how to clean a mattress

Is your mattress beginning to collect dirt or stains? Or maybe you’ve had it for a few months and you want to keep it in tip top condition? In that case, it may be 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. Getting a good night’s sleep is all well and good, but a healthy night’s sleep is just as important.

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, leaving it feeling fresher for longer.

why should you clean your mattress?

It’s simple, keeping your mattress clean is important for your health and comfort. 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.

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 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. Whereas you don’t need to deep clean your mattress more than twice a year. Deep cleaning refers to steam cleaning and adding some elbow grease to your clean. It’s also important to note that using a mattress protector can also reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

so, how do you clean your 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.

cleaning stains from your 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.

Follow these instructions for the best results:

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 do you deep clean a mattress at home?

To deep clean a mattress, 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 help you to 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 it’s 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. Check out our mattress protector range and find a protector to suit your exact needs.

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.

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. Or if your mattress is beyond being cleaned and is starting to feel like its days are numbered, we’ve got a mattress for every sleep style and preference on our website.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out our blog on how to refresh your bedroom for Spring.