How To Clean An Old Mattress: Simple Steps To Refresh Your Bed

If you’re searching for “How To Clean An Old Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with stains, smells, dust, or just years of buildup. The good news: many older mattresses can be noticeably refreshed at home with a few basic tools and some patience.

Below are clear, step-by-step answers to the most common questions about cleaning an old mattress and keeping it as fresh as possible.

What’s Different About Cleaning an Old Mattress?

Older mattresses tend to have:

  • Built-up dust and debris
  • Set-in stains from spills, sweat, or accidents
  • Lingering odors that don’t disappear with simple airing out

Because of this, cleaning an old mattress usually means a deeper, slower approach than a quick vacuum. You may not restore it to “like new,” but you can often make it cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable to sleep on.

How To Clean An Old Mattress Step by Step

1. Strip and Air Out the Mattress

  1. Remove all bedding, including mattress protectors.
  2. If possible, open windows to improve ventilation.
  3. Let the mattress air out for at least 30–60 minutes.

Why this matters: Airflow helps release trapped odors and moisture before you start cleaning.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and go slowly over:

  • Top surface
  • Sides
  • Seams and crevices (where dust and debris collect)

Key tip:Vacuuming is the foundation of mattress cleaning. On an old mattress, multiple passes can help remove more dust and loose particles.

3. Spot-Clean Stains Gently

For general stains on an old mattress:

  1. Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with warm water.
  2. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the soapy solution (do not soak).
  3. Blot the stain gently, working from the outside in.
  4. Follow with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.
  5. Blot dry with a clean, dry towel.

For tougher, set-in stains like spills or body fluids, it often helps to:

  • Use a slightly stronger soap solution and extra blotting time.
  • Repeat the process more than once rather than scrubbing hard.

Important: Avoid over-wetting the mattress. Too much water can soak into the core and be slow to dry, which may lead to lingering odors.

4. Deodorize with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a light, even layer of dry baking soda over the entire mattress surface.

  • Let it sit for several hours, or longer if possible.
  • Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda.

Baking soda can help absorb some odors that build up over years of use.

5. Dry Completely

After spot-cleaning and deodorizing, make sure the mattress can dry fully:

  • Keep the room well-ventilated.
  • Use a fan, if available, to speed up drying.
  • Avoid putting bedding back on until the mattress feels completely dry to the touch.

On an older mattress, drying time is especially important because the materials may hold onto moisture more easily.

Can I Disinfect an Old Mattress?

You can surface-freshen an old mattress, but full disinfection at home is limited.

Some people:

  • Use a lightly damp cloth with mild soap on frequently touched areas.
  • Apply a small amount of a gentle, fabric-safe spray cleaner to the surface and let it air dry.

Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to check for discoloration or damage. Avoid strong chemicals that can irritate the skin or damage mattress fabrics.

How Often Should I Clean an Old Mattress?

For an older mattress, a basic schedule might be:

  • Every 1–3 months: Vacuum and lightly deodorize with baking soda.
  • As needed: Spot-clean spills and stains as soon as you notice them.

Freshening more frequently can help offset the natural wear and buildup that comes with age.

When Is an Old Mattress Too Dirty to Save?

Cleaning can improve many old mattresses, but sometimes the issues are beyond simple care. Consider whether the mattress:

  • Has large, dark, or widespread stains
  • Smells strongly even after cleaning and airing out
  • Shows clear signs of damage, sagging, or crumbling materials

In these cases, cleaning may only provide limited improvement, and the mattress might simply be nearing the end of its usable life.

How Can I Keep My Old Mattress Cleaner for Longer?

After you’ve learned how to clean an old mattress, maintenance becomes easier:

  • Use a washable mattress protector to catch new spills and sweat.
  • Wash sheets and bedding regularly.
  • Vacuum the surface from time to time.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in bed to reduce stain risks.

These simple habits can help extend the freshness of an older mattress.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to remember about How To Clean An Old Mattress

  • Start with airflow and vacuuming: Let the mattress breathe, then vacuum slowly and thoroughly.
  • Spot-clean, don’t soak: Use mild soap and water sparingly, blot instead of scrubbing, and avoid heavy moisture.
  • Deodorize with baking soda: A dry, even sprinkle plus time and vacuuming can help with long-term odors.
  • Dry completely: A fully dry mattress is essential to prevent lingering smells and moisture issues.
  • Maintenance matters: Use protectors, wash bedding regularly, and vacuum occasionally to keep an old mattress as fresh as possible.

Knowing how to clean an old mattress gives you a practical way to refresh your bed, reduce everyday buildup, and make the most of the mattress you already have.