How to Clean a Mattress at Home: Tips for a Fresher, Healthier Bed

We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, yet many of us overlook one crucial element of sleep hygiene: the mattress itself. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin, sweat, and the occasional spill—all of which can affect not only cleanliness but also your health and sleep quality. Whether you're trying to banish a mysterious stain, freshen up after a humid summer, or simply extend your mattress's lifespan, a proper cleaning routine can make a noticeable difference.

But here’s the truth—there comes a point when cleaning just doesn’t cut it anymore. Stubborn odours, sagging foam, or ongoing allergy flare-ups could mean it’s time to start fresh. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to clean your mattress safely at home, share expert tips to avoid common mistakes, and help you recognise the signs it’s time to upgrade. And if that time has come? You’ll find everything you need online at Levede for a healthier, more comfortable night’s sleep.

How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?

While most people regularly wash their sheets and change their pillowcases, the mattress underneath is often forgotten. But just like any other surface in your home, mattresses collect dust, sweat, skin cells, and allergens over time. A good rule of thumb? Give your mattress a full clean every six months—even if it looks fine on the surface.

However, there are some situations where more frequent cleaning is a smart move:

• Allergies or asthma: Dust mites and microscopic debris can build up, triggering symptoms.

• Pets on the bed: Fur, dander, and the occasional accident call for regular spot cleaning.

• Spills or stains: The sooner you act, the better the chance of removing them fully.

• Humid climates: Mould and odours are more likely to develop in warm, damp environments.

Even with a mattress protector in place, routine maintenance keeps your bed fresher, longer. And as we’ll explore below, deep cleaning doesn’t require expensive equipment or harsh chemicals.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Mattress at Home

You don’t need fancy tools or harsh chemicals to give your mattress a proper refresh. Just a few household basics, a bit of time, and some gentle care can lift stains, reduce odours, and improve the overall sleep environment.

1. Strip the Bed and Vacuum Thoroughly

Remove all bedding, including protectors and toppers. Using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment, clean the entire surface of the mattress—top, sides, and even underneath if accessible. Pay special attention to seams, where dust and debris often collect.

2. Spot Clean Any Stains

Tackle visible marks using a solution of mild detergent and cold water. Dampen (don’t soak) a clean cloth and blot the stain gently—never rub, as that can drive it deeper into the material. For organic stains like sweat or urine, white vinegar followed by baking soda can be particularly effective.

3. Deodorise with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the mattress surface and leave it for at least 4–6 hours (overnight is even better). This helps absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Afterwards, vacuum thoroughly to remove all residue.

4. Optional: Steam or UV Clean

If you have access to a handheld steam cleaner or UV sanitising wand, they can help eliminate bacteria and dust mites. Just be cautious with steam—over-wetting a mattress can lead to mould.

5. Let It Air Out

Before remaking the bed, ensure the mattress is fully dry. Open windows and allow air to circulate, especially if you’ve spot-cleaned or steamed. This helps prevent trapped moisture and musty smells.

With just a few simple steps, your mattress can feel fresher, smell better, and even extend its usable life. But sometimes, no amount of baking soda can fix what's gone flat or saggy…

Mattress Cleaning Myths to Avoid

In the quest for a cleaner mattress, it’s easy to fall for quick-fix tips circulating online. But some of these so-called “hacks” can actually do more harm than good. Here are the most common mattress cleaning mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Using Bleach or Harsh Chemicals

Bleach can break down mattress fibres and leave behind a strong, lingering odour. It may also discolour your fabric cover. Stick to mild detergents and natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda.

2. Over-Saturating the Mattress

Water and mattresses don’t mix well. Soaking your mattress can lead to mould growth, especially deep in the core where it’s hard to dry properly. Always use minimal moisture and blot, never soak.

3. Using a Hairdryer or Heater to Dry It

Blasting your mattress with heat may warp the internal structure—particularly if it has memory foam or gel layers. Air-drying in a well-ventilated room is safer and more effective.

4. Forgetting to Clean the Base or Bed Frame

Dust, allergens, and mites can collect on the frame, slats, or under-bed area too. While cleaning the mattress, give the base a quick vacuum and wipe-down for a complete refresh.

5. Assuming Cleaning Solves Everything

A clean mattress is great—but if your bed is sagging, lumpy, or over a decade old, cleanliness won’t restore support or comfort. That’s when it’s time to consider an upgrade.

When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

While regular cleaning can keep your mattress fresh and extend its life, there’s only so much it can do. Over time, even the most well-maintained mattress will start to lose its structure, support, and hygiene. Here are the clearest signs it might be time to stop cleaning — and start shopping:

1. It’s Older Than 7–10 Years

Most mattresses have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Even high-quality models start to break down with daily use, especially if you notice dips or uneven areas.

2. You’re Waking Up Sore or Tired

If you wake up feeling achy, stiff, or unrested — and it's not just a one-off — your mattress might not be supporting you properly anymore.

3. Persistent Odours or Allergies

Can’t get rid of that musty smell, even after deodorising? If deep odours linger or allergies flare up at night, your mattress might be harbouring mould, mildew, or mites deep within its layers.

4. Noticeable Sagging or Lumps

A mattress that dips in the middle or has visible lumps won’t provide the even support your body needs — particularly for your spine, hips, and shoulders.

5. You Sleep Better Somewhere Else

If you consistently sleep better in a hotel, at a friend’s house, or even on the couch, that’s a red flag. A good mattress should feel inviting and restorative every night.

Upgrade to a Fresh, Supportive Sleep

If you’ve vacuumed, scrubbed, aired out, and deodorised — but your mattress still feels flat, funky, or just not quite right — it might be time to retire it. Cleaning can buy you time, but it can’t restore proper support or undo years of wear and tear.

At Levede, we make upgrading your sleep simple. Our carefully curated mattress collection features a range of Australian-standard sizes, from Single to Super King — all designed for comfort, durability, and easy delivery. Whether you’re after breathable bamboo fabric, pillow-top luxury, or zoned pocket spring support, we’ve got a mattress to suit your needs and your room.

Plus, with our vacuum-packed packaging, your new mattress arrives compact and easy to handle — no stairwell wrestling required. Just roll it out, let it expand, and enjoy a fresher, more restorative sleep from the very first night.