Care & Maintenance
We spend roughly a third of our lives on a mattress, and in that time it quietly collects sweat, skin cells, dust and the odd spill. A regular clean helps you sleep better, keeps allergens down, and adds years to one of the most important purchases in your home. Pair the routine below with a good mattress protector and you'll rarely need to do more than a quick vacuum.
Why bother cleaning your mattress?
Three reasons make it worth the half hour. First, hygiene: your mattress absorbs perspiration, body oils and dead skin, which in turn feed dust mites — a common trigger for allergies and disrupted sleep. Second, longevity: grime and moisture break down comfort layers over time, so a cared-for mattress simply lasts longer. Third, your warranty: manufacturers expect reasonable care, and a stained, unprotected mattress can complicate a warranty claim.
How often should you clean it?
Think of mattress care as layered — quick jobs often, a deeper clean a couple of times a year.
- Weekly — wash sheets and pillowcases
- Monthly — vacuum the mattress surface
- Every 3 months — rotate (and flip, if double-sided)
- Every 6 months — full deodorise and deep clean
- Immediately — spot-clean any spills
What you'll need
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Bicarbonate of soda (bicarb)
- A few clean, dry cloths and a spray bottle
- Mild dish soap or an enzyme-based cleaner for stains
- Cold water (warm water sets protein stains like blood and sweat)
That's it. Skip harsh bleaches and avoid soaking the mattress — particularly memory foam and latex, which don't respond well to getting wet.
Step by step: how to deep clean a mattress
- Strip the bed and wash everything. Remove all bedding — sheets, protector, mattress topper if you use one — and wash it on the hottest setting the care label allows.
- Vacuum the whole surface. Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the top and sides, paying attention to seams and crevices. This removes the bulk of allergens.
- Spot-treat any stains. Blot — never rub — with a cloth dampened in cold water and a little mild detergent, working from the outside of the stain inwards.
- Deodorise with bicarb. Sift a generous, even layer across the entire mattress. Leave it to work for at least a few hours — overnight is even better.
- Vacuum again. Once the bicarb has done its job, vacuum it all up. The surface will look and smell noticeably fresher.
- Air it out. Open the windows and let the mattress breathe. In our Queensland climate, an airy, sunlit room makes quick work of any lingering damp.
- Rotate it. While the bed is bare, rotate the mattress 180° head-to-toe so it wears evenly — doing this every three months prevents body impressions.
Regular care makes the biggest difference over time — see our guide on mattress maintenance and care, and if allergies are a concern, choosing a hypoallergenic mattress is a good next read.
Disinfecting and dust mites
Routine cleaning handles most hygiene, but if you're tackling allergies, illness or mustiness, you may want to go a step further with steaming or a fabric-safe sanitiser. If allergies are the real concern, our piece on hypoallergenic mattresses and allergies is a good next read, and if you suspect an infestation, here's how to get rid of bed bugs.
Protect it from now on
The easiest way to keep a mattress clean is to stop it getting dirty in the first place. A good waterproof mattress protector shields against spills, sweat and dust mites, washes easily, and is far cheaper than replacing a stained mattress — it's the single best habit for extending your mattress's life.
When a clean isn't enough
Sometimes a mattress is simply past its best, and no amount of cleaning will bring back support. It may be time to replace yours if you notice persistent sagging, you wake up stiff or sore, the mattress holds odours despite cleaning, or it's more than 7–10 years old. Our guide on how long a mattress lasts and when to replace it will help you decide.
FAQs
How do I clean a mattress without a vacuum?
Use a stiff brush to loosen surface debris, then lift it with a lint roller or sticky tape. Bicarb still works for odours — sprinkle, leave for a few hours, then brush and wipe it away with a barely-damp cloth.
Can I clean a memory foam mattress the same way?
Mostly, yes — but go gentler with moisture. Memory foam and latex should never be soaked. Spot-clean with a barely-damp cloth, deodorise with bicarb, and allow plenty of drying time before re-making the bed.
How do I get rid of mattress odours?
Bicarbonate of soda is your best friend. A thick layer left for several hours or overnight absorbs most smells. Airing the mattress in a sunlit, well-ventilated room helps too.
How often should I replace my mattress?
As a general rule, every 7–10 years — sooner if it sags, holds odours, or you're no longer waking up rested. Good care and a protector help you reach the upper end of that range.
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