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How to Clean Your Mattress for Better Sleep

Although it's easy to de-clutter your home and start eliminating that winter dust, some regular use items we never think about cleaning shouldn't be forgotten, especially mattresses!

One-third of the average human life is spent sleeping and that's a lot of time spent on your mattress! Sweat, dead skin cells, stains, and dust mites accumulate over time in your bed, so make sure that you clean your mattress! Don't know how? Don't worry! Denver Mattress is here to help with these simple solutions to getting your mattress back to feeling fresh and new.

1. Vacuum.

It might seem like common knowledge, but you'd be surprised at how much pet hair, dust, and sometimes dirt gets caught on the surface over time.

Vacuuming is a simple yet effective way to remove dirt, dust, and allergens from your mattress. After removing the mattress cover, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to cover the entire surface of the mattress. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and edges where debris tends to accumulate. For deeper cleaning, switch to the crevice attachment to reach hidden areas.

2. Spot clean.

Stains are inevitable, but treating them promptly can make a big difference. Depending on the type of stain you're dealing with, the cleaning product you use to spot clean your mattress will differ.

  • Fresh stains: Blot the area with a dry cloth first to absorb excess moisture. Avoid rubbing as this can push the stain deeper into the mattress fibers.
  • Sweat stains: Use a mixture of mild detergent and water applied with a spray bottle.
  • Blood stains: Always use cold water as it breaks down proteins more effectively than warm water. Combine cold water with mild dish soap or hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains.
  • Urine stains: A mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders for neutralizing odors while lifting stains.

Let cleaning solutions sit for about 15–20 minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, consider using an enzyme-based cleaner or steam cleaner if your mattress allows it.

3. Deodorize.

Mattresses can develop unpleasant odors over time due to sweat and other factors. But, you can get rid of most nasty odors with baking soda! Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors effectively:

  • Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the mattress surface and let it sit for several hours—ideally up to 24 hours for maximum odor absorption.
  • To enhance deodorizing power, mix baking soda with cornstarch or add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for a soothing scent.
  • Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly after deodorizing, and voila!.

4. Air it out.

Fresh air and sunlight are natural sanitizers that can help eliminate bacteria and odors from your mattress. If possible, move your mattress outdoors on a sunny day:

  • Let it sit in direct sunlight for several hours to kill bacteria and freshen up its scent.
  • If moving it outside isn’t feasible, open windows in your bedroom and place the mattress near natural light while keeping air circulation high

5. Protect your mattress with a cover.

A quality mattress cover is one of the best investments you can make to protect your bed from future dirt, stains, and allergens. Opt for waterproof covers if you want extra protection against spills or accidents. Wash your mattress cover regularly in the washing machine to ensure it stays clean and fresh.

For soft and durable options, Denver Mattress offers a range of high-quality covers that are easy to maintain.

6. Mattress Replacement

Even with regular cleaning, mattresses don’t last forever. Over time, they collect significant amounts of sweat (up to 53 gallons), dead skin (7 pounds), and dust mites (millions!)—which can compromise comfort and hygiene. If your mattress is sagging or uncomfortable after seven years of use, it’s time to replace it.

Additional Tips for Better Mattress Care

To keep your mattress in top condition:

  • Rotate or flip your mattress every three months (unless it’s one-sided) to prevent uneven wear.
  • Wash all bedding—including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets—at least once a week.
  • Dust and sanitize your bed frame regularly using multi-surface cleaners or enzyme-based stain removers if fabric-covered.

Sweet dreams!