How to Clean a Mattress: Remove Stains, Odours & Allergens
A clean mattress makes a real difference to your sleep quality. Most Australians spend around eight hours a night in bed that's roughly a third of your life. Over time, your mattress collects dust, sweat, dead skin cells, and the occasional spill, even when you wash your sheets regularly.
Good news: you don't need expensive products or harsh chemicals to freshen it up. A simple at home routine can tackle stains, remove odours, and extend your mattress's lifespan. If you've cleaned it thoroughly but it still feels flat or musty, that's usually a sign it's time to replace it.
Quick Clean (5-Minute Overview)
- Strip all bedding
- Vacuum the entire surface, sides, and seams
- Blot stains with cold water and mild detergent (minimal moisture)
- Sprinkle bicarb soda across the surface
- Leave for 4–6 hours (or overnight)
- Vacuum again to remove all powder
- Air dry completely before remaking the bed
How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?
Deep clean every six months as a baseline. Between deep cleans, vacuum and air out your mattress every month or two to keep it fresh.
Clean more often if you:
- Have allergies or asthma - dust mites and allergens accumulate quickly
- Share the bed with pets - fur, dander, and accidents happen
- Experience spills or stains - faster action means better results
- Live in humid areas like Queensland or coastal NSW - moisture lingers longer
Pro tip: For allergy sufferers, vacuum slowly around seams and piping. That's where dust mites and debris hide.
What You'll Need
Most mattress cleaning uses basic household items you already own.
Essential supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Bicarb soda (baking soda)
- Clean white or light-coloured cloths
- Spray bottle
- Cold water
- Mild detergent (laundry liquid or dishwashing soap)
Optional (for stubborn issues):
- White vinegar (tackles odours and organic stains)
- Enzyme cleaner (best for urine, vomit, or pet accidents)
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (always spot test first)
- Fan or dehumidifier (speeds drying in humid weather)
Critical warning: Too much water is the biggest cleaning mistake. Mattresses hold moisture deep inside, which can lead to mould and musty odours. Always use minimal liquid and blot never soak.
5 Step to Clean Mattress at Home
Step 1: Strip Your Bed Completely
Remove everything: sheets, pillowcases, doona cover, mattress protector, and toppers. Wash them all according to care labels. Regular washing of your mattress protector stops sweat and odours penetrating the mattress itself.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment on:
- The entire top surface
- All four sides
- Seams, piping, labels, and tufting
Work in slow, overlapping passes. The vacuum needs time to lift dust and fine particles. Short on time? Prioritise seams and edges first.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains (Minimal Moisture)
Check your mattress care label first. Always spot test cleaners on a hidden area.
Basic method:
- Mix cold water with a small amount of mild detergent
- Lightly dampen a cloth (never pour liquid directly on the mattress)
- Blot from the outside edges toward the centre
- Avoid rubbing it pushes stains deeper and damages fabric
For specific stains like urine, blood, or vomit, use the targeted methods below.
Step 4: Deodorise with Bicarb Soda
Sprinkle an even layer of bicarb soda across the entire surface. Leave it for:
- Minimum 4–6 hours for general freshening
- Overnight for stubborn odours
Vacuum slowly until all powder is removed. This absorbs stale smells and light moisture.
Step 5: Dry Completely Before Remaking
Open windows and create airflow. Use a fan or dehumidifier, especially in humid climates.
Never remake the bed while the mattress is damp.
Quick dryness test: Press your palm firmly on the cleaned area for 10 seconds. If it feels cool or damp, give it more time.
Cleaning Different Mattress Types
Different materials need different care. Here's what works best.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam absorbs moisture easily and dries slowly.
Best approach: Vacuum, use bicarb soda, and spot clean very lightly. Avoid steam. Allow extra drying time with strong airflow.
Innerspring and Pocket Spring Mattresses
Spring mattresses handle light spot cleaning, but excess moisture causes problems if trapped inside.
Best approach: Light spot cleaning, bicarb deodorising, and thorough drying before use.
Latex Mattresses
Latex reacts badly to harsh chemicals and heavy moisture.
Best approach: Gentle spot cleaning with mild soap and cold water. Use minimal liquid. Never use bleach or steam cleaners.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrids combine foam layers with spring support underneath.
Best approach: Treat the top like memory foam minimal moisture, extended drying time, plus the standard vacuum and bicarb routine.
How to Remove Common Stains
Fast action gets better results. The longer stains sit, the harder they are to shift.
How to remove Urine Stains and Smell
Urine leaves odours even after the stain fades. Enzyme cleaners work best because they break down odour causing compounds.
Method:
- Blot excess moisture immediately with clean towels (press firmly, don't rub)
- Lightly spray 1:1 white vinegar and cold water mix (don't soak)
- Wait 10–15 minutes, then blot again
- Cover with bicarb soda and leave 8–10 hours (overnight is ideal)
- Vacuum thoroughly
Still smells? Use an enzyme cleaner and follow label instructions. Allow full drying before making the bed.
How to remove Blood Stains or Period Stain
Always use cold water. Hot water sets blood stains permanently.
Method:
- Blot fresh blood with a dry cloth
- Dab with a cloth dampened in cold water (work from outside edges inward)
- If needed, spot test 3% hydrogen peroxide, then apply a small amount
- Let it foam briefly, then blot dry
- Repeat if necessary
- Final blot with cold water, then dry with towels and airflow
How to remove Sweat Stains and Yellowing
Sweat creates yellow marks over time, especially without a mattress protector.
Method:
- Mix bicarb soda + 3% hydrogen peroxide + one drop of dish soap
- Spot test on a hidden area first
- Apply lightly to stain and leave 20–30 minutes
- Blot with a damp cloth to lift residue
- Blot again with a dry towel
- Air dry completely (use a fan if needed)
Prevention tip: A breathable, washable mattress protector prevents sweat stains and makes cleaning much easier.
How to remove Vomit Stains
Act fast. Enzyme cleaners work best, but household methods can help if you're quick.
Method:
- Remove solids carefully and dispose of them
- Blot moisture immediately with clean towels
- Apply enzyme cleaner (preferred) or spray 1:1 vinegar and water mix
- Blot repeatedly until as dry as possible
- Cover with bicarb soda overnight
- Vacuum and air out thoroughly
How to remove Mould and Mildew
Small surface patches might respond to careful cleaning and thorough drying in a well ventilated room. However, if the mattress smells musty after drying or mould returns, it's likely inside the mattress. Replacement is the safest option for your health.
How to Remove Mattress Odours
Even without visible stains, mattresses absorb odours from sweat, body oils, and humidity.
Bicarb Soda Method (Most Effective)
- Dust an even layer over the entire surface
- Leave 4–6 hours or overnight
- Vacuum slowly and thoroughly
Vinegar Mist (Optional for Stubborn Smells)
Vinegar neutralises odours, but use it sparingly. This is a light mist, not a soak.
- Mix 1:1 vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Lightly mist the surface (don't saturate)
- Allow complete drying with good airflow
- Follow with bicarb soda if needed
The vinegar smell fades as it dries. Don't worry if you can still smell it initially.
Common Mattress Cleaning Myths to Avoid
Myth 1: Bleach Disinfects Best
Bleach damages fabric, causes discolouration, and leaves harsh residue on something you sleep on. Stick with mild detergent, bicarb soda, and enzyme cleaners.
Myth 2: More Water = Deeper Clean
More water creates more problems. Mattresses dry slowly, and excess moisture causes odours or mould. Use minimal liquid and blot well.
Myth 3: A Hairdryer Speeds Drying
High heat can damage foam and adhesives, and it's easy to overheat one spot. Airflow works better. Use a fan, open windows, and allow proper time.
Myth 4: Only the Mattress Needs Cleaning
Dust settles on the bed base, slats, and floor underneath. While your mattress is stripped, vacuum the base and floor to reduce allergens.
Myth 5: Cleaning Fixes Sagging
Cleaning improves hygiene, not support. If your mattress sags, dips, or feels lumpy, cleaning won't restore structure. It's probably time to replace it.
When to Replace Your Mattress
Cleaning extends a mattress's life but can't reverse wear and tear. Consider replacement if:
- It's older than 7–10 years (depending on quality and use)
- You regularly wake up sore, stiff, or unrested
- Odours return even after proper cleaning and drying
- Visible sagging or lumps affect comfort and support
- You consistently sleep better elsewhere (hotels, friends' homes)
If you've vacuumed, spot cleaned, deodorised, and dried properly but it still feels off it's time to upgrade. Start with a quality mattress protector from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my mattress?
Deep clean every six months for most households. Clean every 3–4 months if you have allergies, pets, young children, or live in humid areas.
Can I use a regular vacuum on my mattress?
Yes. A standard vacuum with an upholstery attachment works perfectly. Vacuum slowly and focus on seams where dust and debris collect.
Is steam cleaning safe for mattresses?
Steam adds moisture that can get trapped, especially in foam and hybrid mattresses. Vacuum plus bicarb soda plus light spot cleaning is safer and effective for most homes. If you steam clean, keep the surface barely damp and allow several hours of drying with strong airflow.
How long does a mattress take to dry?
With minimal moisture, allow 4–6 hours with good airflow. If you used more liquid, plan for 8–12 hours. Foam and pillow-top mattresses take longer. Don't remake the bed until completely dry.
What's the best way to remove urine smell?
Blot immediately. Treat with 1:1 vinegar and water. Blot again. Cover with bicarb soda overnight and vacuum. Still smells? Use an enzyme cleaner designed for urine and allow full drying.
Do mattress protectors actually help?
Yes. They're the easiest way to prevent sweat stains, spills, and odours from penetrating your mattress. Choose a breathable, washable protector and wash it regularly with your sheets.
When should I replace instead of clean?
If your mattress is old, sagging, uncomfortable, or smells persistently musty even after proper drying, replacement is the better option especially if you wake up sore or sleep better away from home.
How do I remove sweat stains from a mattress?
Light sweat stains can be treated with a mix of mild dish soap and warm water. Dab gently, avoid soaking, then sprinkle bicarb soda once dry to absorb odour before vacuuming.
Can I clean a mattress without baking soda?
Yes. You can vacuum thoroughly and use light spot cleaning with diluted vinegar or mild detergent. Baking soda helps with odours but isn’t essential.
Can I use carpet cleaner or bleach on a mattress?
No. Carpet cleaners and bleach can leave residue, damage materials, and trap moisture. Stick to gentle, low-moisture methods designed for bedding.