6 Steps To A Clean & Healthy Mattress: Deep Cleaning Guide Made Easy
Reclaim your restful sanctuary with this simple 6-step deep cleaning guide that will leave your mattress clean, healthy, and ready for blissful dreams.
From January through March, I deep-clean my home. One of the most important items that need special attention is your mattress. Do you know that dust mites can enter the mattress’s fibers, causing stains and unpleasant odors? It sounds disgusting, doesn’t it?
We spend time washing out bed linens. However, when was the last time you gave the mattresses in your home a good cleaning?
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6 Steps To A Clean & Healthy Mattress: Deep Cleaning Guide Made Easy
How often do you need to clean your mattress?
You should clean it once a year to keep your mattress free of dust, pet hair, and other debris.
Bonus Tip: To prevent future dust and allergen buildup, consider investing in a good quality mattress protector. This will act as a barrier, keeping your mattress clean and fresh for longer.
Let’s grab some cleaning supplies and get ready to reclaim your restful haven!
DEEP CLEANING GUIDE SUPPLIES
- Vacuum
- Baking soda
- Gentle dish soap (To avoid harsh dishwashing soaps, look for brands that are labeled as “gentle” or “mild,” such as Mrs. Meyers, for example)
- Clean New Sponge
- Bucket
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Empty Clean spray bottle
Click on any of the photos below to show you where to purchase them.
STEP 1: STRIP THE BED

The first step to a fresh start is a clean slate. Remove all bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress protectors. Toss them in the washing machine for a hot water cycle with your favorite laundry detergent. This will eliminate dust mites, dead skin cells, and any lingering odors trapped in the fabric.
STEP 2: VACUUM
Now, it’s time to tackle the surface dust. Grab your trusty vacuum cleaner and equip it with the upholstery attachment.



Vacuum every inch of the mattress surface, paying special attention to seams and crevices where dust bunnies love to hide. Don’t forget the sides and bottom! The first photo shows how dust and debris can get trapped in the mattress even in the cleanest homes.
Bonus Tip: For stubborn dust, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum again. The baking soda will loosen and absorb any lingering dust particles.
STEP 3: NEUTRALIZE & DEODORIZE
Our next cleaning tool for a clean mattress is the mighty baking soda. This natural wonder acts as a deodorizer and neutralizer, absorbing unpleasant smells and leaving your mattress smelling fresh.



Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface, ensuring even coverage. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour, allowing it to work its magic.
STEP 4: RE-VACUUM

Once the baking soda has had its time to shine, it’s time to send it packing. Re-vacuum your mattress thoroughly to remove any baking soda residue. Your mattress should now smell fresh and clean!
STEP 5: WASH IT DOWN!
With a new, clean sponge, dampen it in a bucket of warm water with gentle dish soap. You do not want the sponge soaking wet; it should be damp.

Wipe down your mattress thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely before putting the mattress cover and sheets back on the bed.
Deep Cleaning Guide Bonus Tip: Remove Unwanted Stains
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to reduce most stains, including urine and odors. Spray the stained area with undiluted hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for five to ten minutes, and then blot dry to remove extra moisture. Let it fully dry before you put the mattress cover and sheets back on the bed.
If the stain is bad, try combining one cup of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a drop or two of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the surface of the stain. After 10 minutes, blot into the areas of the mattress that are most saturated and allow the entire mattress to dry thoroughly.
I keep hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in my laundry room. They’re also good for various clothes stains.
STEP 6: INVEST IN A MATTRESS COVER

Remember, a waterproof mattress cover can help protect the mattress from unwanted stains. Sometimes accidents do happen, such as spilling coffee in bed, night sweats, and children’s nighttime accidents, which are bound to happen but are harder to eliminate. Do not use bleach products on mattresses.
What are the benefits of a mattress cover? It can prevent dirt and moisture from staining and degrading your mattress. Another benefit is a mattress cover will extend the lifespan of your mattress.

In summary, a good mattress cover will protect your investment. Mattresses are not cheap, so it is best to protect them so that you can enjoy them for many years.
FLIP & REPEAT (Optional)
Flip your mattress over and repeat steps 3-5 on the other side for a deeper clean. This is especially helpful if you only regularly sleep on one side of the mattress.
ENJOY YOUR CLEAN MATTRESS!
With these six easy steps in this deep cleaning guide, you can transform your mattress into a clean and healthy haven to sleep. Remember, a clean and healthy mattress is an investment in your well-being, promotes better sleep, and helps to improve allergies, for a more hygienic sleep environment.
As we move into spring, a deep clean will remove dust, allergens, and mold that can build up over winter. Studies have shown that a clean home can lead to feelings of happiness and well-being.
There is something about a clean space to make you feel better. Even if you don’t do a full-blown spring cleaning, trying to do regular cleaning routines can bring about health benefits.
Make it a wonderful day, sweet friend!





Such good tips! I’m in Spring cleaning mode this week!!
Thank you, my friend! I love a good clean house. Spring cleaning makes everything so fresh.
I’m so glad you shared this post and all these helpful tips, Tammy! I just did this to our mattresses last week but wasn’t 100% sure I was doing it right or a good enough job so I’m excited to see that I was on the right track. Especially, since I was using a new vacuum cleaner. It takes a while to do all the steps but it’s totally worth it! Hugs and happy almost spring, CoCo
So glad to hear, CoCo. I thought it would be an interesting post for my friend and family. I was cleaning them in my house and thought it would be good to capture the process. Those mattress covers are worth every penny. I just replaced mine after many years of wash and good use. It really does protect from stains, spills, etc. People think a water-proof cover is crunchy but it is not the case at all.