted smells. Then, for an extra step, use a steam cleaner on the surface if your mattress type allows. Remember, you should always make sure your mattress is completely dry before placing the bedding back on to prevent any mould or mildew build-up.
how do you clean a memory foam mattress?
Cleaning a memory foam mattress requires a much gentler approach so that you don’t damage the materials that make up the supportive core, which help you get a comfy night’s rest each night.
Here’s what we recommend:
Vacuum the surface: Using a soft brush attachment, vacuum the surface to remove any dust or debris.
Tackling stains: Use a solution of water mixed with mild detergent and apply it sparingly to the mattress surface using a clean cloth. Avoid soaking the foam as too much moisture can damage it.
Blot the area: Using another clean cloth or kitchen towel, blot the cleaned surface gently. Leave it to completely dry, preferably in a well-ventilated room.
Please note, before cleaning your mattress, always check its care instructions first as materials can vary, meaning different steps need to be taken.
how to keep your mattress fresh
Now your mattress is clean again, you probably want to keep it that way. So, we have put together our best care tips below so you can keep your mattress fresh and inviting.
always use a mattress protector
They do what they say on the tin – they’re designed to provide an extra layer of protection for your mattress, so you don’t have to clean it as much, and to keep any allergens from reaching your skin.
air your mattress in the mornings
Before you make your bed first thing in the morning, keep your duvet peeled back for 20 minutes or so to let the mattress air out from any moisture built-up from the night.
open your windows
To help air your mattress, leave the window open in the morning to increase ventilation in your bedroom and speed up the evaporation of moisture from your bed.
wash your bedding regularly
Consistently washing your bedsheets, duvet covers and pillowcases will help keep your mattress clean and in prime condition. Make sure you wash them on a temperature directed on the bedding’s care instructions to keep all germs or dust mites at bay.
get fresh sleep with Silentnight
We all know and love that ‘new mattress’ feeling, and by following the mattress cleaning steps above, we guarantee you’ll experience it time and time again. If your mattress is beyond being cleaned, explore when it's time to replace your mattress.
We offer a mattress for every sleep style and preference, and under our lifetime guarantee, you have complete peace of mind you've made the right choice.
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mattress cleaning faqs
is steam cleaning or dry cleaning better for mattresses?
Either works well. Steam is great for killing dust mites and bacteria but causes moisture build-up which isn't suitable for memory foam or latex based mattresses. Dry methods like applying baking soda solutions and vacuuming is the safe option for mattresses but they don't provide a deep clean as much. For regular washes, go dry, and opt for steam sparingly on spring mattresses.
how to clean a pillow top mattress effectively
Firstly, vacuum the top and seams, before spot cleaning stains with a little mild detergent or upholstery cleaner on a lightly damp cloth. Always blot and don't rub the surface. You can then go in with baking soda, leaving it for a few hours before vacuuming again. Never soak the padding as pillow top surfaces hold moisture.
what's the recommended drying time for a mattress after wet cleaning?
We recommend you wait between 4 to 8 hours after lightly spot cleaning a mattress, or 12-24 hours after a deep clean.
can you use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
Yes, but only with the right attachments. An upholstery attachment is suitable for spring mattresses, but you shouldn't use much water and opt for a low moisture setting and be sparing with how much liquid you extract. Don't use a carpet cleaner on foam or latex based mattresses as they trap moisture.
how to sanitise and disinfect a mattress
Firstly, remove your bedding and wash it on a hot cycle. Then vacuum your mattress before lightly misting the surface with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution, or a disinfectant suitable for upholstery. Let is fully air dry, ideally in direct sunlight. You can also steam certain mattress types which acts as a good disinfector. Always check the manufacturers guidelines as these can vary per model.
how to clean a latex mattress without damaging it
Gently vacuum the surface, before spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, such as diluted washing up liquid. Blot dry the area before putting fresh bedding on. Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, steam or soak the latex mattress, and ensure it stays out of direct sunlight as this can degrade the latex. If you want a little refresh, a sprinkle of baking soda is usually fine but always check the manufacturer's instructions.
how to clean a toddler's mattress safely
Keeping a toddler's mattress clean and hygienic is important for their healthy sleep. You should always use a waterproof mattress protector to so that any accidents don't impact the quality of the mattress. If any accidents occur, blot the liquid before wiping the surface down with water and a baby-safe detergent. Never use fragranced products or strong chemicals. Make sure it's fully dry before re-applying the bedding. Always check the manufacturers guidelines as these can vary per model.
