How To Clean Your Mattress (And When), According To Experts (2025)

Just like your floors and bathroom, your mattress needs a deep clean on a regular basis and especially after an accident. Knowing how to clean your mattress the right way is crucial for your mattress’—and your own personal—wellbeing. After all, this is the surface where you spend a third of your day, and neglecting a regular cleaning can mean buildup of germs, allergens and more.

“Dirty mattresses can disrupt your sleep via skin irritations and potential respiratory issues,” explains Ashley Matuska Kidder, cleaning expert and chief operating officer at Dashing Maids. Dust mites are another reason to keep up with regular cleaning; according to a study from Ohio State University, anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million of them can hide in a mattress. Cleaning your mattress regularly can also extend its longevity. “A well-maintained mattress simply lasts longer,” Kidder says. “Mattresses are expensive; make yours last.”

How To Deep Clean A Mattress

These are the expert-backed steps you should take to ensure you’re adequately and efficiently cleaning your mattress.

Vacuum Thoroughly

A powerful and reliable vacuum cleaner is a crucial tool in mattress cleaning. “Vacuuming your mattress is the largest and most important way you can clean dust, dander and other elements from your mattress,” says Kidder. If your vacuum has an upholstery attachment, use that to clean the surface, sides and seams of the mattress.

Spot Clean Any Stains

If you notice any stains on your mattress as you’re cleaning, you can use a mild detergent or stain remover to treat them. Just don’t apply any products or water directly to the mattress, as the moisture can damage the material. Instead, wet a paper towel or cloth with the solution and blot the stain until it lifts.

Disinfect With A Steamer

Depending on your mattress type (take a look at the brand’s care instructions), you can use a steamer to disinfect the top surface of the mattress. Kidder recommends using a clothing steamer—not a high-pressure steamer designed for tight spaces—as it will be gentler on the mattress fabric.

Eliminate Odors With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common tool in mattress cleaning, since it can absorb lingering moisture and odors—and it’s nontoxic. Kidder recommends sprinkling some all over the mattress, letting it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, and then vacuuming it up—but with one caveat. “The only downside with that is the baking soda can really do a number on your vacuum,” she says. “So do it sparingly, and with an older vacuum if you have one.”

How To Keep A Mattress Clean

Regular mattress upkeep is just as important as those semiannual deep cleans. The first line of defense is keeping up with your linens. “Wash your sheets—or, at the very least, your pillowcases—once a week,” Kidder says.

She also recommends regular mattress turning to promote its longevity. “Incorporate rotating your mattress (same as you should your car tires) to maintain its firmness as long as possible.”

Finally, you should invest in a mattress protector as an additional barrier to preserve your mattress. “Mattress protectors are a great way to reduce moisture, dander, dust and other organic matter from permeating your mattress,” she says. “Just don’t forget that those need to be washed, too—just not as often as your sheets.”

How To Get A Stain Out Of A Mattress

Kidder recommends treating stains at the source when you can. Right after a spill, wipe it and spot treat it with cold water. For older stains, try treating them with water and a mild detergent or a stain remover. But make sure to read care instructions on your specific mattress, as some (like memory foam) aren’t supposed to get wet.

How To Know When It’s Time To Clean Your Mattress

“You should clean your mattress every three to six months, depending on where you live and whether you’re prone to allergens,” says Kidder. Of course, this depends on whether your mattress has been noticeably dirtied and requires extra TLC. “If you’ve spilled something on your mattress—or if you notice a funky smell—you should clean it,” Kidder says. Otherwise, she recommends setting a reminder on your phone for every six months for a regular deep clean.

However, if your bed is over seven to ten years old and shows signs of deterioration, it’s likely time to consider buying a new mattress.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The sleep team at Forbes Vetted is made up of seasoned experts who prioritize wellness through a good night’s sleep, whether that means researching the best cooling sheets, sunrise alarm clocks or anything in between.

• Monica Petrucci is the author of this piece and a commerce writer who covers sleep topics like hotel pillows and bed cooling systems at Forbes Vetted. She has been testing and researching home-related products for several years.
• Bridget Chapman, senior mattress and sleep editor, oversaw this article. She’s a certified sleep science coach and has committed countless hours to testing and researching sleep topics like king-size mattresses and anti-snore pillows for Forbes Vetted.
• For this piece, we interviewed Ashley Matuska Kidder, chief operating officer at Dashing Maids and a cleaning expert with over a decade of hands-on experience. She provided us with real-world expertise when it comes to effectively cleaning a mattress.
• We’re committed to ensuring our content is always relevant and up to date. This article was last updated in May 2025.