How to Clean a Mattress in 5 Easy Steps

Supplies, steps, and tips to get your mattress looking clean and smelling fresh.

By Bree Pulver | March 11, 2025

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We all love the way it feels to climb into bed with a freshly washed set of sheets: clean, cozy, and comfortable. But all of the steps you take to keep your bedding fresh and clean aren’t worth it if the mattress they’re sitting on top of is musty or dirty. That’s why cleaning your mattress seasonally is so important! It’s one of those spots that can easily get overlooked in your spring cleaning checklist, but it’s also one that makes a big impact on the way your bedroom smells and feels. We’re here to make sure you know how to clean your mattress the right way—so you can sleep better and rest easy knowing you’re keeping your bedroom as clean as can be.

When it comes to deep cleaning the bedroom, flipping and rotating the mattress and cleaning its surface are two tasks that should definitely be on your list. Taking care of your bed won’t only ensure that it stays smelling fresh—it can also extend the life of your mattress and keep allergens, dust mites, and other yuck at bay. We called on Julia Rosien, sleep expert at Restonic, to walk us through exactly how to clean your mattress, and steps you can take to keep it feeling fresh. You’ll only need a couple tools: a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and baking soda. (Bonus tip: If you’re dealing with stains, you’ll want to get an enzyme cleaner or dish soap, too, to spot treat.)

How to Clean a Mattress

1. Strip the Mattress and Wash the Bedding

Rosien says washing all of your bedding (that means everything from the mattress protector to the sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and duvet) in hot water is the sure way to make sure you get rid of any dust mites or dirt trapped in those fibers. Consider washing your pillows or comforter as well, if possible. You can double check their tags to be sure they’re washing machine-safe, and follow the care instructions to see if they require other means of cleaning. Once you throw your bed linens in the wash, it’s time to tackle the bare mattress.

2. Vacuum the Bed

Using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, thoroughly vacuum the top and sides of the mattress. Pay extra-special attention to any grooves, bends, or crevices that might have trapped debris.

3. Apply Baking Soda and Let Sit for One Hour

Then, sprinkle baking soda all over the top of the mattress and let that sit for at least one hour. The longer you let it sit, the better the baking soda will work. The baking soda will help break down bacterias, absorb excess moisture, and neutralize normal odors like sweat. However, if you’re dealing with serious odors like urine or vomit, you’ll want to use an enzyme cleaner before you apply the baking soda. Follow the directions on the back of the label, and be sure to let the enzyme dry. If the odor persists, it’s time to call in an expert or replace the mattress entirely.

4. Vacuum Again

After waiting for the baking soda to settle in, you can vacuum it off the mattress. Take your time doing this, to be certain you’ve gotten all the loose baking soda and gone over each spot again (even the spots without visible baking soda dusted on them). It’s important to go over the entire mattress top, as you’ll want to ensure that you’ve picked up any leftover debris or dust mites, too.

5. Flip and Repeat

Now, flip your mattress over to its underside and repeat these steps. Doing this will guarantee that your entire bed smells and feels fresh. After both sides are done, you can put your mattress protector and sheets back on, and enjoy your refreshed bed.

Mattress-Cleaning Q+A

What removes stains from a mattress?

Removing set-in stains on a mattress can feel impossible, but it’s not! You just need the right technique and tools. For dry stains, you can use baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, or even hydrogen peroxide to effectively remove stains from your mattress. You can also use an enzymatic cleaner instead—this is best for biological stains, like blood, sweat, or urine.

How to Remove Stains From a Mattress
First, blot the stain using a clean, dry cloth. Then, lightly apply your solution—Saatva has a great list of home remedies here—and let sit for 10–15 minutes or so. (If you’re using a specialty cleaner, always read the label instructions first!) Then, with another dry cloth, blot any excess solution liquid from the mattress until completely dry. Repeat these steps as needed, and let the mattress air dry without any sheets or protective covers on top.