How to Deep Clean a Mattress
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsYour mattress collects sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites every night. Here's how to deep clean it properly—without soaking or damaging it.
Why You Need to Clean Your Mattress
You spend about 8 hours a night on your mattress—that's roughly 3,000 hours per year. During that time, your body sheds skin cells, releases sweat, and transfers oils. The result? A mattress that's dirtier than you'd like to think.
Here's what accumulates in an average mattress:
- Dust mites: The average mattress contains 100,000 to 10 million dust mites. They feed on dead skin cells and their droppings are a major allergen trigger.
- Sweat: You lose about half a pint of moisture every night through perspiration.
- Dead skin cells: Humans shed 1.5 grams of skin daily—and much of that happens in bed.
- Body oils, allergens, and bacteria: These accumulate over time, creating odors and potential health concerns.
In humid climates like Long Island's coastal areas, mattresses are especially prone to moisture absorption and dust mite proliferation. The combination of summer humidity and year-round indoor heating creates ideal conditions for allergen buildup.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process
Strip the Bed Completely
Remove all bedding: sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, pillows, and any mattress toppers. Wash everything in the hottest water the fabric allows. Pro tip: Wash bedding at 130°F (54°C) or higher to kill dust mites. If your fabrics can't handle hot water, use the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Vacuum the Entire Mattress
Using your vacuum's upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. Pay special attention to seams and piping (where dust mites concentrate), crevices and indentations, both sides of the mattress, and the edges and handles. Use overlapping strokes and don't rush—this removes the loose debris that baking soda alone can't address.
Spot Treat Any Stains
Before the full deodorizing treatment, address any visible stains. See the stain removal guide below for specific solutions based on stain type. The key rule: blot, don't rub. Rubbing spreads stains and pushes them deeper into the mattress fibers.
Apply Baking Soda Generously
Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Don't be shy—use the whole box for a queen or king mattress. The baking soda absorbs moisture and body oils, neutralizes odors at the source, and helps break down stains. For extra freshness, mix 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil into the baking soda before applying.
Wait (the Hard Part)
Let the baking soda sit for at least 1 hour—but longer is better. Ideally, leave it for 8 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more moisture and odor it absorbs. Open windows or run a fan if possible. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps the drying process.
Vacuum Thoroughly (Again)
Vacuum up all the baking soda using slow, overlapping passes. Make sure to get every bit—leftover baking soda can feel gritty and attract moisture. If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, this is the ideal time to use it. Standard vacuums can recirculate dust and allergens back into the air.
Flip or Rotate
If your mattress is double-sided, flip it and repeat the process on the other side. For single-sided mattresses, rotate 180° so the head becomes the foot. This evens out wear and helps the mattress last longer.
How to Remove Common Mattress Stains
Different stains require different treatments. Here's how to tackle the most common culprits:
| Stain Type | Solution | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Urine (fresh) | Enzyme cleaner | Blot excess, spray enzyme cleaner, let sit 15 min, blot dry. Repeat if needed. |
| Urine (dried) | Vinegar + enzyme | Spray with 50/50 vinegar-water, blot. Then apply enzyme cleaner. May need multiple treatments. |
| Blood (fresh) | Cold water only | Blot with cold water immediately. Never use hot water—it sets protein stains permanently. |
| Blood (dried) | Hydrogen peroxide | Dab 3% hydrogen peroxide, let bubble, blot. Repeat until stain lifts. |
| Sweat/yellowing | Peroxide + soap + baking soda | Mix 1 cup peroxide + 3 tbsp baking soda + 1 drop dish soap. Spray, let dry, vacuum. |
| Vomit | Enzyme cleaner | Remove solids, apply enzyme cleaner, let sit 15+ min, blot and dry thoroughly. |
Ongoing Mattress Maintenance
Weekly
- Change and wash sheets in hot water
- Air out the bed—pull back covers for 20 minutes after waking
Monthly
- Vacuum the mattress surface
- Wash mattress protector
- Rotate mattress 180° (if single-sided) or flip (if double-sided)
Every 3-6 Months
- Full deep clean with baking soda
- Inspect for wear, sagging, or damage
- Wash pillows (check care labels)
Signs It's Time for a New Mattress
Even with perfect care, mattresses don't last forever. Consider replacing yours if:
- It's over 7-10 years old
- You wake up with aches, pains, or stiffness
- Visible sagging or lumps that don't recover
- Persistent odors despite cleaning
- Allergies or asthma symptoms worsen at night
Need Professional Deep Cleaning?
Our team includes thorough bedroom care—vacuuming mattresses, changing linens, and attention to the details that make your space feel fresh.
Serving: Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · +40 more
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my mattress?
Deep clean your mattress every 3-6 months. If you have allergies, pets, or kids, aim for quarterly cleaning. Spot-clean stains immediately for best results. In humid climates like Long Island's coastal areas, mattresses are especially prone to moisture absorption and dust mite proliferation.
Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?
Steam cleaners can kill dust mites and bacteria, but they introduce a lot of moisture. Only use steam if you can ensure the mattress will dry completely within 24 hours. In humid climates, this can be risky. If you steam clean, use a dehumidifier and fans to speed drying.
How do I get rid of mattress smells?
Baking soda is your best friend for odors. Sprinkle liberally, let sit 8+ hours, and vacuum. For stubborn smells, try activated charcoal placed near (not on) the mattress for 24-48 hours. If odors persist after multiple treatments, the source may be inside the mattress where you can't reach it.
Can I put my mattress in the sun?
Yes! UV light naturally kills bacteria and dust mites. If you can safely move your mattress outside on a dry, sunny day, a few hours of direct sunlight provides excellent disinfection. Just avoid leaving it out if rain is possible, and bring it in before evening humidity rises.
When should I replace my mattress?
Consider replacing if it's over 7-10 years old, you wake up with aches or stiffness, there's visible sagging or lumps that don't recover, persistent odors despite cleaning, or allergies/asthma symptoms worsen at night.
Related Guides
Skip the Scrubbing—Let Us Handle It
Professional bedroom cleaning for busy Long Island families. We tackle mattresses, bedding, and more.
Serving all of Long Island:
Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · Woodbury · Syosset · Jericho
and 40+ more · View all areas