How To Clean And Deodorize A Mattress

Have you started noticing a musty smell coming from your mattress? Chances are it's due for a spring cleaning. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping— during that time, sweat, dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens pile up on our beds, creating a bad odor. This build-up can also affect our breathing and may irritate allergies.

Adding a mattress pad and a mattress protector can help extend the life of your bed, but when that isn't enough to keep out smells, you can neutralize your mattress using a variety of methods.

We've researched dozens of ways to deodorize a mattress, and came up with our top favorites.

How to Deodorize Your Mattress

Before trying one of the following methods, always vacuum your mattress first. This will remove a large portion of any allergen or dust buildup. Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum all around the mattress, paying close attention to seams and crevices where dust mites, dead skin, and dirt can accumulate.

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Also, if you're using any form of liquid to clean your mattress, use as little as possible. Liquid may damage the inner materials of a mattress, and if not allowed to air dry, it will create a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Water and Distilled Vinegar

A water and vinegar solution is a great natural cleaner to use in place of chemical mattress cleaners. Mix equal parts water and distilled vinegar in a spray bottle, then lightly spray the surface of the mattress until damp, but not saturated. Air dry completely before flipping over to spray the other side. Make sure mattress is dry before use to avoid mildew and mold growth.

Baking Soda

Deodorize Your Mattress

Baking soda works wonderfully to neutralize odors, even in a mattress. Using a mesh sifter, evenly distribute baking soda over the surface of the mattress— use as much as you need. Let it set for 30 minutes, although the longer it sets, the better. You can leave it up to 24 hours.

While it sets, try to expose the bed to natural sunlight— the sun helps to further deodorize your mattress by absorbing any moisture. After the allotted time, use the upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda.

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Essential Oils

essential oils

Measure out some baking soda and mix it with 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil, then sift over the mattress. We recommend peppermint, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

After vacuuming the mattress, combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the mattress surface until damp, air dry, then flip over to do the other side. After the bed is completely dry, cover the surface with a thin coat of baking soda and let it set overnight. The next day, vacuum the mattress with the upholstery attachment, then repeat the baking soda process on the other side.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a good way to remove fresh stains. Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain, then sprinkle that with a few drops of water. Wait 5 minutes before removing the cornstarch and blot the spot with a paper towel.

Cornstarch and Baking Soda

To deodorize, sprinkle both cornstarch and baking soda over the entire mattress. Cornstarch absorbs body oils, while baking soda removes odors. Let it set for a day before vacuuming with the upholstery attachment.

Other Cleaning Methods

While we can't rip open our beds to remove and clean the inner materials, there are other methods to keep your mattress clean, and even expand its lifespan. The following are a few of our favorite, eco-friendly cleaning methods.

Spot Clean and Stain Removal

spot clean a mattress

Liquids are the most common cause of stains. It's best to take care of a stain as soon as possible— the longer it stays, the more it sets in. Blot the stain with a microfiber cloth and cold water. Avoid warm or hot water to prevent setting the stain. Blot out remaining moisture with a dry cloth, using a pressing motion to lift the stain out. Avoid circular motions that can further set the stain.

Create a paste using equal parts salt, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Rub the paste into the stained area and leave for 30 minutes. Brush the paste off, then remove residue with a cold, wet cloth. Let air dry.

For extra stubborn stains, try this DIY stain remover: mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap. Apply the solution to the stained area and gently brush with a toothbrush. Leave for 5 minutes, then wipe the area with a cool, damp cloth.

Clean Your Mattress Regularly

The best way to prevent odor from building up in your mattress is by keeping it clean. Vacuum the surface and sides every 6 months to remove dust and dead skin cells. Spot clean any stains you find and clean your bedding regularly. It may help to extend the life of your mattress.

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Wash Bedding Regularly

Bedding helps keep your mattress fresh. However, sweat, dead skin, and dirt transfers from our bodies onto our bedding. If we don't regularly clean our bedding, this debris can build up and create a worse problem. To avoid this, wash your bed sheets every 1 to 2 weeks and follow the care instructions for blankets, duvets, and comforters.

For a deeper clean, wash the bedsheets on the highest allowable temperature setting, then tumble dry for at least 30 minutes. This will kill dust mites and other bacteria that may be lurking in your bedding.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can only be removed on the surface of a mattress, not in deeper sections of the bed. Even professional deep cleaning can't remove mold and mildew once it's infiltrated the inner layers of your bed. Cleaning may reduce the speed of growth, but it won't stop it. The best solution is to replace the mattress. Don't risk your health if you suspect some type of mold or mildew growth inside your mattress.

Do You Need to Clean Your Box Springs?

Box springs are an extension of your mattress and should be cleaned every 3 months. Box springs, like mattresses, can acquire dust mites and bed bugs if not properly maintained.

To clean a box spring, remove the mattress and vacuum the entire surface with the upholstery attachment. Then lift the box spring and prop it against a wall, allowing any loose dust to fall to the bottom. Vacuum the floor around that area. Spot clean any stains on the box spring before allowing it to air dry.

Always Use a Mattress Protector

The best way to protect your mattress is by using a high-quality mattress protector. It's a cheap, easy to apply method that's worked for years. Waterproof mattress protectors prevent liquids and stains from reaching the mattress. Plus, buying and maintaining a mattress protector is easier and less expensive than replacing a mattress. Mattress protectors can even extend the life of your mattress.

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Is Your Mattress Clean?

Regularly cleaning and deodorizing your mattress is key to keeping your sleeping space hygienic and giving you a better night's sleep. Not only will you extend the life of your current mattress and save yourself some money, but you'll also improve your health by removing pesky allergens and other bacteria. Now that you know how to deodorize your mattress, check out how you can get rid of bed bugs.

Harrison Wall is Sleep Junkie's business strategist and sleep analyst. He also authors posts on bedding and mattress accessories. Harrison regularly coordinates with new mattress companies and tests their products to determine what really helps you get better rest and have brighter mornings.