Your mattress is the foundation of restful sleep, but over time, it becomes home to dust mites, dead skin cells, body oils, stains, and odors. Despite being covered by sheets, mattresses trap debris that can affect your sleep quality and health.

Deep cleaning your mattress not only extends its lifespan but also helps eliminate allergens and harmful bacteria. In this article, we’ll show you how to deep clean a mattress step-by-step, remove stubborn stains like sweat, blood, and urine, and share expert tips for long-term cleanliness. Whether you suffer from allergies or just want a fresher sleeping surface, this guide is for you.

Why You Should Deep Clean Your Mattress

While your mattress may look clean on the outside, it can be a hidden source of allergens, irritants, and microscopic pests. A mattress that isn’t cleaned regularly can cause:

  • Increased allergy and asthma symptoms

  • Odors from accumulated sweat and spills

  • A haven for dust mites and bed bugs

  • Bacteria and mold growth, especially in humid areas

Deep cleaning your mattress improves hygiene, promotes better sleep, and makes your bed a safer, healthier place to rest.

How Often to Deep Clean a Mattress

Ideally, you should deep clean your mattress every 6 months. However, certain conditions may require more frequent cleaning:

  • Every 3 months if you have allergies or pets

  • Immediately after spills or accidents

  • Annually even if it appears clean, as allergens build up invisibly

Establishing a regular cleaning schedule helps maintain freshness and reduces long-term damage to the mattress material.

Cleaning Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Gather the following supplies before you begin:

  • Vacuum with upholstery attachment

  • Baking soda

  • Mild liquid detergent or dish soap

  • Spray bottle

  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%)

  • White vinegar

  • Soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth

  • Laundry detergent (for bedding)

  • Optional: Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus)

These basic items make mattress cleaning easy, affordable, and safe for both adults and children.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deep Clean a Mattress

Wash Your Bedding and Pillows

The first step to cleaning your mattress is removing all sheets, pillowcases, and protectors. Wash your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F/54°C) to kill dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. Don’t forget to wash mattress protectors and pillow covers as well.

Use a mild detergent and avoid strong fabric softeners that can leave residue. If your pillows are machine-washable, clean those too. Dry everything thoroughly on high heat to prevent mildew.

This step ensures you’re not re-contaminating your freshly cleaned mattress when you make your bed again.

Air Out Your Mattress

Fresh air and sunlight are two of the most natural and effective mattress sanitizers. Take your mattress outdoors on a sunny day if possible and let it sit for several hours.

Sunlight helps kill bacteria, mold spores, and dust mites while reducing moisture trapped inside the mattress layers. If you can’t move the mattress outside, open your windows and allow cross-ventilation to naturally air it out.

This step reduces odors, enhances freshness, and prepares your mattress for further deep cleaning.

Vacuum Your Mattress

Using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, thoroughly clean the surface of your mattress. Pay special attention to seams, edges, and crevices where dust and debris tend to accumulate.

Vacuuming removes dead skin cells, hair, pet dander, and dust mites. Go slowly and make multiple passes over each area. If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, even better—it will trap microscopic allergens that contribute to respiratory issues.

Repeat vacuuming after each major cleaning step, especially after applying and removing baking soda.

Tackle Any Mattress Stains

Before deodorizing, it’s important to treat visible stains. Mattresses absorb spills quickly, making it harder to remove discoloration the longer it sits.

Use a cloth to blot (not rub) stains immediately when they occur. For older or set-in stains, apply a gentle cleaning solution of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot dry with a clean cloth.

Always test a small patch before applying any cleaning agent, especially on memory foam, which can be delicate.

How to Remove Stains from Your Mattress

Remove Stains from Your Mattress

Different stains require different treatments. Most can be cleaned with household items like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and dish soap. Here’s a general method:

  1. Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap.

  2. Pour into a spray bottle and lightly mist the stained area.

  3. Let sit for 10–20 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

  4. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and vacuum after it dries.

This method is effective for organic stains like sweat and food spills.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From Mattress

Sweat stains are common and often cause yellow discoloration over time. Here’s how to remove them:

  1. Mix ½ cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon dish soap and 3 tablespoons baking soda.

  2. Spray the solution over the sweat-stained area.

  3. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

  4. Blot gently with a dry cloth.

  5. Sprinkle baking soda and leave it overnight before vacuuming.

Adding a few drops of essential oil helps neutralize any lingering odor.

How to Remove Urine Stains From Mattress

Urine stains—whether from kids, pets, or accidents—can cause odor and bacteria buildup. Here’s what to do:

  1. Blot as much urine as possible with paper towels.

  2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray on the affected area.

  3. Let sit for 15 minutes, then blot again.

  4. Sprinkle baking soda and leave it for 6–8 hours or overnight.

  5. Vacuum thoroughly.

You can repeat this process for deeper odor removal. Avoid using heat, as it can set the stain.

How to Remove Blood Stains From Mattress

Blood stains are protein-based and should be treated quickly using cold water only—hot water will set the stain.

  1. Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot the stain.

  2. Mix 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of dish soap.

  3. Apply gently with a sponge and let sit for 10 minutes.

  4. Blot with a clean towel and rinse with cold water.

  5. Repeat as necessary, and allow to air dry.

For stubborn spots, use a mix of baking soda and water as a paste.

8 Tips for Keeping Your Mattress Clean

  1. Use a waterproof mattress protector – Prevents spills and stains from soaking in
  2. Vacuum mattress every month – Reduces dust, allergens, and mites
  3. Rotate mattress every 3–6 months – Promotes even wear and prolongs lifespan
  4. Avoid eating or drinking in bed – Minimizes accidental spills
  5. Wash bedding weekly in hot water – Eliminates allergens and bacteria
  6. Keep pets off the bed – Reduces fur, dander, and potential accidents
  7. Air out your mattress monthly – Prevents moisture buildup and odors
  8. Treat stains immediately – Prevents permanent discoloration and smells

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs in a Mattress

Bedbugs in a Mattress

Bedbugs are tiny pests that hide in mattress seams and feed at night. If you suspect an infestation:

  1. Strip the bed and wash all linens in hot water.

  2. Use a vacuum to clean the entire mattress and box spring thoroughly.

  3. Apply a mattress-safe bedbug spray or diatomaceous earth.

  4. Encase the mattress in a bedbug-proof cover for at least 1 year.

  5. Repeat vacuuming daily and monitor for bites or bug evidence.

For severe infestations, professional extermination is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Keeping your mattress clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about health, hygiene, and peace of mind. With a bit of effort and the right techniques, you can easily remove stains, allergens, and odors from your mattress and enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Regular maintenance, quick response to spills, and occasional deep cleaning are key to keeping your bed fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

Schedule House Cleaning With CMA Cleaning

Deep cleaning a mattress can be time-consuming—why not leave it to the pros?

CMA Cleaning provides expert mattress and home cleaning services across:

La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, Bangor, Rockland, West Salem, La Crescent, Sparta, and Tomah

✅ Powerful stain and odor removal
✅ Safe for kids, pets, and all mattress types
✅ Trusted, friendly, and local professionals

📅 Book your mattress deep clean today with CMA Cleaning—and sleep easier tonight!