How To Clean a Sleep Number Mattress: Simple FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for “How To Clean a Sleep Number Mattress”, you’re likely worried about stains, spills, or just keeping your bed fresh without damaging its air chambers and electronics. This guide walks through safe, practical steps to clean and care for this style of adjustable air mattress.

What makes cleaning a Sleep Number–style mattress different?

These mattresses usually include:

  • An outer fabric cover (often zippered)
  • Internal air chambers and foam components
  • Hoses, wiring, or a pump system

Because of these parts, you should never soak, steam-clean, or saturate the mattress. Instead, focus on surface cleaning, careful spot treatment, and consistent protection.

How do I do routine cleaning on a Sleep Number mattress?

For regular maintenance, aim to:

  1. Vacuum the surface

    • Use a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment.
    • Gently run it over the top and sides to remove dust, crumbs, and debris.

  2. Freshen with a light deodorizer

    • You can very lightly sprinkle baking soda over the fabric surface.
    • Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
    • Avoid letting powder get into seams around hoses or zippers.

  3. Rotate soft components if allowed

    • If the cover can be unzipped and layers can be rearranged according to the manufacturer’s instructions, this can help wear more evenly.

Routine cleaning helps you avoid heavier stain work later.

How To Clean a Sleep Number Mattress after a spill or stain

What’s the safest way to spot clean the surface?

For most light stains (like food or non-colored drinks):

  1. Blot immediately

    • Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
    • Press firmly to pull moisture out; do not rub, which can spread the stain.

  2. Use a mild cleaning solution

    • Mix a small amount of gentle liquid soap with cool water.
    • Dampen (don’t soak) a clean cloth with the solution.

  3. Dab the stain

    • Apply the damp cloth to the stained area with gentle, lifting motions.
    • Follow with a clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.

  4. Dry thoroughly

    • Blot with a dry towel.
    • Allow plenty of air circulation; if possible, point a fan at the area.
    • Ensure everything is completely dry before making the bed again.

Can I use harsh cleaners or bleach?

It’s best to avoid bleach, strong solvents, and abrasive cleaners. These can:

  • Damage fabric fibers
  • Discolor the mattress cover
  • Potentially affect internal materials if they seep through

Stick to mild soap and cool water unless your mattress documentation approves another cleaner.

How to handle specific common stains

How do I clean a Sleep Number mattress after a urine accident?

  1. Blot up as much liquid as possible right away.
  2. Use a mix of mild soap and cool water to dab the area.
  3. Blot again with a dry towel.
  4. Deodorize lightly with baking soda once it’s just damp, then vacuum when dry.

Avoid oversaturating the fabric; getting liquid into the inner components can be difficult to fix.

What about blood, sweat, or body oils?

For protein-based stains:

  • Use cool water, not hot, to avoid setting the stain.
  • A small amount of mild soap on a damp cloth can help lift residue.
  • Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading.

Can I remove and wash the mattress cover?

Many Sleep Number–style mattresses have a zippered cover, but whether it is machine-washable or spot-clean only depends on the specific model.

General guidance:

  • Check the sewn-in fabric tag for cleaning instructions.
  • If machine washing is allowed, use cold water and a gentle cycle.
  • Air-dry the cover flat if possible, away from direct heat.

Never wash internal foams, air chambers, hoses, or pumps. These components should stay dry and only be gently wiped if needed.

What should I avoid when cleaning a Sleep Number mattress?

🚫 Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Using a steam cleaner or hot water extraction
  • Soaking the mattress or letting liquid seep into the interior
  • Spraying cleaner directly onto seams, zippers, or hose areas
  • Using bleach, strong solvents, or abrasive scrub brushes
  • Running the pump or electronics while fabric is still damp nearby

Keeping moisture away from the mechanical and air components is key.

How can I keep my Sleep Number mattress cleaner for longer?

A few preventative steps can make cleaning much easier:

  • Use a removable, washable mattress protector over the mattress.
  • Wash bedding regularly to cut down on sweat and skin oil buildup.
  • Vacuum the surface occasionally, especially if you have pets.
  • Address spills or accidents as soon as they happen.

These habits help preserve the mattress surface and reduce odor or staining over time.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

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

  • Keep it dry: Avoid soaking, steam cleaning, or heavy liquids near internal air components.
  • Spot clean only: For most issues, mild soap, cool water, and careful blotting are enough.
  • Check the tag: The sewn-in label shows whether the cover can be machine washed.
  • Be gentle: No bleach, strong chemicals, or abrasive tools on the fabric.
  • Act fast: Blot spills and accidents quickly to prevent deeper staining.
  • Protect the surface: A washable protector and regular vacuuming help keep the mattress fresher.

With these steps, you can confidently handle everyday stains, accidents, and odors while protecting the unique structure of a Sleep Number–style mattress.