How to Clean a Mattress?

You can't throw a mattress in the wash, so cleaning it is about vacuuming, spot-treating stains, and deodorizing with baking soda. Aim to do this every few months.

What you need:

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap or an enzyme cleaner
• Clean cloths
• Cold water

Step-by-step:

1. Strip the bed and wash all sheets and mattress protectors in hot water.
2. Vacuum the whole surface, including the sides and seams, to remove dust, dead skin, and debris.
3. Spot-clean stains. Blot (don't rub) with a cloth dampened in a little dish soap and cold water. For sweat, blood, or urine, an enzyme cleaner works best — and use cold water, since heat can set protein stains.
4. Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress and let it sit for at least a few hours (overnight is better) to absorb moisture and odors.
5. Vacuum again to remove all the baking soda.
6. Let it air out and dry fully before putting bedding back — never make the bed while the mattress is still damp, as trapped moisture invites mold.

Prevention: Use a washable mattress protector, rotate the mattress every few months, and let it breathe when you change the sheets.