Can Mattress Be Washed?
Let’s just cut the unnecessary talk and get straight to the question, can mattress be washed? In a word, NO, just not like throwing it into the washing machine kind of way. But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with a mattress that smells like a sweaty gym bag or looks like it lived through a chai tsunami. You can thoroughly clean a mattress and even remove stains, smells, and more. Let’s explore everything you need to know about washing your mattress.
Can Mattress Be Washed and When Do People Usually Decide to Clean It?
Your mattress is just one huge sponge for sweat, dead skin, dust mites, and spills. And unless you’re cleaning it, you’re sleeping on years of gross build-up, which is pretty much the opposite vibe you want. Now, let’s talk about how to deep clean a mattress without messing it up and we’re going to tell how to clean memory foam mattresses too.
How to Clean a Mattress: Step-by-Step Guide
Start By Removing Your Sheets and Pillowcases
The first step is to remove everything. Wash your sheets, your pillowcases, and your mattress protector, (if you’re smart and have one). Use hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria.
Use Vaccum Cleaner If You’ve Got One
Time to bring out the vacuum cleaner and get going. Employ an upholstery attachment and make sure to cover all the corners and edges as they require extra attention. This sucks up dust mites and loose scattered pieces of remains hanging around.
Stain Removal from Mattress
Stains can be a pain but they’re not impossible to handle. Here’s what works for common mattress disasters. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide (Oxygen water) and dish soap. Apply it gently on the stain let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes, and blot up with a clean cloth. If you’re dealing with urine stains, you can look out for an enzyme cleaner. You can easily get this on Daraz named “pet stain remover”. Spray it on the urine stains, let it sit, and blot it away. It also gets rid of smells.
Remove Smells From Your Mattress
Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress and allow it to sit at least for a few hours and overnight is even better. Then, vacuum it up, and your mattress will smell fresh again. This is a must if you want to get rid of mattress smells.
Optional: Steam Cleaning a Mattress
If you have a steam cleaner, now’s the time to use it. Steam can kill the bacteria, mites, and other nasties lurking in your mattress. Just make sure it dries completely before you put your sheets back on because nobody wants a damp bed.
The following table includes the methods and differences in tackling different mattress problems:
| Issue | Can Mattress Be Washed? | Best Cleaning Method | Key Considerations |
| Urine Stains | No | Enzyme cleaner (pet cleaner), blotting, and baking soda | Act quickly to prevent stains and odor from setting in. Avoid soaking the mattress. |
| Sweat Stains | No | Hydrogen peroxide (Oxygen water), baking soda, and a gentle scrub | Use a minimal amount of liquid and ensure the mattress dries completely to prevent mold. |
| Bed Bugs | No | Steam cleaning at high temperatures | Ensure steam penetrates deeply. Encasing the mattress afterward prevents reinfestation. |
| Dust Mites | No | Vacuuming | Regular vacuuming reduces dust mites. Use allergen-proof mattress covers for prevention. |
| Mold or Mildew | No | Rubbing alcohol and sunlight exposure | Mold often signals deeper issues with moisture; consider replacing the mattress if the infestation is severe. |
| Pet Accidents | No | Enzyme cleaner (pet cleaner), baking soda, and odor neutralizers | Clean immediately and follow up with deodorizing to remove lingering smells. |
| General Odors | No | Baking soda left overnight and vacuumed | Repeat if necessary. Regular airing out of the mattress helps prevent odor buildup. |
How to Wash Memory Foam Mattresses
If you’re wondering how to clean a memory foam mattress? You need to know a fact that foam and water don’t mix up. A wet memory foam mattress is a ruined mattress. Therefore, stick with the following rules instead of washing your memory foam mattress.
- Spot cleaning with a damp cloth.
- Vacuuming to remove dirt and dust.
- Deodorizing with baking soda.
- Keep yourself out of future headaches and just buy a waterproof mattress protector, It’s a game-changer.
How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?
Cleaning your mattress isn’t a one-time affair. You should vacuum your mattress every 2-3 months. Deodorize it with baking soda once a month. Clean it twice a year, mostly when you work with spills, stains, and pets.
Can You Dry Clean a Mattress?
No. Dry cleaning can compromise the materials within your mattress. Stick with the above methods because they are safer, and far more effective.
Quick Tips For Washing Your Mattress
- Cover a mattress for protection from stains and spills.
- Rotate your mattress every 3-6 months to prevent sagging and uneven wear.
- Keep food and drinks out of the bed. It’s easier said than done, but it helps!
Conclusion
Washing your mattress is not a smart option at all. You have a number of other turnarounds though to keep it clean, fresh, and stain-free. Follow these tips, and you will extend the life of your mattress while making sure it is not secretly the dirtiest thing in your house. Take good care of your mattress because you spend one-third of your life on it, keep it clean and comfortable for yourself and your family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can mattresses be washed to get rid of bed bugs?
A: No, you should not wash a mattress to remove bed bugs. Steam cleaning is very effective in sanitizing bed bugs and their eggs without soaking or compromising the mattress. Temperatures over 120°F will kill the infestation of bed bugs. Once steam cleaning has been done use a bug proof cover to avoid reinfestation. The bedding must be washed in hot water and fully heat-dried.
Q: Can mattress be washed if it has mold or water damage?
A: No, you should never wash a mattress especially if it has mold or water damage. Too much water would make things worse by soaking into the materials more deeply and encouraging mold to grow even more aggressively. Instead, spot-clean the affected area with a mixture of alcohol and water. Place the mattress in the sunlight for a few hours afterward and you will be good to go.
Q: Can mattress be washed if a child wets it?
A: No, never wash a mattress. There are turnarounds to deal with bed-wetting. Rub the wetness immediately with a clean towel, soaking up as much of the liquid as you possibly can. Use pet cleaners also known as enzyme-based cleaners as they help remove the odor of the urine. Make sure that you let it settle for 10-15 minutes and then blot any excess liquid. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit overnight to fully absorb any remaining moisture and odors and you will be good to go!
