How to clean a mattress

Start by stripping all bedding and vacuuming the entire mattress surface with an upholstery attachment. This removes dust, dead skin cells, and dust mites — the biggest allergen concern. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where debris collects.

For sweat stains and general yellowing, the best DIY solution is a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a drop of dish soap. Stir until it forms a paste, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth and blot dry. The Sleep Foundation confirms that hydrogen peroxide breaks down the organic compounds in sweat and body oils that cause yellow discoloration.

For fresh spills, blot immediately with a clean towel — never rub, which pushes the liquid deeper into the padding. For urine, the same hydrogen peroxide treatment works, but add an extra sprinkle of baking soda on top and let it sit overnight before vacuuming.

Let the mattress air dry fully before putting sheets back on. Open a window, run a fan, or let it dry for several hours. Trapped moisture is the main cause of mold and mildew in mattresses. A mattress protector is worth the investment once you’re done: it stops sweat, spills, and dust mites from reaching the mattress in the first place.

A reliable mattress cleaner is a small investment that makes this easier: mattress cleaner.