How to Clean a Mattress and Remove Stains and Smells
Step-by-step mattress cleaning for UK homes: vacuuming, stain removal, odour control, drying and how often to rotate, flip and replace.
A mattress soaks up sweat, skin cells, dust and the occasional spill over years of use. You cannot wash it, but you can freshen it with the right method and a little patience. The key rule is to use as little liquid as possible and make sure everything dries completely.
What you need
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
- Bicarbonate of soda.
- Clean white cloths.
- A spray bottle with cold water.
- Mild detergent or washing-up liquid.
- White vinegar, for some stains.
- A hairdryer or fan, optional.
Step 1: Strip and wash bedding
Remove all bedding, mattress protector and pillow covers and wash them as labels allow, usually at 60 degrees for sheets and protectors if they can stand it, to help with dust mites. Let the bare mattress air while you work.
Step 2: Vacuum thoroughly
Use the upholstery attachment and go over the top, sides and seams, which trap dust. Use firm, slow strokes. If you have a mattress with a deep tufted surface, work around the buttons.
Step 3: Treat stains
Always blot, never rub, and use cold water for blood, sweat or urine.
- Blood: dab with cold water and a cloth. For marks, use a small amount of mild detergent in cold water.
- Urine: blot well, apply a mix of equal parts white vinegar and cold water lightly, blot, then cover with bicarbonate of soda. An enzyme cleaner is often more effective for odour.
- Sweat and general marks: dab with a mild detergent and cold water solution.
- Food and drink: blot, then treat with detergent solution.
Keep moisture to a minimum. A saturated mattress can take a long time to dry and may develop mould.
Step 4: Deodorise
Sprinkle a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda over the entire surface. Leave for at least a few hours, or ideally eight, with windows open. Vacuum it up thoroughly. This absorbs odours and light moisture. For a fresh scent, a few drops of essential oil can be mixed into the bicarbonate of soda, but test it first as some people are sensitive.
Step 5: Dry properly
Open windows, use a fan or take the mattress into sunlight if possible, because UV helps freshen it. Never put a damp mattress back on the bed. Allow it to dry completely before remaking the bed, which may take several hours.
Step 6: Protect and maintain
- Use a mattress protector. A washable one is the best defence against spills and sweat.
- Rotate regularly. Turn it head to foot every few months, and flip if the manufacturer says it is two-sided.
- Vacuum monthly and air it when changing sheets.
- Wash bedding weekly or fortnightly.
- Avoid eating in bed, which causes crumbs and spills.
When to replace
Mattresses typically last around eight to ten years, though this varies with quality and use. If it sags, causes aches, has persistent odours, visible mould or you are waking up congested, it may be time to replace it. For allergy concerns, see cleaning for allergy sufferers.
Professional cleaning
Specialist cleaners use hot water extraction or steam equipment to deep clean mattresses and upholstery. It can be worthwhile after illness, pet accidents or before a move. On Compito, you can search by postcode and compare ID-verified local providers for mattress or upholstery cleaning, and message them before you accept an offer. See also deep cleaning checklist.
Which method suits which mattress
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pocket sprung | Tolerates light surface cleaning; keep moisture away from the fabric edges |
| Memory foam | Very slow to dry; use minimal liquid and avoid soaking |
| Latex | Sensitive to heat and some products; follow the label |
| Natural fibre (wool, cotton, horsehair) | Spot clean only, and air well |
| Hybrid or topper | Clean each layer to its own instructions |
Common mistakes
- Soaking the stain. More water spreads it and takes days to dry.
- Using hot water on blood or urine. Heat sets protein stains.
- Putting a damp mattress back on the base. This invites mould underneath, particularly on solid bases.
- Using strong chemical cleaners. They can damage fabric and foam and may irritate skin.
- Forgetting the base. Fabric bases and slats collect dust and need vacuuming too.
Timing the job
Pick a dry, breezy day and start in the morning, so the mattress has hours to dry before evening. In winter, use a fan or dehumidifier in a heated room, and do not use direct heat such as radiators pressed against the mattress. If you cannot give it a full day, deal with only the stained area and leave bicarbonate of soda on overnight.
Flats, children and pets
In small flats with limited space, stand the mattress against a wall on towels. For children, use a waterproof protector and keep a spare set of bedding to make night-time accidents manageable. For pets on the bed, vacuum often and wash covers hot. If a mattress has been soaked by a leak or flood, or has visible mould across a large area, replacing it is usually the safer choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I steam clean a mattress?
Some manufacturers allow it, others do not. Check the label, and keep moisture low. Memory foam in particular is slow to dry.
How often should I clean my mattress?
Vacuum monthly or every few months, and spot clean as needed. A deeper clean once or twice a year is common.
Is bicarbonate of soda safe on mattresses?
Generally yes, when vacuumed up fully. Avoid wetting it, since it clumps when damp.
Can I use a carpet cleaning machine on a mattress?
Only if the mattress manufacturer allows it, and with very little water. Many mattresses, especially foam, can be damaged or stay damp inside. Check the care label first.