We spend a third of our lives on it and yet we hardly ever clean it. Learning how to clean a mattress is easier than it looks, and it makes the difference between sleeping on a dust mite colony and sleeping on a fresh, healthy surface. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to clean a mattress with bicarbonate of soda, how to lift the most stubborn stains and how often it should be done.
Why cleaning your mattress matters
With daily use, a mattress accumulates sweat, dead skin cells, dust and moisture. All of that creates the perfect environment for dust mites, tiny residents that feed on those particles and are behind plenty of allergies, sneezing fits and night-time itching. Keeping it clean isn't only about hygiene: it also helps you rest better and extends the life of the mattress itself.
How to clean a mattress step by step
To clean a mattress thoroughly you don't need expensive products, just a bit of method. Follow these steps:
- Strip the bedding. Take off sheets, covers and the protector and wash them at the highest temperature they can take.
- Vacuum the whole surface. Run the vacuum over both sides and along the seams, where dust and mites hide.
- Treat the stains. Tackle specific marks before the general clean.
- Deodorise with bicarbonate of soda. This is the star step for leaving it fresh, and we cover it just below.
- Air it properly. Let it ventilate for a couple of hours, ideally with natural light, before making the bed again.
How to clean a mattress with bicarbonate of soda
The most effective and affordable trick is cleaning the mattress with bicarbonate of soda, a natural deodoriser that absorbs moisture and bad smells. Sprinkle it generously over the whole surface and, if you want extra freshness, mix it beforehand with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Leave it to work for at least an hour, although several hours or even a whole morning is ideal. Then vacuum up all the bicarbonate of soda thoroughly. The mattress will feel far fresher, without that typical stale smell.
How to remove stains from a mattress
Sweat and urine stains are the most common, especially with children or pets in the house. The key is acting as soon as possible without soaking the mattress:
- Sweat stains. Mix hydrogen peroxide with a little bicarbonate of soda and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Apply it to the stain, leave it for a few minutes and lift it off with a damp cloth.
- Urine stains. Blot the moisture with kitchen paper first, spray a mix of white vinegar and water, and finish by covering the area with bicarbonate of soda to neutralise the smell.
- Blood stains. Always use cold water, never hot, because heat sets them.
Always work from the edge towards the centre so the stain doesn't spread, and avoid rubbing hard. If the mattress ends up very damp, help it along with a hairdryer on cold air or a good long airing.
How to get rid of dust mites in a mattress
To get rid of dust mites in a mattress and stop them coming back, the winning combination is vacuuming often, airing the bedroom daily and using a washable mattress protector. Sunlight is a great ally too: mites hate dryness and heat. Whenever you can, strip the bedding and let the mattress breathe next to an open window.
A good protector, along with anti-allergy pillowcases, greatly reduces the build-up of dirt. At Velia Select you will find homeware and bedding essentials that help you keep the bed clean with less effort.
How often to clean a mattress
The recommendation is to vacuum and air the mattress every time you change the sheets, and to give it a thorough clean with bicarbonate of soda every two or three months. Flip or rotate it a couple of times a year so it wears evenly. And if there are allergies in the house, it is worth being even more consistent.
Conclusion
Cleaning your mattress is a simple act with a big reward: healthier nights and proper rest. Vacuum, treat stains in time, deodorise with bicarbonate of soda and air it whenever you can. If you look after the rest of the bedroom too, you will notice the change; we'll also leave you our guide on how to clean a fabric sofa so the whole house is in good shape. At Velia Select you will find small touches that make your home more comfortable and cleaner.