Quick Answer
Deep clean your mattress in 8 steps: Strip bedding, vacuum thoroughly, spot treat stains, cover with baking soda, let it sit 4-8 hours, vacuum again, add a mattress protector, and remake with fresh linens. Do this every 6 months.
Your mattress accumulates dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, and allergens every night. Over time, without cleaning, it can harbor millions of dust mites—a common trigger for allergies and asthma. Yet most people never clean their mattress beyond changing the sheets.
The good news? Deep cleaning a mattress is straightforward and requires no special equipment. The key is giving it enough time—plan for a full day since the baking soda treatment works best when left for several hours.
Mattress Deep Cleaning Process
Strip the Bed Completely
Remove all bedding including mattress protector. Wash everything in hot water (at least 130°F) to kill dust mites. If you have a pillow-top, check care instructions for the mattress cover.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire mattress surface, paying attention to seams, edges, and crevices where dust mites accumulate. Vacuum both sides if possible.
Spot Treat Stains
For sweat stains: mix dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide into a paste, apply and let sit 30 minutes. For blood: use cold water and enzymatic cleaner. For urine: use enzymatic pet cleaner.
Deodorize with Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. For extra freshness, mix in a few drops of lavender essential oil. Let sit for at least 1 hour, ideally 4-8 hours.
Let it Air Out
If possible, open windows or run a fan to help air out the mattress. UV light from sunlight naturally kills bacteria and dust mites—if you can move your mattress outside briefly, even better.
Vacuum Again
Thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda. Use the crevice tool for seams and edges. Flip or rotate the mattress if it's designed to be flipped.
Apply Mattress Protector
Before remaking the bed, put on a clean, waterproof mattress protector. This barrier keeps future stains and allergens from penetrating the mattress.
Make the Bed Fresh
Use freshly laundered sheets and pillowcases. Consider new pillows every 1-2 years—they accumulate dust mites and allergens just like mattresses.
San Diego Mattress Care Tips
Use the Sun
San Diego's abundant sunshine is your ally. If you have a patio or yard, let your mattress sunbathe briefly—UV light naturally kills dust mites and bacteria. Even standing it by an open window helps.
Coastal Humidity
Near the coast, humidity can create mold-friendly conditions inside mattresses. Ensure complete drying after any wet cleaning. Use a fan or AC to accelerate drying on coastal fog days.
Allergy Season
San Diego has multiple pollen seasons. If you suffer from allergies, clean your mattress at the start of spring and fall. Consider HEPA-filtered vacuuming and hypoallergenic mattress covers.
Stain Treatment Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my mattress?
Deep clean your mattress every 6 months, or quarterly if you have allergies or pets. Vacuum monthly to control dust mites. Rotate your mattress every 3-6 months to ensure even wear.
Can I use a steam cleaner on my mattress?
Yes, steam cleaning kills dust mites and bacteria effectively. However, ensure the mattress dries completely before remaking the bed—moisture trapped inside can lead to mold. This may take 6-8 hours.
How do I get urine smell out of a mattress?
Blot fresh urine immediately, then apply an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet or human urine. Let it soak in, then blot dry and apply baking soda. Leave for several hours before vacuuming. Repeat if needed.
Do mattress protectors really help?
Absolutely. A quality waterproof mattress protector prevents stains, reduces dust mite exposure, and extends mattress life significantly. Choose one that's waterproof but breathable to avoid sleeping hot.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.
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