A clean mattress supports healthier sleep and a longer mattress life. Here's how to do it right.
How Do I Clean My Mattress?
Mattresses collect more than dreams. Think sweat, skin cells, dust mites, and the occasional spill. Over time, it all builds up.
Regular cleaning helps keep your sleep space fresh, your air cleaner, and your mattress in better shape for the long haul. Whether you're tackling spring cleaning or responding to a sudden mess, here’s your no-fuss, 2025-approved guide on how to clean a mattress.
Remove Bedding
Strip everything — sheets, protectors, pillow covers. Work layer by layer and treat any visible stains before tossing items in the wash. A gentle yet effective stain remover, like Lively’s Laundry Stain Remover, can help lift stains and freshen up fabrics without harsh chemicals.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Even with sheets, mattresses collect dust, dead skin, and allergens. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and take your time, especially around the seams. That’s where dirt likes to hide.
Identify Any Stains and Grab Your Supplies
Sweaty nights, muddy paws, skincare transfers — your mattress sees it all. And different stains call for different solutions:
-
Protein-based stains (like sweat or blood) bond to fabric fibers and break down best with enzymatic cleaners.
-
Oil-based stains (like body oils or lotions) need degreasers to cut through the residue.
-
Other stains (like urine, mold, or mystery marks) often require antimicrobial and odor-neutralizing action.
The right cleaner matters. Lively's probiotic-powered cleaners are designed to tackle all three safely and effectively, without harsh ingredients. One product. Fewer worries.
Spot Clean Only
Tempting as it may be to spritz down the whole mattress, resist. Focus on the areas that need it and use a minimal amount of solution to avoid soaking the surface.
Pro tip: You can always go back and add more if needed. Too much moisture is tough to remove and ups your risk of mold.
Dry Completely
Lingering moisture is a no-go. Make sure your mattress is fully dry before putting bedding back on. Fans, sunshine, or a dehumidifier can help speed things along.
Neutralize Odors
Even if the surface of your mattress looks clean, years of use can leave behind odors.
Many people reach for baking soda, but it’s not great for your vacuum. Lively’s probiotic formula offers a smarter alternative: it breaks down odor-causing bacteria on a microscopic level, so your mattress doesn’t just smell cleaner — it actually is.
Cover Up Wisely
Now that your mattress is fresh and clean, protect it. A breathable, waterproof mattress protector helps lock in your hard work and keep future messes out.
How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?
Let’s be honest: mattress cleaning doesn’t always top the to-do list. But building it into your routine can make a big difference.
-
Vacuum when you change your sheets (every 1–2 weeks).
-
Deep clean 2x a year.
-
Rotate every 3–6 months to reduce wear and keep it comfy.
Spill something? Do your future self a favor and clean it ASAP. This can save you hours of hard work later.
When Should I Throw Out My Mattress?
If you’re waking up stiff or spot visible mold, it’s time to let your mattress go. Mold can’t be cleaned out, it needs to be cut loose.
Suspect pests like bed bugs? Seal the mattress in a plastic bag or bug-proof encasement right away, then dispose of it. Infestations are tough to treat and best handled by pros.
Mattress Cleaning Watch-outs
Not all cleaners or cleaning methods are mattress-safe. Here’s what to avoid:
-
Skip the bleach and peroxide. They can break down memory foam and latex.
-
No steam cleaning. Too much heat and moisture lead to trapped humidity.
-
Less is more. Don’t drench the whole thing. Stick to spot cleaning.
Sleep Cleaner in 2025
A little care goes a long way toward a fresher mattress, cleaner air, and better sleep.
Regular vacuuming, spot-cleaning, and proactive protection help your mattress stay in top shape for years. And if you're looking for something gentler and more effective, you’re in the right place.
Lively’s probiotic cleaners act like a tiny cleaning crew that keeps working, breaking down odor and grime up to three days after drying.
Sources
Stain Removal Guide, American Cleaning Institute