How To Clean Sleep Number Mattress: Simple Steps and FAQs

If you’re wondering how to clean Sleep Number mattress surfaces safely without damaging the air system or cover, you’re not alone. Adjustable air beds have different components than a standard foam or spring mattress, so it’s smart to be cautious.

This guide walks through routine cleaning, stain treatment, odor control, and what to avoid, in a clear FAQ style.

What makes cleaning a Sleep Number–style mattress different?

These mattresses usually include:

  • A fabric cover or top panel
  • Internal air chambers
  • Foam or fiber layers inside the casing

Because of the air chambers and internal electronics, you should avoid soaking the mattress or using heavy steam. Most care is done at the surface level, with light moisture and gentle products.

How To Clean Sleep Number Mattress for Routine Care?

What’s the safest way to do regular cleaning?

For everyday upkeep:

  1. Unplug nearby electronics
    If your bed has a base with power, make sure it’s safely out of the way before you clean.

  2. Vacuum the surface

    • Use a hand or upholstery attachment.
    • Gently vacuum the entire top and sides to remove dust, hair, and debris.

  3. Spot-clean only when needed

    • Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with cool water.
    • Dampen (don’t soak) a clean white cloth.
    • Blot the soiled area gently, working from the outside in.
    • Follow with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.

  4. Let it dry completely

    • Air dry with good ventilation.
    • Avoid putting sheets back on until the fabric is fully dry.

Key point:Never pour liquid directly onto the mattress and do not saturate the fabric. Light moisture is enough.

How do I clean spills or stains on my Sleep Number–style mattress?

What should I do immediately after a spill?

Act quickly:

  • Blot, don’t rub. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible.
  • Lift bedding and protect the foam. If the cover is removable, try not to let liquid reach the inner layers.

What cleaners are safe to use?

Most users stick with:

  • Mild liquid dish soap mixed with cool water
  • A small amount of gentle fabric-safe cleaner, if needed

Avoid:

  • Bleach
  • Strong solvents
  • Harsh stain removers
  • Anything that leaves a heavy residue or strong chemical smell

How do I treat common stains?

  • Food or drink:
    Blot first, then use a mild soap-and-water solution on a cloth. Blot, don’t scrub. Rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water.

  • Body fluids (sweat, urine, blood):
    Use cool water (not hot) with mild soap. For lingering odor, lightly blot with a cloth dampened in a mixture of water and a small amount of white vinegar, then follow with plain water and air dry.

Can I remove and wash the mattress cover?

Many adjustable air mattresses have zippered covers or top panels, but they are not always machine washable.

How can I tell if my cover is washable?

  • Look for a care tag on the cover.
  • If the tag allows machine washing, follow the instructions exactly (cycle, temperature, drying method).
  • If there’s no clear instruction, treat the cover as spot-clean only.

Avoid:

  • High heat drying
  • Bleach or strong detergents
  • Stretching or wringing the cover

Excessive wear or shrinkage can affect how the cover fits and feels.

How do I keep my Sleep Number–style mattress smelling fresh?

What’s the best way to handle odors?

For general freshness:

  • Air out the mattress

    • Strip all bedding and let the mattress breathe for a few hours.
    • Open windows or use a fan to circulate air.

  • Light deodorizing

    • Many people use a thin sprinkle of baking soda on the surface, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
    • Keep the baking soda dry and avoid pushing it into seams or zippers.

Persistent or strong odors may indicate deep contamination of inner layers. In those cases, surface cleaning can reduce but not always completely remove the smell.

What should I avoid when cleaning a Sleep Number–style mattress?

Here are common mistakes to skip:

  • No soaking or heavy spraying
    Liquids can seep into foam, air chambers, and fabric layers, making drying difficult.

  • No steam cleaning directly on the mattress
    High heat and moisture can affect internal materials and connections.

  • No harsh chemicals
    Strong cleaners may weaken fabric, fade color, or leave residues.

  • No aggressive scrubbing
    This can damage fibers and spread stains rather than lifting them.

How often should I clean my mattress?

  • Vacuuming: About once a month, or more if you have pets or allergies.
  • Spot cleaning: As needed, whenever spills or visible spots appear.
  • Deodorizing / airing out: Every few months, or whenever you notice a stale odor.

Using a washable mattress protector can reduce how often you need to clean the mattress surface directly.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean Sleep Number Mattress

  • Use light, surface-level cleaning only: Focus on vacuuming and spot cleaning instead of soaking.
  • Blot spills quickly: Remove moisture with towels, then use a mild soap-and-water solution on a cloth.
  • Check the cover’s care tag: Not all zippered covers are machine washable; when in doubt, spot-clean only.
  • Avoid harsh methods: No bleach, strong solvents, heavy steam, or oversaturating the fabric.
  • Let everything dry fully: Before adding bedding back, ensure the surface is completely dry to the touch.
  • Protect your investment: A simple, washable protector can make cleaning easier and help prevent stains.

With a gentle approach and the right habits, you can clean a Sleep Number–style mattress safely and keep it comfortable for the long term.