Think about it: you sleep on your mattress every night. Over time, it collects sweat, skin cells, body oils, dust mites, allergens, and sometimes even spills or stains. And unlike sheets or pillowcases, mattresses can’t just be thrown into the wash.
Yet keeping your mattress clean is hugely important — not just for hygiene, but for your health and the quality of your sleep. In this blog post, we’ll explore why mattress cleaning matters, how often to do it, and the most effective natural methods to get (and keep) your bed fresh, healthy, and odor-free.
Why Mattress Cleaning Is Important
Most people don’t realize how much builds up in a mattress. Over time, it becomes a magnet for:
Dust mites (which feed on dead skin and trigger allergies)
Sweat and body oils
Pet hair and dander
Food crumbs and spills
Fungi, mold spores, and bacteria
Odors from body sweat or spills
Even if your mattress looks clean, it’s likely harboring a lot you can’t see. This can lead to poor sleep, skin irritation, sneezing, and even worsening asthma or allergies.
Regular cleaning helps:
Extend the life of your mattress
Improve indoor air quality
Reduce allergens and bacteria
Eliminate unpleasant odors
Give you a better, fresher night’s sleep
How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?
Here's a general rule of thumb:
Light cleaning (vacuuming): Every 1–2 weeks
Deep cleaning: Every 3–6 months
Spot cleaning (stains/spills): As soon as they occur
Deodorizing: Monthly or as needed
Mattress protector wash: Every 1–2 months
And if you suffer from allergies or have pets/kids, you might want to deep clean more often.
How to Clean Your Mattress at Home — Naturally
You don’t need harsh chemicals or fancy tools to clean a mattress. With a few household ingredients and a little time, you can refresh your bed using safe, effective, natural methods.
1. Strip and Vacuum
Start by removing all bedding — sheets, blankets, mattress covers — and wash them in hot water to kill dust mites.
Then, vacuum the entire mattress surface using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Pay special attention to seams, edges, and crevices where dirt and dust tend to collect.
2. Deodorize with Baking Soda
Baking soda is your best friend when it comes to mattress cleaning. It absorbs odors, lifts dirt, and helps freshen fabric naturally.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the mattress.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum odor removal.
Add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the baking soda beforehand for a natural scent.
Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly when you're done.
3. Spot Clean Stains (Urine, Sweat, Spills)
For stains, use a gentle solution of:
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
3 tablespoons baking soda
1–2 drops of mild natural dish soap
Apply lightly with a spray bottle and gently blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid soaking the mattress — excess moisture can lead to mold.
For tougher stains or lingering odors, you can also try white vinegar + water (50/50) spray, followed by baking soda once it dries.
Tip: Always do a spot test first in an inconspicuous area.
4. Air It Out
If possible, take the mattress outside and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. UV rays naturally kill bacteria and help eliminate musty odors. If that’s not possible, open windows to increase air circulation during and after cleaning.
Optional: Steam Cleaning (If Your Mattress Can Handle It)
Steam cleaning is effective for killing dust mites and bacteria, but not all mattresses are made for it — especially memory foam, which can retain too much moisture.
If your mattress care instructions allow it:
Use a handheld steam cleaner
Go slowly and use minimal moisture
Let the mattress dry completely before making the bed
Preventing Mattress Build-Up
Once your mattress is clean, here’s how to keep it that way:
Use a mattress protector: It acts as a barrier against sweat, dust, spills, and allergens.
Rotate or flip the mattress every 3–6 months to prevent uneven wear (unless it's a single-sided mattress).
Keep pets off the bed or use an extra washable cover.
Change and wash sheets weekly.
Avoid eating or drinking in bed to reduce spills and crumbs.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Even with regular cleaning, mattresses don’t last forever. Most need replacing every 7–10 years, depending on quality and usage. If yours has deep sagging, lumps, or it just doesn’t feel comfortable anymore, it might be time to move on.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your mattress might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it should be. It’s one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home — and one of the least cleaned.
By adding mattress maintenance to your seasonal or monthly cleaning routine, you’ll breathe easier, sleep better, and feel more confident in the Zoliks cleaning of your bedroom.
