How Do You Clean a Sleep Number Mattress: Simple Steps and FAQs

If you’re asking “How do you clean a Sleep Number mattress?”, you’re likely trying to remove stains, deal with spills, or freshen up the surface without damaging the air chambers or electronics. This guide walks through safe, practical steps to keep this style of mattress clean while protecting its unique construction.

What Makes Cleaning a Sleep Number–Style Mattress Different?

Unlike a traditional mattress, this type of bed often includes:

  • Internal air chambers
  • A zippered cover or top panel
  • Possible remote controls or electronic components

Because of these parts, you generally want to avoid soaking the mattress or using harsh chemicals. Instead, surface cleaning and careful spot treatment are usually recommended.

How Do You Clean a Sleep Number Mattress on a Regular Basis?

Regular cleaning focuses on keeping the surface fresh and free of dust, sweat, and minor spills.

Basic routine cleaning

  1. Strip all bedding
    Remove sheets, protectors, and any toppers so you can access the mattress surface or cover.

  2. Vacuum the surface
    Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment on low suction. This helps remove dust, crumbs, and debris that can collect over time.

  3. Spot clean stains only
    Instead of soaking the whole surface, lightly dampen a clean cloth with mild soap and cool water. Gently blot the stained area. Avoid scrubbing hard, which can damage fabric or push stains deeper.

  4. Avoid strong chemicals
    Bleach, solvents, and abrasive cleaners can weaken the fabric or affect interior materials. Mild, diluted soap is usually the safest option.

  5. Let the mattress air-dry completely
    Keep the bed uncovered until the cleaned area is fully dry. This helps prevent trapped moisture inside the mattress components.

Can You Deep Clean or Wash the Entire Mattress?

Is it safe to use a steam cleaner or shampooer?

Most air-based mattresses are not designed to be steam cleaned or saturated with water. Excessive moisture can:

  • Seep into the inner components
  • Take a long time to dry
  • Increase the risk of odors

For that reason, deep cleaning usually means thorough vacuuming and careful spot treatment, not soaking or steaming.

Can you machine wash the cover?

Some models have a removable cover while others do not. If your mattress has a zippered fabric cover:

  • Check the attached fabric tag for care instructions.
  • If machine washing is allowed, it will usually specify cold water, gentle cycle, and mild detergent.
  • If no washing instructions are visible, treat the cover as spot clean only.

When in doubt, it’s safer to hand clean specific spots rather than wash the whole cover.

How Do You Clean Up Spills and Fresh Stains?

If you’re searching “How do you clean a Sleep Number mattress” after a spill, timing is important.

Fresh liquid spill (water, drink, etc.)

  1. Act quickly
    Gently blot (don’t rub) with a dry towel to soak up as much liquid as possible.

  2. Use mild soap and water
    Lightly dampen a cloth with a mix of mild soap and cool water. Blot the area, working from the outer edge toward the center to avoid spreading.

  3. Blot dry again
    Use a clean, dry towel to remove excess moisture.

  4. Air out thoroughly
    Leave the surface uncovered until it feels completely dry to the touch.

Older or set-in stains

For dried stains, a soft cloth with mild soap and water can still help, but you may need to:

  • Work gently and gradually, avoiding harsh scrubbing
  • Repeat light spot cleaning several times rather than trying to remove everything at once

How Do You Deodorize a Sleep Number–Style Mattress?

Over time, mattresses can pick up everyday odors. To freshen the surface:

  • Vacuum first to remove loose particles.
  • Lightly sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the fabric surface.
  • Let it sit for a short period to absorb odors.
  • Vacuum thoroughly again to remove all residue.

Avoid using heavily perfumed sprays directly on the mattress, as they can leave residue or interact with the fabric in unexpected ways.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning?

To protect the structure and materials:

  • Do not soak the mattress or air chambers.
  • Do not use bleach, ammonia, or strong solvents.
  • Do not remove internal components unless the manufacturer’s instructions clearly allow it.
  • Do not leave damp areas covered with bedding before they are dry.

These simple precautions help preserve comfort and performance over time.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “How Do You Clean a Sleep Number Mattress”

  • Focus on the surface: Regular cleaning usually means vacuuming and gentle spot treatment, not deep soaking.
  • Use mild solutions only: A small amount of mild soap mixed with cool water is generally safer than harsh cleaners.
  • Avoid excess moisture: Do not steam clean or saturate the mattress; moisture can affect internal components.
  • Check the cover label: If the cover is removable, follow any printed care instructions; when in doubt, spot clean.
  • Dry completely: Always let cleaned areas air-dry fully before replacing bedding to avoid trapped moisture and odors.

Keeping this style of mattress clean is mainly about regular surface care, gentle stain removal, and careful drying. By following these simple steps, you can manage everyday messes and maintain a fresher sleep surface without risking damage to the mattress’s internal structure.