How to Clean a Mattress and Remove Stains

We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, yet mattress cleaning is something most people never think about. Over time, mattresses accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, dust mites, and allergens. The average mattress can double in weight over ten years from accumulated debris — and that buildup affects both your sleep quality and your health.

The good news is that cleaning a mattress is straightforward, requires no special equipment, and makes a noticeable difference in both freshness and comfort. This guide walks you through everything from routine maintenance to tackling stubborn stains.

What You Need

Most mattress cleaning uses products you already have at home:

• Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• Baking soda (a full box for a queen or king mattress)
• Dish soap (Dawn or similar)
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Spray bottle
• Clean white cloths or towels
• Enzyme-based cleaner (for biological stains)
• Cold water

Step-by-Step Mattress Deep Cleaning

Step 1: Strip the Bed

Remove all bedding — sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, and mattress pad. Wash everything in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria. If your pillows are washable, throw those in too.

Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly

Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress surface. Go over it in overlapping strokes. Pay special attention to seams, edges, and crevices where dust mites, dead skin, and debris collect. Vacuum the sides and the other side of the mattress too.

Step 3: Spot-Treat Stains

Before deodorizing, treat any visible stains (see the stain removal section below for specific stain types). Always treat stains with as little moisture as possible — blot, do not scrub, and never pour liquid directly onto the mattress.

Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. For extra freshness, you can mix 5 to 10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil into the baking soda before applying. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes — several hours is better if you have the time. The baking soda absorbs moisture, odors, and body oils.

Step 5: Vacuum Again

Vacuum up all the baking soda thoroughly. Make sure to get it all — any residue left behind can feel gritty.

Step 6: Flip or Rotate

If your mattress is double-sided, flip it and repeat the process. If it is one-sided (most modern mattresses are), rotate it 180 degrees so the head end is now at the foot. This distributes wear evenly.

Step 7: Let It Air Out

If possible, open windows and let the mattress air out for a few hours before remaking the bed. Fresh air and sunlight (indirect is fine) are natural deodorizers and help kill bacteria.

Removing Specific Stains

Blood Stains

Always use cold water — hot water sets blood proteins permanently.

1. Blot up as much fresh blood as possible with a cold, damp cloth.
2. Apply hydrogen peroxide (3%) directly to the stain. It will fizz — that is normal.
3. Blot with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain lifts.
4. For dried blood, make a paste of meat tenderizer (unseasoned) and cold water. Apply, let sit 30 minutes, then blot away.

Urine Stains

For fresh urine:

1. Blot up as much liquid as possible immediately.
2. Spray with an enzyme-based cleaner (Nature's Miracle, Rocco and Roxie, or similar). Enzyme cleaners break down the uric acid that causes lasting odor.
3. Blot, do not rub.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours.
5. Vacuum thoroughly.

For old or dried urine stains, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of baking soda and a drop of dish soap. Spray lightly on the stain, let sit for an hour, then blot and vacuum.

Sweat and Yellowing

Sweat stains are the most common mattress discoloration. Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide, two tablespoons of baking soda, and one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the yellowed area lightly. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.

General or Unknown Stains

Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of cold water. Apply sparingly with a cloth, blot, and repeat. Follow with a clean water blot to remove soap residue.

Dealing with Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in mattresses because they feed on dead skin cells and prefer warm, humid environments. You cannot eliminate them entirely, but you can manage them:

• Vacuum monthly — the single most effective dust mite reduction method.
• Use allergen-proof mattress encasements — these zip around the entire mattress and block mites.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130 degrees F).
• Keep humidity below 50% — dust mites need humidity to survive. In Oregon's damp climate, a dehumidifier in the bedroom can help.
• Baking soda treatments help by absorbing the moisture that mites need.

Mattress Maintenance Schedule

Preventing Future Stains

• Use a waterproof mattress protector — this is the single best investment for mattress longevity. A good protector blocks liquids, allergens, and dust mites while remaining breathable.
• No eating or drinking in bed — the easiest stain prevention of all.
• Shower before bed — reduces the amount of body oil, sweat, and dead skin transferred to bedding.
• Keep pets off the bed or use a dedicated pet blanket on top of the bedding.

Sleep Better on a Clean Mattress

A clean mattress directly impacts your sleep quality and health. The routine is simple: vacuum monthly, deodorize quarterly, deep clean twice a year, and protect with a good cover. You will sleep better knowing your mattress is fresh.

When it is time for a whole-home deep clean, Otesse can handle every room from top to bottom — including the often-forgotten details like mattress surfaces and upholstery. Get a free quote today.