A mattress is one of the surfaces people spend the most time on, yet it's rarely cleaned. Over time, mattresses accumulate sweat, body oils, skin cells, and dust mites — a colony of which can number in the millions on an uncleaned mattress. Regular cleaning extends the mattress's life, improves sleep hygiene, and reduces allergens in the bedroom.
How Often to Clean a Mattress
- Vacuum and deodorize: every 3–6 months (or when rotating the mattress)
- Spot clean stains: as soon as they occur — fresh stains are significantly easier to remove than set ones
- Mattress protector wash: every 1–2 months
Step 1: Strip and Wash All Bedding
Remove all bedding — sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover — and wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows. This kills dust mites in the bedding itself.
Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress
Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress surface — top, sides, and edges. Use the crevice tool along the seams and buttons. This removes surface debris, dead skin cells, and loose dust mite matter before you apply any cleaning product.
Step 3: Deodorize with Baking Soda
- Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire top surface of the mattress
- For enhanced deodorizing: mix a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling (optional)
- Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes — several hours is better, overnight is best
- Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly
Baking soda absorbs odours and moisture from the mattress surface. This step alone makes a noticeable difference in how fresh the mattress smells.
Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
Different stains require different approaches — and the key rule for all of them is never saturate the mattress. Excess moisture penetrates the foam or springs, can't dry properly, and leads to mould inside the mattress.
General stains: Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide (3%). Apply sparingly to a cloth and blot the stain — don't rub and don't apply liquid directly to the mattress. Follow with a damp cloth (water only), then blot dry with a clean dry cloth. Use a fan to speed drying.
Urine stains (fresh): Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately. Apply an enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle or similar) sparingly with a cloth. Allow to work for 15 minutes, then blot dry. The enzyme cleaner breaks down the organic material that causes the smell.
Urine stains (old/dried): Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a drop of dish soap into a paste. Apply to the stain, let dry completely, then vacuum off. May require multiple treatments.
Blood stains: Use cold water only — never hot, which sets protein stains. Apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a cloth and blot the stain. Rinse with cold water on a damp cloth and blot dry.
Step 5: Air Out and Dry
Allow the mattress to dry completely with good ventilation before replacing bedding. If you cleaned stains, place a fan nearby. Never put bedding on a damp mattress.
Mattress Protector
A waterproof mattress protector is the most effective long-term strategy for mattress hygiene. It prevents sweat, spills, and biological material from reaching the mattress, and can be washed regularly unlike the mattress itself. Quality mattress protectors don't feel crinkly or uncomfortable — modern versions are soft fabric on top with a waterproof barrier underneath.
Maidless's regular cleaning covers bedroom surfaces including vacuuming when accessible. Book a Toronto house cleaning — HST included.