How to clean a mattress in five easy steps for under £5

Follow our five easy steps to clean your mattress and freshen it up, too. Always remember to check the manufacturer's care guide for your mattress before cleaning, and open your bedroom windows to improve bedroom ventilation.

Complete these five steps in just 40 minutes, with 1 hour waiting time, spending only £4.78 to clean your mattress properly.

Step 1: Remove your bedding and wash it

Time: 10 minutes

Cost: £1.80 for 1 litre bottle of detergent

Start by taking your sheets, pillows and duvet off the bed. Put them on a hot wash (but check the label first!). We recommend washing over 60°C as this will help kill any germs and dust mites. Tumble-dry your bedding on a high heat if you can.

If you have a mattress topper, you should remove this and clean it as well.

Step 2: Vacuum your mattress and bed

Time: 10 minutes

Cost: Free

Now that your mattress is bare, you can begin vacuuming it. Make sure the vacuum cleaner attachments are clean. Use the brush or upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, if you have one.

Carefully vacuum your mattress and bed in small sections, paying particular attention to seams, corners and crevices where dust can build up. Take care not to damage the cover or dislodge the mattress fillings. Remember to vacuum underneath your bed and down the sides if your bed is pushed up against a wall.

Step 3: Deodorise your mattress

Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Cost: £1.29 for 500g baking soda

Lightly sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your mattress. Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and keep your mattress smelling clean and fresh. Let it sit for at least an hour - the longer, the better. Vacuum thoroughly to remove it.

Step 4: Spot clean any mattress stains

Time: 10 minutes

Cost: Use the detergent you already have from washing your bedding, plus £1.69 for a pack of microfibre cloths

Always remember to refer to the manufacturer's care instructions before cleaning your mattress, as different fabrics may require different methods of cleaning.

However, as a general guide, Bed Advice UK recommend using a very mild detergent and warm or cold water to spot-clean your mattress. Use a clean, damp cloth and take care not to over-soak your mattress. Air your mattress thoroughly to ensure it's properly dry before you put the bedding back on.

Step 5: Flip your mattress and repeat!

Time: 5 minutes

Cost: Free

Is your mattress double-sided? You'll need to clean the other side by repeating steps one to four. However, if your mattress is single-sided, simply vacuum the underside to keep it dust-free.

Not sure how to flip your mattress? Check out our guide on how to turn your mattress correctly.

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How to maintain a clean mattress

Now that you have a squeaky-clean mattress, you'll want to keep it that way for as long as possible! Follow our top tips for that fresh feeling in-between mattress cleaning.

1. Air your mattress

Throw back the bed sheets every morning for at least 20 minutes.

2. Open your windows

This improves bedroom ventilation and allows excess moisture to evaporate.

3. Wash and tumble-dry all bedding

Wash your bedding every week. Choose a high heat setting to kill dust mites and germs.

4. Spot-clean stains

Stains are easier to tackle when they're fresh.

5. Use a mattress protector

Protect your mattress from spills and accidents.

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Buy a mattress protector

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure! A mattress protector acts as a barrier for your mattress, and it's an easy, cost-effective way to keep your mattress clean.

Our range of mattress protectors includes waterproof mattress protectors that protect against spills and accidents. Our anti-allergy mattress protectors are ideal for those who suffer from allergies.

You may be thinking at this point "can you tumble dry a waterproof mattress protector?". The good news is that the majority of mattress protectors can be both machine-washed and tumble-dried to keep them extra clean and hygienic. We recommend that you always check the individual product's care information first.

Shop mattress protectors

Mattress protectors: three of the best

Not sure which mattress protector to choose? Why not take a look at our three best-selling mattress protectors:

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Replace your mattress every seven years

Keeping your mattress clean and in good condition is important. This helps to ensure that your sleeping environment is healthy and supports a good night's sleep.

However, after seven years your mattress will begin to lose its shape and comfort. Is your mattress lumpy? Does it sag or look worn out? These are signs that you need to replace your old mattress. Head over to our mattress replacement guide for help and advice.

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A clean and fresh mattress is the key to a good night's sleep. We hope this guide has answered all the questions you have about how to clean your mattress.