It's easy to remember to wash sheets and forget the mattress beneath them. Over time, the sleeping surface collects dust, skin debris and the occasional spill. A careful clean can freshen it, but there is one crucial restriction: not every mattress can be cleaned with water, steam or even a vacuum cleaner.
Memory foam, traditional sprung mattresses and beds with removable covers may have different instructions. Some manufacturers specifically prohibit soaking or steam-cleaning the mattress core. Before you reach for an upholstery machine, find out what kind of mattress you own.
Read the mattress label first
Look for the care label, brand and product name. It may be on the side of the mattress or inside a removable cover. The instruction sheet might also be available on the manufacturer's website.
TEMPUR, for example, warns that its foam material should not be washed, sponged, dry-cleaned or steam-cleaned, because moisture can cause permanent damage and affect the guarantee.
If you cannot identify the mattress, use the least invasive approach initially. Don't assume that a general internet cleaning trick suits an expensive specialist foam product.
Gather suitable basic equipment
For a mattress whose maker permits these methods, a vacuum with a clean upholstery attachment, soft cloths, clean bedding and an approved mild spot cleaner are useful.
You may need a mattress protector and access to good ventilation while the bed is uncovered. A few spare towels help if you're dealing with a recent spill.
Avoid harsh bleach, powerful solvents and strongly perfumed products unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. A heavy fragrance can hide a smell without fixing the underlying stain or moisture problem.
Strip the bed completely
Remove pillows, duvet, mattress protector and fitted sheet. Wash each item according to its own label.
Separate delicate or specialist bedding from ordinary sheets where needed. A foam pillow or washable protector cannot necessarily go through the same hot cycle as a cotton pillowcase.
While the bed is bare, inspect the mattress for obvious staining, dampness or damage. Note any areas where the cover has split or a seam has come apart.
Decide whether vacuuming is allowed
For many conventional mattresses, the Sleep Foundation recommends vacuuming the top and sides with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris.
However, TEMPUR's warranty guidance cautions against vacuuming some textile covers because it may damage them. Always use the manufacturer's product-specific instructions when they differ from general advice.
If vacuuming is appropriate, use gentle suction and work slowly across the surface and seams. Don't force a hard crevice nozzle against delicate fabric.
Vacuum without damaging the cover
Use a clean upholstery brush and make overlapping passes over the top of the mattress. Pay attention to accessible seams where dust collects.
If the manufacturer allows it, clean the edges and accessible sides too. Avoid tugging on quilting, decorative stitching or fabric loops with a powerful nozzle.
A vacuum removes loose surface debris, not necessarily every dust mite, allergen or stain. It is maintenance rather than a guarantee that a mattress is fully sanitised.
Deal with a fresh spill immediately
If water or another drink has spilled, blot the surface promptly with clean absorbent towels. Press gently instead of rubbing the liquid across a wider area.
Remove bedding so moisture cannot remain trapped underneath. Check the manufacturer's advice on whether any further spot cleaning is allowed.
For a specialist foam core, soaking can cause serious damage. TEMPUR's product guidance says to avoid wetting the material, so follow its specific instructions rather than applying a general upholstery-shampoo technique.
Spot-clean only where appropriate
On a mattress that permits light spot cleaning, use an approved gentle cleanser applied to a cloth, not poured straight onto the bed.
The Sleep Foundation suggests blotting stains carefully, then using another lightly damp cloth to remove remaining cleaning solution. The important word is lightly: mattresses can be difficult to dry thoroughly.
Test an inconspicuous area first if recommended. Stop if the fabric colour transfers, the finish changes or moisture starts penetrating the mattress core.
What about bodily fluids?
For a small accidental stain, blot promptly and consult the mattress manufacturer's recommended cleaner. Some enzyme products work on certain fabric covers, but they're not automatically compatible with every foam or treatment.
Do not attempt to disinfect a contaminated mattress by saturating it with bleach or soaking the core. Inadequate drying can create additional problems.
If there is extensive contamination, persistent odour or damage deep within the mattress, professional advice or replacement may be safer than repeated home cleaning.
Can baking soda remove odours?
The Sleep Foundation describes applying bicarbonate of soda to some mattresses for a period, then vacuuming it away. That may help with certain surface odours when the material and cleaning instructions permit both methods.
It is not a cure for mould, urine soaked into the core or a mattress that has remained wet for days. A surface powder cannot repair damage hidden deeper in the construction.
If your mattress manufacturer advises against vacuuming or powders, follow that instruction. Do not sprinkle baking soda all over a specialist foam cover and discover you cannot safely remove it.
Should you use a steam cleaner?
Not without checking the specific product. Heat and moisture can damage foams, adhesives, quilted layers and some covers.
TEMPUR explicitly states that its material should not be steam-cleaned. Other manufacturers may have different rules, but a claim that steam cleaning is suitable for all mattresses is incorrect.
Even where a machine is permitted, complete drying is crucial. A mattress that feels dry on the surface may retain dampness deeper inside.
Dry the mattress completely
Leave the bed uncovered until any approved spot-cleaning moisture has dried. Open a window or improve ventilation when conditions allow.
Do not put a waterproof protector and fitted sheet over a damp surface. Trapping moisture can worsen odours and contribute to mould growth.
Avoid aiming a powerful heater or hairdryer at the foam. Excessive heat may damage materials. Follow the manufacturer's drying guidance instead.
Wash removable covers carefully
Some mattresses have removable washable covers. Others have covers that can be taken off only for airing, and some have non-washable layers beneath.
TEMPUR states that care instructions vary by cover and model, with the stitched-in label taking priority. Certain covers should not be tumble-dried or washed at all.
Never unzip an unfamiliar mattress just to see what's inside. Some mattresses may contain materials or protective barriers that should not be disturbed; follow the maker's advice.
Check whether the mattress can be turned
Older two-sided mattresses may be designed to be flipped. Many modern mattresses are not. Some require rotation from head to foot instead.
The Sleep Foundation advises checking manufacturer instructions for turning and rotation. Don't flip a one-sided foam mattress and sleep on its unsupported base.
If the mattress is very heavy, ask for help. Straining your back to turn a king-size mattress is not a worthwhile part of household cleaning.
Prevent the next stain
A correctly sized washable mattress protector is usually easier to maintain than the mattress itself. Choose one suited to the bed's construction and any airflow requirements.
Wash bedding regularly, deal with spills immediately and allow the bed to air where appropriate. A clean, ventilated bed base also helps moisture dissipate.
Keep drinks away from the bed when possible. Prevention is particularly useful for expensive foam products where wet cleaning options are limited.
When cleaning isn't enough
If the mattress has visible widespread mould, persistent dampness, severe contamination or a strong odour coming from within, cleaning its surface may not solve the problem.
Check whether the bed base is allowing moisture to escape and whether the room has a condensation problem. Repeatedly treating the top won't correct an ongoing damp environment.
Consider specialist guidance or replacement where the mattress has become unsuitable for use.
The right cleaning method is the one your specific mattress can tolerate. For many beds, careful surface cleaning and a washable protector are enough. For some foam beds, keeping moisture away is the most important part of care.