The short version
The wonder remedy is baking soda: sprinkle generously, let it act for a few hours, vacuum. It binds moisture and odours. Treat stains specifically beforehand, always cold, otherwise they set.
We spend a third of our life on the mattress, and it takes up sweat, skin flakes and sometimes stains. You cannot wash it, but with the right method it gets fresh again, without soaking it.
How the mattress gets fresh
Vacuum
Vacuum the whole mattress with the upholstery attachment, that removes dust, skin flakes and mite droppings.
Treat stains cold
Dab stains with cold water and a little ox-gall soap or upholstery cleaner. Never treat protein stains like blood with heat, that sets them.
Sprinkle baking soda
Sprinkle the mattress generously with baking soda, especially on damp or smelly spots.
Let it act
Leave it for several hours, ideally overnight, so the baking soda binds moisture and odours.
Vacuum & air
Vacuum the baking soda off thoroughly and air the mattress well, ideally at an open window or outside in the shade.
Prevent with an encasing
A washable mattress protector or an encasing (mite cover) keeps sweat and mites away and washes at 60 degrees. That saves the deep clean and is especially useful for allergy sufferers.
What helps
What to look for:
- Baking soda to sprinkle against moisture and odour
- Ox-gall soap or upholstery cleaner for stains
- A washable mattress protector to prevent
Frequently asked
How do I clean stains out of the mattress?
Does baking soda really help against odours in the mattress?
How often should I clean the mattress?
Upholstery, carpet and mattress: fresh again
From the mattress to the sofa: cleaned right, beautiful longer.
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