How to Deep/Spot Clean a Mattress at Home in 6 Simple Steps?

APR 29, 2025

965 views , 6 mins read

Did you know we spend about one-third of our lives on a mattress? But when was the last time you cleaned yours? Spilled coffee during a lazy Sunday? A midnight snack mishap? Kids’ accidents? Pet messes? Life happens—and that’s why regular mattress cleaning is important!

This guide will tell you how to clean a mattress and delivers the most effective methods for tackling stubborn stains—from coffee, urine, vomit, and blood, to mold—plus daily maintenance tips to keep your mattress fresh and extend its lifespan. Let’s dive in!

In this article

1. [General Clean] How To Deep Clean a Mattress at Home? 2. How To Spot-Clean Stains, Urine, Pee, Vomit and Mold Out Of a Mattress?

3. FAQs About Mattress, Mattress Protector, Mattress Cover Cleaning

[General Clean] How To Deep Clean a Mattress at Home?

To keep your mattress clean and hygienic, we recommend regularly cleaning and maintaining your mattress 2-3 times a year. Please try to clean it on a sunny day, as exposing it to sunlight for an afternoon can effectively use ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria and mold. Many people want to know "how to clean a mattress with baking soda", the following is a detailed tutorial:

Step 1. Wash Bedding

Remove all bedding, including sheets, mattress protectors, and pillowcases, and wash these items in hot water (or simply toss them into the washing machine). It's best to add a capful of household laundry disinfectant during washing, which can effectively sterilize and disinfect.

Step 2. Vacuum the Mattress Surface

Attach the indoor cleaning attachment to your vacuum cleaner and switch to the appropriate cleaning mode. Pay special attention to the sides and seams, as dust and debris tend to accumulate there. If your bed is placed on a base, you can tilt it to one side and focus on cleaning there, which helps to remove dust mites from the corners.

Step 3. Spot Cleaning (If Needed)

If there are any specific stains, treat them with appropriate cleaners (see below for cleaning specific stains). For any cleaner, always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area of the mattress first.

Step 4. Deodorize the Mattress

You can move the mattress to a place with direct sunlight first (not required, but ultraviolet rays can help kill bacteria and mold and dry the mattress). Then, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, for deeper deodorization. Baking soda helps to absorb odors and moisture.

Step 5. Vacuum the Mattress Surface Again

Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining baking soda.

Step 6. Air and Dry Completely

Continue to leave the mattress in a place where it can receive direct sunlight until sunset. After the mattress is completely dry, put on a clean, waterproof mattress protector and move it back indoors.

Tips

Regularly flip or rotate your mattress (every 3-6 months) to ensure even wear.
Vacuum your mattress monthly to prevent dust buildup.
Consider using a waterproof mattress protector to prevent liquids, bed bugs, and allergens.
Keep pets off your bed.

How To Spot-Clean Stains, Urine, Pee, Vomit and Mold Out Of a Mattress?

These liquid stains requires extra attention. If they are not treated promptly, they become increasingly difficult to clean and emit unpleasant odors. Now, let's return to Step 3, spot cleaning, and proceed from there.

Tips

Keep the mattress as dry as possible, especially foam mattresses. Spray or dab a small amount of cleaner directly onto the stain, then immediately and gently blot the mattress. Do not force the cleaner into the mattress material, and do not allow moisture to linger. For foam mattresses, we recommend using a waterproof mattress cover after cleaning and drying.
Always blot, do not rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage the mattress fibers, and work from the outside of the stain inward.
Use cold water, as hot water can set some stains.
Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area of the mattress before use.
After spot cleaning, if possible, place the mattress in direct sunlight or use a hair dryer to dry the spot-cleaned area to prevent mold growth.
Use a fan to circulate air around the mattress.

1. How to Clean Urine/Pee?

Step 1. Blot up as much urine as possible with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2. Mix a solution of cold water and white vinegar (equal parts).
Step 3. Sponge the stain with the solution.
Step 4. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area and let it sit for several hours.
Step 5. Vacuum the baking soda.
Step 6. For older stains, use an enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine, as these break down the uric acid.

2. How to Clean Vomit?

Step 1. Remove any solid pieces of vomit and blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2. Mix a solution of cold water and mild dish soap.
Step 3. Sponge the stain with the solution.
Step 4. Sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum.
Step 5. If odor persists, use an enzyme cleaner.

3. How to Clean a Mattress with Mold

Step 1. Vacuum the affected area with a HEPA filter vacuum to remove loose mold spores.
Step 2. Mix a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.
Step 3. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the moldy area.
Step 4. Allow the mattress to air dry completely in sunlight if possible.
Step 5. For heavy mold infestations, consider consulting a professional mattress cleaner.

4. How to Clean Blood？

Step 1. Blot up as much blood as possible with a cold, damp cloth.
Step 2. Mix a solution of cold water and hydrogen peroxide (3%).
Step 3. Sponge the stain with the solution.
Step 4. Blot with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 5. Repeat as necessary.

5. Other Stains:

For many stains, a mixture of mild dish soap and cold water will work well.
For tougher stains, consider using a commercial stain remover designed for upholstery.

FAQs About Mattress, Mattress Protector, Mattress Cover Cleaning

Can you put a mattress on the floor?

For guests or during a move, placing a mattress on the floor can indeed be a good option. This approach may be suitable for small rooms or minimalist living. However, it can lead to a lack of airflow beneath the mattress, fostering mold growth, especially in humid environments.

This significantly shortens the mattress's lifespan. If you choose to place your mattress on the floor, please regularly lift the mattress to ventilate and inspect the underside for signs of mold, particularly as innerspring mattresses are more prone to mold growth on the floor than foam mattresses.

How to clean a mattress protector, mattress cover and mattress topper?

For Mattress Protector: Machine wash, cold water, gentle cycle, avoid bleach, tumble dry low or air dry.
For Mattress Cover: Machine wash, cold water, gentle cycle, close zippers, tumble dry low or air dry.
For Mattress Topper : Check label: foam/memory foam spot clean, feather/wool some machine wash or professional clean, air dry essential.
General Cleaning: Use a protector, vacuum regularly.

How long will it be before I can use my bed again after mattress cleaning?

How long it takes to dry your mattress after cleaning depends on several factors. To speed up drying, make sure there is good ventilation and use a fan or air conditioning. Leaving it out in the sun, if it is sunny, will also help it dry quickly. For a simple surface-level extraction clean, the mattress should be ready for use in about two hours.

However, please note that double-sided mattresses or heavily soiled mattresses may take longer. For even drying, double-sided mattresses are best laid on their side and rotated regularly. Typically, if ventilation conditions are good, your mattress will only need to be aired overnight before it can be used again. However, if conditions are less than ideal, it may take longer.

How to speed up mattress drying after cleaning?

Open windows and use fans to circulate air. If possible, expose the mattress to direct sunlight. Maybe you can use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

How to get the sweat smell out of the mattress?

To remove sweat smells from your mattress, you need to thoroughly clean all bedding first, then vacuum the mattress thoroughly, and finally sprinkle an appropriate amount of baking soda, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it clean. For natural deodorization, you can air out the mattress in sunlight or under a fan. A vinegar and water mist can neutralize odors, or use an enzyme cleaner to remove stubborn odors. However, be sure to test the cleaner first and ensure the mattress is completely dry to prevent mold.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and maintaining your mattress is crucial, but it is also essential to regularly replace your old dirty mattress. Research suggests that a mattress's lifespan is 3-5 years with regular cleaning, while a mattress that is not cleaned frequently may have its lifespan shortened by half. Additionally, having an easy-to-clean, comfortable, and breathable mattress can make your life much easier.

The Newentor Hybrid Mattress offers better breathability than standard mattresses, with breathable materials and springs that optimize airflow throughout the layers. It effectively reduces body pressure by 98.8%, providing an unparalleled sleep experience.

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