How do you deep clean a mattress?

Strip all bedding, vacuum the entire surface with an upholstery attachment, spot-treat stains with a paste of 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide + 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp baking soda, sprinkle baking soda over the whole mattress, let it sit 2–4 hours (or overnight), then vacuum it up. Air-dry completely before remaking the bed. The full process takes about 90 minutes of active work.

What is the best thing to clean a mattress with?

Baking soda is the single most effective product. It deodorizes, absorbs moisture, and lifts surface dirt with no risk of damaging foam. For stains, 3% hydrogen peroxide combined with dish soap handles blood, sweat, and most organic stains. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and steam cleaners — they damage foam and can void your warranty.

How often should you clean your mattress?

Vacuum and rotate monthly. Deep clean with baking soda quarterly. Do a full 6-step deep clean (including stain inspection and protector wash) annually. Spot-treat stains immediately — the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove. Wash sheets weekly in hot water (130°F+) to kill dust mites.

Does baking soda really clean a mattress?

Yes. Baking soda is mildly alkaline, which neutralizes acidic odors (sweat, urine, body oils) at a chemical level rather than masking them. It also draws out trapped moisture and lifts surface debris that vacuuming alone misses. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes — 2 to 4 hours is better, overnight is best — then vacuum thoroughly.

How do you get yellow stains out of a mattress?

Yellow stains are usually sweat or body oils. Make a paste from 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide + 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp baking soda. Apply directly to the stain, let sit 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Blot clean with a damp cloth. For old or set-in yellowing, repeat the process two or three times.

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

Expert guide to cleaning your mattress: remove stains, eliminate odors, kill dust mites.

This guide on how to clean a mattress synthesizes peer-reviewed sleep research, our 8+ years of in-lab testing, and the questions readers email us most. It's structured so you can act on the recommendations the same week you read them.

What you'll find on this page about how to clean a mattress: lab-measured scores, hands-on testing notes, our recommended buyer profile, current pricing intelligence, and a clear verdict from the Sleep Sage editorial team. Page last reviewed August 2026.

Expert guide to cleaning your mattress: remove stains, eliminate odors, kill dust mites.