Expert Tips for How to Clean a Mattress

If mattresses are one of the largest investments we’ll make in our lifetime, why do we treat cleaning and maintaining them as an afterthought? We spend a third of our lives on our mattresses, which means over time, they accumulate sweat, dust, allergens, and stains that break down materials and reduce lifespan. It’s not only gross, but it’s also a poor way to treat something we spent our hard-earned money on.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we handcraft mattresses that are meant to last a lifetime, but without proper care, they can deteriorate prematurely (which hurts your sleep quality). Here’s the good news: learning how to clean a mattress properly isn’t complicated. With the right techniques and products, you can remove stains, eliminate odors, and extend your mattress’s life significantly. 

This guide for how to clean a mattress walks you through the best way to clean a mattress, provides stain-specific cleaning solutions, and explains what NOT to do when cleaning your mattress.

Key Takeaways

• Regular mattress cleaning extends your investment. Removing sweat, dust, and debris prevents material breakdown and keeps your mattress performing well for years longer.
• A mattress protector is your best defense. Using a quality waterproof protector prevents most stains from reaching your mattress, making cleaning easier and less frequent.
• Stain type determines cleaning method. Urine, sweat, blood, and beverages each require different cleaning approaches for best results. Hydrogen peroxide is effective for many stains. This common household product works well for protein-based stains like blood and sweat when combined with baking soda.
• Speed matters when addressing stains. Fresh stains are easier to remove than set-in stains, so address accidents immediately.
• Proper drying prevents mold and mildew. Always ensure your mattress dries completely before adding sheets back on.

Why knowing how to clean a mattress properly matters

A dirty mattress that is not cleaned in a timely manner is a damaged mattress. A damaged mattress deteriorates faster, can’t support your body properly, and makes your sleep quality worse.

Think about it: your mattress is constantly collecting dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, and more every night you sleep on it. Over time, this accumulation breaks down foam layers, reduces support, and creates an increasingly unhygienic sleeping surface. Stains make this problem even worse. When spills or accidents penetrate your mattress, they can create permanent damage if not addressed quickly, which can also lead to bacteria and mold developing in damp areas. Protein-based stains (sweat, blood, urine) attract dust mites and create odors that won’t go away.

It’s important to note that most mattress warranties will not cover mattress defects caused by liquid, so taking good care of your mattress and protecting it will allow you to keep your mattress for much longer.

This is why knowing how to clean a mattress properly is critical. Regular cleaning combined with a quality mattress protector will dramatically extend your mattress’s lifespan, keeping you sleeping on a fresh, hygienic surface for decades. 

A note about cleaning different mattress types 

When learning how to clean a dirty mattress, you first need to discover the best ways to clean your mattress. Just as all mattresses are not one-size-fits-all, not all cleaning solutions will work for every mattress. 

For example, if you have a memory foam mattress, try to use as little moisture as possible when lifting a stain. Instead, simply spot treat any stains to keep it clean. If you have any questions about cleaning your particular mattress, feel free to speak with any of our Mattress Experts™ for tips.

Basic mattress cleaning steps

Before addressing specific messes and stains, start with these fundamental cleaning steps:

• Strip your bed of all sheets, pillows, and blankets. While you’re at it, you might as well clean these too for a fully fresh bed.
• Get rid of any stains using distilled white vinegar. If the stain is fresh, be sure to blot (not rub) the stain with a paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Next, use a spray bottle to spray the vinegar directly onto the stain. Let that sit for at least 5–10 minutes in a well-ventilated area. 
• Absorb the vinegar with baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda all over the stain and the surface of the mattress and let that sit for several hours. The baking soda will soak up the vinegar and any odors coming from the mattress.
• Vacuum the mattress. Thoroughly vacuum the mattress a few times through to make sure that all of the baking soda is gone.
• Air dry completely. After cleaning, open windows and allow your mattress to air dry for several hours before replacing sheets. Moisture left in your mattress creates conditions for mold and mildew.

How to get stains out of a mattress: Stain-specific guides

Knowing how to clean a mattress is one thing, but knowing how to clean a mattress stain efficiently is very important for preventing damage. However, not every stain responds the same to treatments. If you’re wondering “What is the best thing to clean a mattress with?” It depends on the type of stain and what caused it.

Here are the most common stain types and the best methods to remove them.

How to clean pee out of a mattress

Urine stains are among the most common mattress problems, particularly in households with young children who experience bedwetting or pets who may have accidents. Rule of thumb: the longer urine sits, the more it sets into the mattress and the harder it becomes to remove completely.

Fresh urine stains 

• Blot (don’t rub) the area with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. 
• Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 
• Spray the affected area generously and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the urine.
• Blot again with clean towels. 
• Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area and let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb remaining moisture and odor. 
• Lastly, vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

Set-in urine stains

For stains that have been there a while, 

• Mix hydrogen peroxide (3%), baking soda, and a small amount of dish soap (like Dawn) into a paste.
• Apply directly to the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. 
• Scrub gently with a soft brush, then blot with clean towels. 
• Spray with equal parts vinegar and water and let dry. 

This combination addresses both the stain and embedded odor. However, prevention is key: if you’re dealing with bedwetting or frequent accidents, using the best waterproof mattress protector can prevent these situations from damaging your mattress entirely.

How to clean sweat out of a mattress

If you sleep hot, are going through menopause, or train intensively* and are more likely to experience night sweats, you want to be sure your sweat doesn’t stain your mattress. Much like on your white t-shirts, long-standing sweat creates yellowing stains and odors over time.

*Learn more about finding the best mattress for athletes

Fresh sweat stains

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and spray onto the sweat-stained area. The hydrogen peroxide breaks down the protein in sweat, making it one of the most effective remedies.
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes then blot with clean towels. 
• Sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb remaining moisture. 
• Let dry for several hours, then vacuum.

Yellow sweat stains (set-in)

How do you get yellow brown stains out of a mattress? For the yellow-brown stains that develop from long-term sweat accumulation…

• Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. 
• Apply directly to the yellow area and let sit for 30 minutes. 
• Gently scrub with a soft brush then blot thoroughly. 

The combination of ingredients breaks down the set-in stain and eliminates discoloration.

How to clean blood out of a mattress

Blood stains require quick action because they set quickly as they dry. The key to getting blood out of your mattress is using cold water, not hot, since heat sets protein-based stains.

Fresh blood stains

• Use cold water only — never hot. Blot the stain with a cloth dampened in cold water. Continue blotting until most of the blood is absorbed.
• Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. 
• Apply to the stain and let sit for 10 minutes, then blot again. If the stain remains, repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment. 
• Once clean, sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb remaining moisture and let it sit for multiple hours before vacuuming. 

Dried blood stains

• Dampen the stain with cold water. 
• Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. 
• Apply to the stain and let sit for 15-20 minutes. 
• Scrub gently with a soft brush. 
• Blot thoroughly with clean, damp towels. 
• Allow to air dry completely.

How to clean beverage stains out of a mattress

Whether you like having your morning coffee in bed or your toddler brings a juice box to bed with them, accidents can happen. Coffee, wine, juice, and other beverages create discoloration and can leave behind a sticky residue if not addressed quickly.

Fresh beverage stains

• Blot immediately with clean towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. 
• Mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water. 
• Apply this solution to the stain using a clean cloth, then blot repeatedly with dry towels.
• Once the stain is gone, spray the area with clean water to rinse away soap residue and blot dry. 
• Sprinkle baking soda to absorb remaining moisture and odor, let it sit, and vacuum.

Set-in beverage stains

If the stain has dried…

• Start by dampening it with equal parts vinegar and water.
• Let sit for 10 minutes to loosen the stain. 
• Apply your cleaning solution (dish soap, vinegar, and water mixture) then blot thoroughly. 

Again, hydrogen peroxide can work for stubborn stains, but it’s wise to test it first to ensure it doesn’t bleach your mattress fabric.

What NOT to do when cleaning a mattress

Now that we’ve gone over the do’s, here are the don’ts. Your mattress’s materials are more delicate than you might think. As experts who have seen countless mattress damage situations, we know which cleaning mistakes cause more harm than the original stain. 

Here’s what to avoid when cleaning a mattress:

• Don’t use excessive water. Oversaturating your mattress with water or cleaning solution creates moisture that can develop into mold, mildew, and permanent damage. Use minimal liquid and focus on blotting rather than soaking.
• Don’t use hot water. Heat sets protein-based stains (sweat, blood, and urine) permanently into fabric. Always use cold water for these stain types. Hot water also accelerates mold growth if moisture remains in the mattress.
• Don’t use bleach. Bleach damages mattress fabrics and can weaken fibers. It also creates harsh fumes in your sleeping environment. Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative that still effectively removes stains.
• Don’t scrub aggressively. Rubbing or scrubbing mattress fabric vigorously damages the material and can push stains deeper into the mattress rather than lifting them out. Always blot gently.
• Don’t use heavy-duty upholstery cleaners. Commercial cleaners designed for furniture can damage mattress materials and leave chemical residue that affects your sleep. Stick with gentle, natural solutions like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda.
• Don’t leave your mattress damp. Moisture that remains in your mattress creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and dust mites. Always ensure your mattress dries completely before replacing sheets. Open windows, use fans, and allow adequate drying time.
• Don’t wait to address stains. The longer a stain sits, the more it sets into the material and the harder it becomes to remove. Address accidents immediately for best results.
• Don’t skip the mattress protector. The best way to avoid needing to clean your mattress extensively is to prevent stains from reaching it in the first place. A quality mattress protector is the single best investment you can make to protect your mattress and reduce your cleaning burden.

Why mattress protectors matter

Is a mattress protector necessary? Yes. ABSOLUTELY. We can’t overstate the importance of a mattress protector. A quality waterproof protector catches spills, sweat, and accidents before they reach your mattress. This means:

• You’ll clean your mattress far less frequently
• Stains won’t set into your mattress materials
• Your mattress stays fresh and hygienic
• Your mattress lasts 20–30 years as designed
• You’ll never void your warranty due to staining

If you haven’t yet invested in a mattress protector, now is the time. It costs a fraction of your mattress investment and saves you thousands in mattress replacement costs over time. Plus, learning how to wash a mattress protector is super simple as most are machine-washable. That’s right — take it off, throw it in the washer and dryer, and done. 

Watch our Mattress Experts™ discuss why mattress protectors matter and how they can save you from extensive cleaning situations.

If you’re ready to protect your mattress, check out our mattress protector FAQs to learn more about your options.

FAQ

What is the best thing to clean a mattress with?

Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, white distilled vinegar, and dish soap are the safest and most effective mattress cleaning products. These natural ingredients address different stain types without damaging your mattress.

Bonus: Does vinegar smell go away after cleaning? Yes. The vinegar smell dissipates as your mattress dries. You can speed this up by opening windows and allowing air circulation. Sprinkling baking soda after cleaning also helps neutralize vinegar odor.

How often should you clean your mattress?

It’s a good idea to vacuum your current mattress every 1-2 months, and fully clean it at minimum twice a year to keep it fresh and prevent damage or infestations. If you use a mattress protector, you’ll need to clean less frequently.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove mattress stains? 

Yes, particularly sweat and blood stains, because it breaks down protein compounds. However, always test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t bleach your mattress fabric.

Can you use a steam cleaner on a mattress?

It’s not recommended. Steam cleaners introduce excessive moisture that your mattress can’t dry quickly, leading to mold and mildew. Heat also traps protein-based stains like blood, urine, and sweat into the mattress. For best results, stick with dry and damp cleaning methods instead.

How do you get yellow brown stains out of a mattress?

Yellow-brown stains are typically from sweat or urine. Use a paste of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, scrub gently, and blot thoroughly. These stains often require multiple applications.

Should I flip or rotate my mattress after cleaning?

If you have a dual-sided mattress that is designed to be flipped, you can; however, standard mattresses should not be flipped or rotated. Rotating or flipping a one-sided mattress can reduce the body impressions that support your spine and make sleep uncomfortable.

Learn How to Protect Your Investment with Texas Mattress Makers

Honestly, professional mattress cleanings can cost an arm and a leg, which makes learning how to clean a mattress all the more important. However, cleaning the mattress is only half the battle. The other half is preventing damage from happening in the first place. A quality waterproof mattress protector combined with regular maintenance will keep your mattress fresh, clean, and performing at its best for decades.

Your mattress is an investment in your health and comfort, so protect it accordingly. Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston or shop online to explore our mattress protector options and learn how to care for your specific mattress. We’ll help you keep your mattress investment lasting as long as possible.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Best Place to Buy a Mattress in Houston (And Why It’s Us)
• How To Check If You Have Bed Bugs
• What is a Mattress Expert™?
• Questions About Sleep Answered by a Mattress Expert™
• Full-Size Mattress vs Queen: What’s the Difference?