How to Clean Your Mattress

Whether you just invested in a new mattress or want to refresh an old one, it’s a good idea to learn how to clean your mattress so it will be fresh and tidy for years to come. And while it might feel a little overwhelming to clean something so big (after all, you can’t just throw it in the washer), cleaning a mattress is much simpler than it looks.

The Pre-Clean Routine

No matter how you’ve taken care of your mattress in the past, following these three maintenance tips going forward will completely change how you clean your mattress.

1. Get a mattress protector. A good mattress protector will save your mattress from dust, sweat, stains, and more. And with an average cost of around $25 to $40, they’re a no-brainer. We’re big fans of encasement styles for the most protection1.
2. Keep it on. Many people purchase a mattress protector but don’t keep it on consistently. The problem? They have a reputation for being uncomfortable to sleep on. The secret is buying a protector that is vinyl-free and made with breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
3. Clean spills immediately. We get it. After a nighttime accident, the last thing you want to do is cleaning duty. But without immediate attention, stains can sink in, set, and make it much more difficult to clean later. The good news is it’s relatively easy to clean up fresh spills. Just blot with a soft, damp cloth and some mild detergent, then allow it to air dry at room temperature.

A Deeper Clean

It’s time to give your mattress a little R&R—revitalize and refresh, that is. In addition to following the everyday cleaning tips we shared above, give your mattress the R&R treatment every few months to keep it fresh and clean.

1. Air it out. Strip all the linens from your bed2 to get it ready for a deeper cleaning. If you can, open a window and move your mattress into direct sunlight.

   Pro Tip: Sunlight is a powerful disinfectant, naturally removing odors and killing germs.

2. Spot clean. Grab a spare toothbrush and mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Dab your toothbrush into the mixture and lightly scrub until the stain lifts. Blot dry with a soft cloth.
3. Vacuum. Go from top to bottom to remove any loose dust and dirt that may have found its way under your protector.
4. Sprinkle with baking soda. It’s time to deodorize. Using a flour sifter or mesh sieve, scatter a light layer of baking soda over the top of your mattress. Let it sit for at least one hour (preferably two to three).
5. Vacuum again. Remove the layer of baking soda with your vacuum. If your mattress has a quilted or tufted design, be sure to thoroughly suction each dimpled area.
6. Do the other side. If you follow these steps regularly (and have a mattress protector), you can coordinate deep cleaning one side of your mattress at a time.

Using Cleaners

Depending on the stain, you may want to adapt your stain remover. Whatever cleaner you decide to go with, use sparingly and test a small area before using extensively3. You can purchase a pre-made stain remover from a store, or you can try making your own with our suggestions below.

We hope this information helped you feel more confident cleaning your mattress. Taking time to regularly care for your mattress will help you sleep better for years to come.

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1. When washing your Lucid mattress protector, do not dry it on high heat, as it can melt the waterproof barrier and compromise protection.
2. Never remove the zippered cover encasing your mattress.
3. Spot testing is recommended before use. Lucid is not responsible for damage resulting from application. Use at your own discretion.