How to Clean and Maintain Your Mattress

A clean mattress is essential for healthy sleep and a fresh-smelling bedroom. Whether you're dealing with a spill, trying to remove odors, or just doing routine maintenance, taking care of your mattress helps extend its lifespan and keep your sleep environment comfortable.

Here’s how to clean, maintain, and know when to replace your mattress.

 

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Regular cleaning is key to keeping your mattress in top condition. It helps remove allergens, dust mites, and skin cells that build up over time, improving your sleep quality and reducing allergy symptoms. Staying on top of a cleaning schedule also helps extend the life of your mattress and keeps it smelling fresh.

Here’s how often we recommend cleaning your mattress.

• Vacuum: Once a month

• Deodorize with baking soda: Every 2 to 3 months

• Spot clean spills and stains: As needed, immediately after an incident

 

 

How to Clean Your Mattress: Step-by-Step

When it’s time to clean your mattress, different approaches are needed depending on whether you're dealing with stains or just giving it a routine refresh. Here are two simple methods to help keep your mattress fresh and clean.

For Stains and Spills

Spills and stains are a part of life, whether it's a knocked-over glass of water or a pet accident. Knowing how to handle them quickly and effectively can prevent long-term damage and help your mattress last longer. Here's what to do:

1. Blot Immediately: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub.

2. Mix a Gentle Cleaning Solution: Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water or use a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner.

3. Dab the Stain: Use a clean sponge or cloth to gently blot the stained area. Avoid over-wetting the fabric.

4. Rinse and Blot Again: Lightly dab the area with plain water to rinse, then blot dry with a towel.

5. Let It Air Dry: Allow the mattress to dry completely before covering it with bedding.

For Odors and Light Refreshing

Over time, mattresses can trap moisture, sweat, and other body oils that lead to unwanted smells. Even if your mattress looks clean, it may benefit from a light refreshing to keep it feeling and smelling fresh. This quick process helps maintain a cleaner sleep environment and prolongs the life of your mattress.

1. Vacuum the Surface: Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove dust, skin cells, and allergens.

2. Deodorize with Baking Soda: Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb moisture and odors.

3. Vacuum Again: Thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda residue.

 

 

Tips for Regular Mattress Maintenance

Beyond regular cleaning, ongoing care is key to extending the life of your mattress and maintaining its comfort. These simple maintenance habits will help your mattress perform better for longer:

• Use a Mattress Protector: A waterproof, washable mattress protector helps prevent stains and keeps out allergens and dust mites.

• Rotate the Mattress: If your mattress is made to be rotated, rotate it every 3 to 6 months, 180 degrees to promote even wear.

• Let It Air Out: Each time you change your sheets, leave the mattress bare for a few hours to let it breathe and release moisture.

• Avoid Jumping or Excessive Pressure: This can damage internal coils or foam layers.

 

Signs Your Mattress Might Need Replacing

Even with proper care, mattresses wear out over time. If your sleep quality is declining or you're waking up uncomfortable, it might be time to consider a new mattress. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Sagging or lumps: Loss of support or uneven surface

• Discomfort: Waking up sore, stiff, or feeling unrested

• Allergy flare-ups: Increased dust mites or allergens inside the mattress

• Noise: Creaking or popping sounds from springs or foundation

• Age: Most mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years

 

 

Shop Mattresses Near You at DeWaard & Bode

Whether you're upgrading to a new size or replacing an old mattress, we carry top-quality mattresses from trusted brands to suit every comfort level and budget. Visit our mattress stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to test out our wide selection.

Our team can help you find the perfect mattress for your sleep style, plush, medium, firm, or extra firm, and we offer convenient delivery, setup, and old mattress removal services. Contact us or visit us today.

Related readings from our blog:

• When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?

• How Do I Choose the Right Mattress?

• Which Stearns & Foster Mattress Is the Best?

 

FAQs About Mattress Care

1. Do I need a mattress protector?

Yes. It protects against spills, allergens, and everyday wear, helping extend your mattress’s life.

2. Can I steam clean my mattress?

Only if the manufacturer recommends it, otherwise, moisture can lead to mold or material damage.

3. How do I know when to replace my mattress?

It may be time for a replacement if it’s sagging, uncomfortable, or older than 10 years.

4. Can I flip my mattress?

Only if it’s double-sided, most modern mattresses should just be rotated every few months.