How to Clean a Mattress

Everything you need to know to keep your mattress fresh, hygienic and lasting longer

Most people spend around a third of their lives in bed, yet the mattress often receives far less attention than the bedding placed on top of it. Over time, a mattress naturally collects sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites and bacteria. Without regular care, these can build up, creating an unhygienic sleeping environment that may contribute to allergies, poor air quality and restless nights.

Keeping a mattress clean not only makes your bed feel fresher but also helps to extend its lifespan. By preventing dirt and moisture from seeping deep into the layers, you reduce the risk of mould, mildew and material breakdown. A well-maintained mattress continues to provide the support and comfort you need, meaning you get more value from your investment.

Ultimately, a clean mattress supports both your health and your sleep quality. With just a little regular care, you can protect against common problems, enjoy a more comfortable night’s rest and keep your mattress in good condition for many years.

Types of Mattress – What’s Different?

Different mattress materials need slightly different care because of how they are constructed, how they breathe, how they absorb moisture, and how they respond to detergents, heat, etc. Below are the main types and what to watch out for.

What You Will Need To Clean Your Mattress (Supplies)

• Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
• Mild liquid detergent (unscented, non-biological) or dish soap
• White vinegar (diluted)
• Hydrogen peroxide (for certain tough stains, but test first)
• Clean white cloths, towels
• Spray bottle (for diluted cleaning solution)
• Optional: enzyme cleaner (for protein stains such as blood, bodily fluids)
• Fan or good airflow, maybe a dehumidifier or sunny spot for drying
• Mattress protector / encasement

A Sussex Beds Care Kit means you wont need any of the above! They have been specifically designed to help you to care for your mattress and base!

Step-by-Step Cleaning: General, Stain, Deep Clean

Below are recommended procedures for routine cleaning, dealing with stains, and deep cleaning. Always check your mattress manufacturer’s care instructions first (sometimes labelled on the mattress or in the documentation).

General / Routine Cleaning

Do this regularly to keep your mattress hygienic and prevent build-up.

1. Strip bedding and wash
   Remove sheets, mattress covers, protectors. Wash them according to their care labels. Ideally weekly for bedding; mattress covers more often if used.
2. Air out
   Whenever possible, let the mattress “breathe”: with windows open, or in sunlight (if the fabric allows). Even letting bedding down in the morning helps moisture escape. Sunlight also helps kill bacteria and dust mites.
3. Rotate / Flip if possible
   For mattresses that are double-sided (both sides are used), flip every 3-6 months. For one-sided mattresses, rotate head ↔ foot to even out wear and prevent sagging.
4. Use protector / encasement
   A waterproof or water-resistant mattress protector helps prevent stains and spills reaching the interior. Encasements fully enclose mattress and help with allergens / dust mites.

Dealing with Stains & Spots

When the “oops” happens, you’ll want to act fast. If you haven’t got a Sussex Beds Care Kit here are some other tips and cleaning methods for any stains!

Deep Cleaning / Refreshing

Every so often (e.g. every 6 months, or yearly for active use) you may want to do a more thorough clean.

Remove bedding, protector. Wash what can be washed.

1. Treat any stains as above.
2. Optionally spray a mild disinfectant (ensuring it’s safe for the mattress type), or use steam carefully (but only if the mattress type allows it—memory foam and latex generally don’t like steam or high heat).
3. Apply baking soda over the full surface; leave for a few hours (4-6 hours if possible or overnight in less humid conditions). Then vacuum.
4. Air it until fully dry before remaking the bed.

Specific Care by Mattress Type: What to Avoid / Be Careful With

How Often Should You Clean and Maintenance Routine

Tips to Preserve Your Mattress Longer

A mattress is a long-term investment, so it’s worth taking simple steps to extend its life. Using a good quality mattress protector is one of the easiest ways to shield against spills, sweat and allergens, and it should be washed regularly to stay effective. 

Equally important is the support underneath: make sure your base or bed frame is in good condition, with slats spaced correctly to allow the mattress to breathe. Day-to-day habits also make a difference, try to avoid eating or drinking in bed to reduce the risk of stains, and keep pets off the mattress unless you use additional protective covers. 

Maintaining the right environment is essential too; ventilate the room, reduce humidity and allow airflow to prevent damp and mildew. Breathable bedding that wicks away moisture can also help, particularly for hot sleepers. 

Finally, treat the mattress carefully when moving it by avoiding folding or compressing foam and latex unless designed for that purpose.

When to Replace a Mattress

Even with the best cleaning routine, every mattress eventually reaches the end of its useful life. Signs that it’s time for a replacement include sagging or dips that no longer recover, persistent odours or mildew that won’t go away, and springs that creak or foam that has lost its bounce. If you find yourself sinking too deeply or struggling to get comfortable, the mattress is no longer providing proper support. Allergies that worsen despite regular cleaning may also indicate a build-up of dust mites or other irritants inside. As a rule of thumb, most mattresses last around seven to ten years, though this varies depending on the quality, type and how well it has been maintained.

Safety and DIY Precautions

Whenever you clean your mattress, it’s important to do so safely. Always read the manufacturer’s care instructions before applying any product or method, and test cleaners such as hydrogen peroxide or enzyme solutions on a small, hidden patch first. Bleach should generally be avoided, as it can damage fabrics, cause discolouration and irritate skin. The biggest risk comes from allowing too much liquid to soak in; excess moisture trapped inside a mattress creates the perfect conditions for mould and mildew, so always blot rather than soak and ensure the surface is dried thoroughly before making the bed again. Heat and sunlight can help with drying, but use caution: materials such as foam, latex and adhesives can degrade if exposed to excessive heat or UV light for long periods.