How to Clean a Mattress — Remove Stains Safely | Simply Maid

You change the sheets every week, flip the pillows, and make the bed look presentable — but when was the last time you actually cleaned the mattress underneath? For most of us, it's a classic case of "out of sight, out of mind." And if you're a parent dealing with bedwetting accidents at 3am, mysterious spills, or stains you'd rather not identify, the thought of tackling it can feel genuinely overwhelming.

**Quick Answer:** To clean a mattress, strip the bedding, vacuum thoroughly with an upholstery attachment, sprinkle bicarb soda and leave for at least two hours to absorb odours, then vacuum again. For stains, treat them individually — cold water and hydrogen peroxide for blood, an enzyme-based approach for urine, and diluted ammonia for stubborn bodily fluids. Always work with as little moisture as possible to prevent mould.

Why Your Mattress Needs More Than Fresh Sheets

Here's a fact that might make you pause: you spend roughly a third of your life on your mattress, shedding dead skin cells, sweating, and creating the perfect environment for dust mites. According to [Healthdirect Australia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites), dust mites are most common in bedrooms — especially in pillows and mattresses — and their droppings can trigger allergic dermatitis, rhinitis, and asthma symptoms.

The [National Asthma Council Australia](https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma) puts it simply: "The greatest exposure to dust mites is from your bed." Regular mattress cleaning helps reduce these allergens, improving sleep quality and breathing — particularly for children and anyone with allergies or asthma.

It's worth knowing that dust mites are different from bed bugs. Dust mites are microscopic, feed on dead skin, and trigger allergies. Bed bugs are visible, bite for blood, and cause itchy welts — but don't trigger respiratory problems. If you're dealing with bed bugs, that's a pest control issue, not a cleaning one. For [more on why regular mattress care matters](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/why-its-important-to-have-your-mattress-cleaned), we've written a detailed guide.

A deep clean every six months, combined with spot-cleaning stains as they happen, keeps your mattress hygienic without the task becoming overwhelming.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these common household supplies. You'll find everything at Coles, Woolworths, or Bunnings:

**Vacuum cleaner** with upholstery brush attachment
**Bicarb soda** (also called baking soda)
**White distilled vinegar**
**Hydrogen peroxide** (3% — the standard household strength from the chemist)
**Liquid dish soap**
**Salt**
**Clean white cloths or microfibre towels**
**Spray bottle**
**Soft-bristled scrub brush**

**Tip:** Set aside a full day for a deep clean. Your mattress needs time to dry completely before you put the sheets back on — rushing this step can trap moisture and encourage mould growth.

How to Deep Clean a Mattress in 6 Steps

Step 1: Strip everything and vacuum

Remove all bedding, mattress protectors, and pillows. Wash them in water hotter than 60°C — the [National Asthma Council Australia](https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma) confirms this temperature kills dust mites and washes away their allergens.

Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress — top, sides, and bottom. Pay special attention to seams, creases, and tufted areas where dust, skin cells, and allergens collect. Take your time here. Any debris left on the surface will get worked deeper into the fabric during cleaning.

Step 2: Deodorise with bicarb soda

Sprinkle a generous, even layer of bicarb soda across the top of the mattress. Work it gently into the fabric with your hands or a soft-bristled brush. Leave it for at least two hours — overnight is even better.

Bicarb soda works by absorbing moisture trapped in the fabric and neutralising acidic odour compounds from sweat and body oils. The longer it sits, the more effective it becomes.

If you can move the mattress into direct sunlight, even better. Research from the [Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8006313/) found that four hours of direct sunlight killed all dust mites and their eggs. Just note that sunlight eliminates the mites themselves but not their allergenic droppings — you'll still need to vacuum those away.

**⚠️ Safety note:** Some mattress manufacturers, including [Sealy Australia](https://www.sealy.com.au/sleep-hub/how-to-clean-a-mattress/), warn that prolonged direct sunlight can fade mattress fabric. A few hours is beneficial, but don't leave it out all day.

Step 3: Vacuum again

This is where you remove all the moisture and odours the bicarb soda has absorbed. Press the upholstery attachment firmly against the fabric and work in slow, straight lines from top to bottom. Overlap each pass slightly to ensure you pick up every grain.

Step 4: Spot-treat any stains

Before cleaning the full surface, address visible stains using the methods in the stain removal section below. Spot-treating first prevents stains from spreading during the general clean.

Step 5: Lightly clean the surface

Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Set the nozzle to a fine mist and lightly spritz the mattress surface — damp, not wet. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub in circular motions to lift surface grime.

Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then blot dry with a towel.

**Important:** Keep moisture to an absolute minimum. Over-saturating a mattress can lead to mould and mildew growth inside the foam or padding, which creates its own health problems.

Step 6: Dry thoroughly

Stand the mattress on its side so both the top and bottom can air out at the same time. Keep the room well-ventilated — open windows, run ceiling fans, or point a portable fan at the mattress.

Allow several hours for drying. If you've only cleaned the top, leave it face-up under a ceiling fan. In humid Australian cities like Sydney or Brisbane, this may take longer — don't rush it. A fully dry mattress is essential before remaking the bed.

How to Remove Common Mattress Stains

You might have tried scrubbing at stains with whatever was handy — a wet wipe, some spray-and-wipe, or a damp cloth with dish soap. These quick fixes often push the stain deeper into the fabric or spread it further. Here's what actually works for each type.

Blood stains

**Always use cold water.** Hot water sets blood proteins into fabric, making the stain nearly impossible to remove.

Mix 1 tablespoon each of **salt** and **liquid dish soap** with enough **hydrogen peroxide (3%)** to form a paste. Adjust the consistency — not too thick, not too runny.
Apply the paste directly to the stain with your fingers. Leave it for 15 minutes or until it begins to harden.
Scrape the dried paste away gently with a spoon.
If the stain remains, dip a clean white cloth in hydrogen peroxide and dab repeatedly until the stain lifts. Rotate the cloth as it picks up colour.

**⚠️ Safety note:** Hydrogen peroxide can lighten coloured fabrics. Always test on a hidden area of the mattress first. — [CHOICE Australia](https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/bedroom/mattresses/articles/how-to-clean-a-mattress)

Urine stains

If you have young kids or pets, this one's probably all too familiar. The key is to act quickly and address both the stain and the odour.

**Blot up as much liquid as possible** with paper towels or old towels. Press firmly — don't rub.
Combine 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%), 3 tablespoons bicarb soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap. Mix well.
Dampen a clean white cloth with the mixture and dab over the affected area. Don't soak the mattress — it's already wet enough.
Allow the area to dry, then assess how much stain remains.
For stubborn marks, whisk 3 tablespoons powdered laundry detergent into 1 cup of water until foamy. Spread the foam over the stain and leave for 30 minutes.
Remove with a damp or dry cloth, then wipe the area with a cloth dampened in hydrogen peroxide.
Allow to air dry completely. Vacuum up any residue.

For persistent urine odour that lingers after the stain is gone, sprinkle a thick layer of bicarb soda over the area and leave it overnight before vacuuming. An enzyme-based cleaner from the pet aisle at Coles or Woolworths can also help — it breaks down the uric acid crystals that cause the lingering smell.

Stubborn bodily fluid stains

For tougher stains that haven't responded to the methods above, diluted household ammonia can be effective.

**⚠️ Safety note:** Never mix ammonia with bleach or bleach-based cleaners — this produces toxic chloramine gas that can cause serious respiratory harm. If you've already used hydrogen peroxide on the same area, rinse and dry it completely before using ammonia. Work in a well-ventilated room with windows open, and wear gloves and eye protection. — [Washington State Department of Health](https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/chloramines)

Clear the area of any debris.
Lightly spray the stain with a solution of ¼ cup household ammonia diluted in 1 cup of cold water. Don't soak.
Wait 10 minutes, then dab with a clean white cloth dampened in cold water. The stain should begin transferring onto the cloth.
Wipe with a damp towel and assess. If the stain remains, let the area dry fully and repeat.
Sprinkle bicarb soda over the area and leave for a couple of hours to absorb residual moisture and odour.
Vacuum thoroughly.

Tips to Keep Your Mattress Clean Longer

Prevention saves you from spending a whole day on deep cleaning. These simple habits make a real difference:

**Use a waterproof mattress protector** — especially if you have young children. Look for breathable options from Australian brands like Protect-A-Bed or Conni. A good protector is the single best investment for mattress longevity.
**Wash your mattress protector** every time you [wash your pillows and sheets](/cleaning-101/bedroom-living/how-to-wash-pillows-by-hand-or-in-a-washing-machine), or immediately after any spill.
**Rotate your mattress** every three to six months (head to foot, 180 degrees). Most modern mattresses are single-sided — [Sealy Australia advises against flipping them](https://www.sealy.com.au/sleep-hub/how-to-clean-a-mattress/), as it puts the structural base on top. Check your manufacturer's label.
**Vacuum your mattress** when you change the sheets — even a quick once-over reduces dust mite buildup.
**Keep a fitted sheet on at all times** as a barrier against dust and allergens.
**Act fast on spills** — fresh stains are always easier to remove than ones that have set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should you clean a mattress?

A deep clean every six months is a good baseline, according to [CHOICE Australia](https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/bedroom/mattresses/articles/how-to-clean-a-mattress) and the [Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-clean-a-mattress). Between deep cleans, vacuum your mattress when you change the sheets and spot-treat stains as soon as they happen.

Q: Can you clean a memory foam mattress the same way?

Memory foam absorbs more liquid than spring mattresses, so you need to be extra careful with moisture. Skip the spray-and-scrub step and focus on vacuuming and bicarb soda for general cleaning. For stains, use minimal liquid and blot rather than rub. Memory foam takes much longer to dry, so allow extra time before remaking the bed.

Q: How do you get the urine smell out of a mattress after cleaning?

If the stain is gone but the odour lingers, bicarb soda is your best option. Sprinkle a thick layer over the area, leave it overnight (8–12 hours), and vacuum thoroughly in the morning. For persistent smells, an enzyme-based cleaner breaks down the uric acid crystals that cause the odour — you'll find these in the pet aisle at most supermarkets.

Q: Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on a mattress?

Standard household hydrogen peroxide (3%) is generally safe for mattress use. However, it can lighten coloured fabrics, so always test on a hidden area first. Use it sparingly and blot rather than pour. Keep it away from your eyes and wash your hands after use.

Q: Should you flip or rotate your mattress?

Most modern mattresses are one-sided and should be **rotated** (turned 180 degrees, head to foot) every three to six months — not flipped. Flipping a one-sided mattress puts the comfort layers on the wrong side. Check your mattress label or manufacturer's website for specific instructions.

Sources & References

**Healthdirect Australia** (Australian Government) — [Dust Mites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dust-mites). Referenced for dust mite allergy health effects including dermatitis, rhinitis, and asthma symptoms.
**National Asthma Council Australia** — [Dust Mites Trigger My Asthma](https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/dust-mites-trigger-my-asthma). Referenced for dust mite exposure data and 60°C washing temperature recommendation.
**Tovey & Woolcock**, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney — [Direct Sunlight and Dust Mites](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8006313/). Cited for research finding that four hours of direct sunlight kills all mites and eggs (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1994).
**CHOICE Australia** — [How to Clean and Care for Your Mattress](https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/bedroom/mattresses/articles/how-to-clean-a-mattress). Referenced for hydrogen peroxide fabric testing recommendation and twice-yearly cleaning schedule.
**Sealy Australia** — [How to Clean a Mattress](https://www.sealy.com.au/sleep-hub/how-to-clean-a-mattress/). Cited for single-sided mattress rotation advice and sunlight fading warning.
**Sleep Foundation** (reviewed by Lauren Fountain, Certified Sleep Science Coach) — [How to Clean a Mattress](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-clean-a-mattress). Referenced for six-monthly cleaning schedule and enzyme cleaner recommendation.
**Washington State Department of Health** — [Chloramines](https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/chloramines). Cited for ammonia and bleach mixing safety warning.

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How to Clean a Mattress and Remove Every Type of Stain