How To Clean a Mattress With Laundry Detergent: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’re wondering how to clean a mattress with laundry detergent, you’re not alone. Many people want a simple way to freshen their mattress using products they already have at home. This guide explains when and how to use laundry detergent on a mattress, what to avoid, and how to handle common questions.

Can You Clean a Mattress With Laundry Detergent?

Yes, you can spot clean a mattress with laundry detergent as long as you use it carefully and avoid soaking the mattress.

A mattress is made with layers of foam and fabric that can trap moisture. Using too much liquid detergent or water can lead to lingering dampness, odors, or damage. The key is to:

  • Use a small amount of detergent
  • Apply it diluted, not straight from the bottle
  • Blot, don’t scrub aggressively
  • Let the mattress dry thoroughly

How To Clean a Mattress With Laundry Detergent (Step by Step)

1. Prepare the Bed

Strip the bed completely:

  • Remove sheets, pillowcases, and any mattress protectors.
  • Wash bedding following the fabric care labels.

This exposes the full mattress surface so you can see stains and treat them properly.

2. Vacuum the Mattress Surface

Before using laundry detergent, vacuum the mattress:

  • Use a clean upholstery attachment.
  • Go over the entire surface, including seams and edges.

This removes dust, crumbs, and loose debris so you’re not rubbing dirt further into the fabric.

3. Mix a Gentle Laundry Detergent Solution

To safely apply detergent:

  • Fill a bowl or small bucket with warm (not hot) water.
  • Add a small squirt (about a teaspoon) of liquid laundry detergent.
  • Stir until lightly sudsy.

You want a mild, soapy solution, not thick foam. Avoid detergent with bleach or harsh additives unless you are sure it is safe for fabrics.

4. Spot Test a Hidden Area

Before cleaning the whole mattress:

  • Dip a clean white cloth into the solution.
  • Blot a small, hidden area (like a side or corner).
  • Let it dry and check for any discoloration or fabric damage.

If the fabric looks unchanged, you can continue.

5. Treat Stains With the Detergent Solution

To spot clean:

  1. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the diluted detergent.
  2. Wring it out well so it’s damp, not soaking.
  3. Gently blot the stained area. Avoid pushing the liquid deep into the mattress.
  4. If needed, lightly rub in small circles, but don’t scrub harshly.

For older or tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times rather than using more water at once.

6. Rinse With a Damp Cloth

You don’t want detergent residue left on the fabric:

  • Dampen a new cloth with clean water only.
  • Wring it out thoroughly.
  • Blot the cleaned areas to lift away soap.

Repeat with a fresh part of the cloth until the area feels less “soapy” to the touch.

7. Dry the Mattress Thoroughly

Allow plenty of time for drying:

  • Blot with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Let the mattress air dry in a well-ventilated room.
  • If possible, aim a fan at the mattress or open windows.

Avoid putting bedding back on until the mattress is completely dry to help prevent musty smells or trapped moisture.

Is Laundry Detergent Safe for All Mattress Types?

Not always. How to clean a mattress with laundry detergent can depend on the materials inside:

  • Traditional innerspring or hybrid mattresses
    Often handle light spot cleaning with diluted detergent on the surface fabric.

  • Foam or memory foam mattresses
    These absorb liquid easily. Use very minimal moisture and blot quickly. Never soak foam.

  • Mattress toppers and pads
    Some are machine washable; others should only be spot cleaned. Always check the care label first.

When in doubt, spot clean only and use as little water as possible.

Can Laundry Detergent Remove All Types of Stains?

Laundry detergent can help with many general stains, like light dirt, sweat marks, or mild spills. However:

  • Protein-based stains (like some body fluids) may respond better to cool water and gentle blotting first.
  • Colored or dye-based stains (like certain drinks) might need repeated light treatments.
  • Very old or set-in stains can sometimes be reduced but not fully removed.

Avoid using hot water on unknown stains, as it can sometimes make them more permanent.

How Often Should You Clean a Mattress With Laundry Detergent?

You don’t need to deep clean with detergent very often. In general:

  • Vacuuming a few times a year helps remove surface debris.
  • Spot cleaning with laundry detergent is best kept for spills or visible stains, not as a weekly routine.
  • Over-wetting the mattress repeatedly can be harder on the materials than occasional, careful treatments.

Using a removable mattress protector can reduce how often you need to clean the mattress itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Laundry Detergent

🧽 Avoid these issues when cleaning your mattress:

  • Using too much water, soaking the mattress
  • Applying undiluted detergent directly to the fabric
  • Scrubbing aggressively, which can damage fibers
  • Skipping the rinse step, leaving a sticky residue
  • Covering the mattress before it’s fully dry

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean a Mattress With Laundry Detergent

  • Yes, you can: It’s generally safe to spot clean a mattress with diluted laundry detergent when done carefully.
  • Dilution is crucial: Mix a small amount of detergent with water and always test on a hidden area first.
  • Use minimal moisture: A damp, not dripping cloth helps avoid soaking the mattress.
  • Blot, don’t scrub: Gentle blotting lifts stains without pushing liquid deeper into the layers.
  • Rinse and dry well: Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap, then let the mattress dry completely before making the bed.
  • Check your mattress type: Foam and specialty materials may need extra care and less water.

Handled patiently and gently, using laundry detergent can be a practical way to freshen and spot clean your mattress without special cleaners.