Updated : February 18, 2025
Published : February 17, 2025
Buying Guides
0 likes
33 views
Tags: beds

Why Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Your mattress plays a vital role in the quality of your sleep, and by keeping it clean, you can ensure that your nights are spent feeling clean and healthy.

Without you knowing it, every night, your body sheds millions of skin cells, which settle into the fabric along with sweat and dust, combining over time to create an unhygienic environment if it is not cleaned when it should be. If given the opportunity, a warm, humid mattress can become the perfect place for bacteria and dust mites to develop, leading to allergies, congestion, and even sleepless nights. If you’ve ever woken up feeling stuffy or itchy, your mattress might be causing this.

A typical mattress that is not cleaned as it should be can collect thousands of dust mites and a surprising amount of sweat over time.

The average person loses around 200 millilitres of moisture every night, and without proper cleaning, this can lead to musty smells and an enjoyable place to sleep. By keeping up a regular cleaning routine for your mattress, you can ensure that there are no built-up allergens, can keep the fabric fresh, and in turn extend the life of your mattress.

A mattress that is looked after can last up to ten years, while one that is never cleaned might start to feel uncomfortable much sooner than this, giving you more reason to look after your mattress. Like anything, it will look after you if you look after it.

So with that in mind, we've put together a step by step guide to help you with the process of cleaning your mattress, so you can enjoy a great night's sleep, night after night.

Step 1: Strip the Bed and Wash Your Bedding

Start by removing everything from the mattress, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. These collect sweat, skin cells, and dust, so regular washing is essential. Wash them at the warmest temperature recommended on the care label to effectively remove bacteria and allergens.

Washing at 60°C is ideal for killing dust mites, but if your bedding requires a more fabulous wash, use a detergent with antibacterial properties. Dry everything thoroughly before putting it back on the bed to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to musty smells and bacteria growth.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Mattresses collect dust, dead skin, and allergens over time, so a thorough vacuuming helps keep them fresh.

We recommend using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and going over the entire surface, paying extra attention to seams, edges, and any tufted areas where debris tends to settle.

Move the vacuum slowly to lift as much dust as possible. If you have allergies, doing this once a month can help reduce reactions by removing the tiny particles that trigger sneezing or congestion.

Step 3: Spot Clean Any Stains

Stains happen, whether from sweat, a spill, or everyday use. The key is to clean them up as soon as possible, so they don’t set into the fabric and leave a stain.

It is important to check for any marks, and if there are marks, prepare a gentle cleaning solution. A mix of mild detergent and warm water works perfectly for most stains, whilst baking soda and water can help lift deeper spots.

Dab the stain with a clean cloth, using small, gentle motions. Scrubbing too hard can push the stain deeper into the mattress, making it harder to remove. Once the stain starts to lift, blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb any moisture, then let it air dry completely before putting the bedding back on.

Step 4: Deodorise with Baking Soda

Over time, mattresses trap moisture and can potentially begin to smell, which does not set the foundation for fantastic sleep.

We have found that when used correctly, baking soda is a simple way to lift lingering odours and absorb excess moisture from your mattress.

In order to do this, lightly sprinkle a thin, even layer over the entire surface and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have enough time, leaving it for an hour or two will produce even better results.

Once the baking soda has had time to work its magic, vacuum the mattress thoroughly, making sure to remove all the powder. This helps freshen up the fabric and leaves the bed feeling squeaky clean. For an another added touch, adding a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it on can leave a light and natural scent.

Step 5: Flip or Rotate the Mattress (If Needed)

Not all mattresses need flipping, but most will benefit from regular rotation. This helps prevent uneven wear, keeps the surface feeling comfortable, and extends the lifespan of the mattress.

Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions to see what’s recommended for your mattress. If it’s double-sided, flipping it every six months helps distribute pressure evenly across both sides. If it’s one-sided, flipping isn’t necessary, but rotating it 180 degrees from head to toe every three to six months helps reduce body impressions and keeps it feeling supportive.

Rotating regularly is especially important if you sleep in the same position every night or share the bed with a partner, as certain areas of the mattress can wear down faster than others. If you’re not sure when you last rotated or flipped your mattress, setting a reminder on your phone or marking it on a calendar makes it easier to remember when to do it next. Small and clever habits like this keep your mattress in better shape and help you to get the best very best sleep possible.

Step 6: Let the Mattress Air Out

Over time with regular use, mattresses hold onto moisture from sweat and humidity, even if it isn’t visibly obvious at first.

A good way of negating this is to let the mattress breathe, as this can help to release any trapped dampness and keeps it looking and feeling super fresh. Once you’ve finished vacuuming and deodorising, it is recommended to leave the bed uncovered for at least a couple of hours.

If you can, it is a good idea to open a window to improve airflow around your bedroom and your mattress. Fresh air helps remove any lingering odours and prevents moisture from building up inside the fabric. What’s more, sunlight can also help, as it naturally kills bacteria and dust mites. If moving your mattress into direct sunlight isn’t an option, just letting fresh air circulate through the room will still make a difference.

This simple step helps keep your mattress fresh and dry, making your bed a more comfortable place to sleep. Doing this every time you deep clean your mattress adds an extra layer of care that helps it to last longer.

Keep Your Bed Feeling Fresh and Comfortable

A clean mattress makes all the difference. It helps you sleep better, keeps allergens away, and makes your bed feel fresher every night. Taking a little time to vacuum, tackle stains, and freshen it up with baking soda can really help keep dust and bacteria from building up, so your mattress stays looking fantastic for so much longer. Plus, flipping or rotating it now and then keeps it comfortable, so you’re not stuck sleeping in the same worn-in spot every night.

If your mattress still isn’t giving you the comfort you need, it might be time for something new. Explore Magna Beds’ mattresses and find one that helps you sleep better every night.