How to Clean a Mattress
Mike Stownel
Everybody who has had to buy their mattress quickly and painfully learns how expensive a necessity they are to your everyday well-being. To add, no living space feels complete without the added comfort and overnight support that a mattress brings. Therefore, when disaster strikes and you’ve committed the unforsaken act of spilling on your mattress, just remember to calm down, breathe, and follow the steps shared below.
While not all accidents are reversible, the steps shared in our How to Clean a Mattress Guide go over various in-home techniques that are tried-and-true along with the most common method (and steps) on how to clean a mattress. Additionally, we’ll share how best to protect your bed with the best-rated mattress protectors and address frequently asked questions.
How to clean a mattress
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Techniques
- Mattress Stain Remover - Mattress stain removers have their pros and cons. A pro is that their chemically-enhanced cleaning power can power through tuff stains like wine, urine, blood, and sweat. The drawback to mattress stain removers is that the chemical smells may take a while to air out and leave the mattress odor-free.
- Vacuum - Quickly, it is important to stress that vacuuming won’t remove stains from your mattress but relatively larger, dryer particles such as pet dander, hair, food debris, and dirt.
- Airing Out - As rudimentary as it may sound, airing out your mattress in the sun (exposure to UV light eliminates bacteria, mold, and allergens) can naturally clean your mattress. Additionally, airing out mattresses is common in accidents involving urination as the sun’s UV rays not only dry the mattress but help alleviate it of odor.
- Baking Soda - Baking soda is the leading home ingredient used in the steps below and provides an incredibly effective method for removing stains, odors, and liquids. Learn more in the steps shared next.
Pro Tip: To avoid the hazards of mattress stains, consider buying natural latex mattresses as they are impervious to stains, spills, and incredibly durable. The best 100% natural and organic latex hybrid mattress is the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress ($899, or only $75/month) with a 15-year warranty and a 180-night home trial.
How to Clean a Mattress at Home
Oh no, an accident has occurred. You’ve spilled your wine, dropped your hot wings, your child peed the bed, the list can go on and on. So let’s get right to it.
- Step 1: We will assume that you already have baking soda, dish soap (or some form of stain remover), a vacuum, laundry detergent, and access to a washing machine that can run cold water. After the incident has just occurred, strip your bed of its fitted and loose sheets, your mattress protectors, and pillowcases and throw them in your washer with cold water. (For general bedding maintenance, washing mattress sheets and bedding tops in warm water will remove dust mites, pet dander, and most allergens).
- Step 2: Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean up big messes. It is easy to overlook the side and surrounding surfaces, therefore, be thorough. If you own a mattress stain remover, apply the solution to the affected areas or sprinkle the surface with baking soda and let rest for several hours.
- Step 3: Direct the sun’s UV rays over the mattress stain to eliminate bacteria, dry out spills, and prevent odors from finding permanent residence in your mattress. Additionally, air-drying your bed in the sun will prevent mold from forming from leftover over bacterial-debris. Once dry, use your vacuum once more.
- Step 4: Repeat steps one through three until the mattress stain is removed.
Importance of Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors can prevent you from going through these unforeseeable moments of panic. Not only do you safeguard your mattress against spills and liquids, but you also prolong the lifespan of your mattress by protecting it against dust mites, pet dander, bacteria, and mold. Our following Mattress Protector Guide highlights the industries best mattress protectors, but for a simplified version, here are the top 3 mattress protectors online:
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1. Saatva
Price Range: $899 to $2,440. Offer: Get 200$ off and FREE glove delivery
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Trial period: 365-night home trial |
Warranty: Lifetime |
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Financing : As low as $92/month at 0% APR |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King |
The Saatva Classic is the most popular luxury hybrid innerspring mattress with Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (5-7), and Firm (8) firmnesses. Over 80% of sleepers prefer Luxury Firm for a perfect balance of comfort and uplifting support. For those hard-to-please couples, the Saatva Classic bridges the middle ground splendidly.
Premium materials. White Glove Delivery, 24/7 Customer Support. Try It For 180 Nights
2. Puffy Mattress Protector ($85-115)
Price Range: $795 to $1,995. Offer: $300 OFF + 2 FREE PILLOWS
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Trial period: 101-nights |
Warranty: as long as you own the mattress |
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Financing : 0% APR, Klarna |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
The Puffy Mattress Protector is one of the few fully-enclosed industry-defining mattress protectors. It has hundreds of 5-star reviews, provides dust mite, waterproof, and every-surface mattress protection, and safeguards mattresses of any size. Additionally, this protector comes with Cooling Bamboo Rayon fabric, which facilitates enhanced airflow and improved breathability to help hot sleepers stay cool. Machine washable, naturally hypoallergenic, and backed with a lifetime warranty - try the Puffy Mattress Protector risk-free for 101-nights.
Lifetime Warranty, Free Return. Up To $300 Off. Try It Now
3. Layla
Price Range: $1,049 to $1,699. Offer: Up To $200 Off Mattresses + 2 Free Layla Memory Foam Pillows
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Trial period: 120-nights |
Warranty: Lifetime |
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Financing : 0% APR, Affirm |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Hybrid or memory foam mattresses, made with two levels of firmness in one mattress (flippable firmness). Layla Mattress provides excellent edge support for sleepers of all weights and has great motion isolation. Mattresses made with cooling technology and a very breathable cover that zips off for easy cleaning. Layla Mattresses are adjustable base friendly, come with 10 Year warranty & Free Shipping.
4. Helix sleep
Price Range: $600 to $2,249. Offer: Save up to $200 OFF & Get 2 FREE Dream Pillows
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Trial period: 100-nights |
Warranty: 15 years |
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Financing : 0% APR, Klarna, Katapult |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Sink in like a cloud with the soft feel of the Helix Sunset Luxe, perfect for side sleepers seeking additional pressure point relief, enhanced contouring, zoned lumbar support, and a responsive surface. The Sunset Luxe’s softer top layers render soft, lavishly plush comfort under a premium quilted pillow top.
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5. AmeriSleep
Price Range: $899 to $4,190. Offer: 30% Off Mattresses + Up To $399 In FREE Accessories
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Trial period: 100-nights |
Warranty: 100-days |
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Financing : - |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
AmeriSleep is one of the most popular and best mattress companies. The assortment includes both hybrid or memory foam mattresses and completely eco-friendly latex mattresses. AmeriSleep provide one of the best guarantees for their products - 20 years warranty, as well as care about the quality and application of new developments in the production of mattresses such as: HIVE® technology that offers dynamic full-body support for a healthy sleeping position, lightweight cover that promotes airflow and prevents overheating, Bio-Pur® foam is more responsive and breathable than traditional foams.
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6. Birch by Helix
Price Range: $1049 to $1799. Offer: $200 off + 2 free Eco-Rest pillows!
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Trial period: 100-nights |
Warranty: 25 years |
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Financing : Klarna, Katapult |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Environmentally-conscious shoppers buy the Birch Mattress due to its multi-certified all-natural materials. Reinforced perimeter support and ergonomically designed pressure relief provide an unprecedented level of comfort and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers. Individually pocketed coils provide subtle body cradling and reduce surface motion (perfect for couples).
Best Natural Mattress! Try It Now and Say Goodbye to Chemicals.
7. Naturepedic
Price Range: $649 to $9999. Offer: 10% off for all mattress!
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Trial period: 90-nights |
Warranty: 20-years |
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Financing : Affirm |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
The EOS is the ultimate organic pillow top mattress that embodies luxury. Personalize comfort from firm to ultra-plush with its multi-layered zippered design. Multi-certified for purity and sustainable practices, Naturepedic’s EOS Pillowtop organic mattress is best for couples as each sleeper can control their mattress side’s comfort level.
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8. Ecoterra
Price Range: $849 to $1,349. Offer: $175 off mattresses
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Trial period: 90-nights |
Warranty:90-days |
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Financing :Klarna |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Enjoy Nature's Secret For Deep, Comfortable Sleep!
9. Airweave
Price Range: $920 to $3,270. Offer: Save Up To $150 On Mattress Collection, $50 On Accessories!
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Trial period: 100-nights |
Warranty:10 years |
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Financing :0% APR, Klarna |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
The New Airweave Mattress uses proprietary Airfiber technology to deliver a transformative sleeping experience. The mattress is more firm than traditional beds but can be balanced out with a plush pillow top layer. This mattress is machine washable and promotes up to 308% longer deep sleep cycles than memory foam.
10. Zomasleep
Price Range: $549 to $1,748. Offer: Save $150 Off Mattresses
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Trial period: 100-nights |
Warranty:10 years |
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Financing : - |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
The Bottom Line
Removing stains from your mattress comes down to a combination of the severity of the incident, the type of mattress your own and its current level of protection (mattress protector), and the supplies you have on hand to resolve the issue. If you don’t have access to a stain remover, search your home for baking soda or Dawn dish soap (enzyme-cleaner) and apply it to affected areas.
After your stain has been removed, protect your mattress with a mattress protector. The mattress protectors shared above have warranties, free trials, outstanding reviews, safeguard your mattresses from numerous elements, and don’t affect the style or comfort of your bed. To get the most bang for your buck, use our links as they save you up to 20% OFF.
FAQ
- How do you clean and sanitize a mattress?
- What causes yellow stains on a mattress?
- Yellow stains are precursors of mold and can result from oil, sweat, and urination.
- How do you clean pee out of a mattress?
- Remove all bedding sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors and throw them in the washer with cold water and laundry detergent. Spray the affected area with a vinegar-based solution (half cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water) and allow the solution to soak for 60 to 120 minutes. Next, cover the area with baking soda and let dry—vacuum and repeat steps until stain lifts. Finalize by air drying your mattress in the sunlight.
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Written by: Mike Stownel
Senior Sleep Health and Mattress Technology Expert
Mike Stownel is a seasoned sleep health and mattress technology expert with over a decade of rich experience. He previously served as a Sleep Wellness Advisor for numerous boutique mattress manufacturers, where he played a crucial role in product development and customer education. Mike also worked as a Consultant for several start-up sleep tech companies, contributing to innovative sleep solution strategies.
His deep understanding of mattress technology and sleep science, combined with practical industry experience, positions him as a trusted authority. Mike`s insights, rooted in both science and market trends, offer invaluable guidance for achieving optimal sleep health.