What Can I Use To Clean a Mattress? Simple Answers for a Fresher Bed

If you’re wondering “What Can i Use To Clean a Mattress”, you’re not alone. Mattresses collect sweat, dust, skin oils, and the occasional spill, and many people aren’t sure which cleaners are safe—or what might actually damage the materials.

This FAQ-style guide walks through safe, common options for cleaning a mattress, when to use them, and what to avoid.

What Can I Use To Clean a Mattress Safely?

For most routine cleaning and minor stains, you can use:

  • Vacuum with upholstery attachment
  • Baking soda
  • Mild liquid dish soap or gentle laundry detergent
  • White vinegar (diluted)
  • Cold water
  • Enzyme-based cleaner (for organic stains like sweat or urine)

These are popular choices because they’re gentle, widely available, and work on many mattress types when used correctly.

How Do I Clean a Mattress for Regular Maintenance?

Can I just vacuum my mattress?

Yes. Vacuuming is the safest first step for almost every mattress.

  • Use the upholstery tool or a soft brush attachment.
  • Go slowly over the entire surface, including seams and edges.
  • Vacuuming helps remove dust, crumbs, hair, and dry debris before you deal with stains.

What does baking soda do for a mattress?

Baking soda is often used to reduce odors:

  1. Sprinkle a light, even layer over the mattress surface.
  2. Leave it for at least 30–60 minutes (longer if possible).
  3. Vacuum it up thoroughly.

Baking soda does not “deep clean” foam, but it can freshen surface smells and is gentle on most mattress materials.

What Can I Use To Clean a Mattress With Stains?

Different stains respond better to different cleaners. Always spot-test a small hidden area first and avoid soaking the mattress.

What should I use for sweat or body oils?

For light sweat or body oil stains:

  • Mix a small amount of mild liquid dish soap or gentle laundry detergent with cool or lukewarm water.
  • Dampen (don’t soak) a clean white cloth in the solution.
  • Blot the stain gently, working from the outside inward.
  • Follow with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue.
  • Let the mattress air-dry completely.

Key tip: Use as little liquid as possible. Too much moisture can be slow to dry and may affect the inner layers.

What works for urine or other organic stains?

For fresh urine, vomit, or sweat marks, many people use:

  • Enzyme-based cleaners designed for organic stains, or
  • A mix of white vinegar and water (about 1 part vinegar to 1–2 parts water).

Steps:

  1. Blot up as much of the liquid as you can with a dry towel.
  2. Apply a small amount of enzyme cleaner or diluted vinegar to the stain.
  3. Let it sit for the recommended time (or several minutes for the vinegar solution).
  4. Blot with a clean, dry cloth.
  5. Allow to air-dry fully, with good airflow if possible.

Enzyme cleaners are often favored for breaking down odor-causing residues from organic stains.

How do I clean mild food or drink spills?

  • Gently blot (don’t rub) the spill with a dry cloth.
  • Use mild soapy water on a cloth to treat the spot.
  • Rinse by blotting with a damp cloth (plain water).
  • Blot dry and let the mattress air-dry.

For anything sugary, make sure to remove all residue so it doesn’t become sticky or attract pests.

What Should I Avoid Using on a Mattress?

When you’re asking “What Can i Use To Clean a Mattress,” it’s just as important to know what not to use.

Typically best to avoid:

  • Harsh chemicals like strong bleach solutions or high‑strength solvents
  • Full-strength vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on delicate fabrics or colored covers
  • Steam cleaning on foam mattresses (can force moisture deep inside)
  • Soaking or saturating the mattress with water or cleaner
  • Abrasive scrub brushes that can damage the cover or surface

These can discolor fabrics, weaken foams, or trap moisture inside the mattress.

Do Different Mattress Types Need Different Cleaning Methods?

Is it safe to clean memory foam the same way as a spring mattress?

The basic approach is similar—vacuum, spot-clean, use minimal moisture—but with foam you should be especially careful:

  • Foam can hold onto water longer than springs.
  • Avoid steam or heavy soaking.
  • Give extra drying time and airflow after spot-cleaning.

What about mattresses with removable covers?

Some mattresses have a zip-off cover with care instructions on the label.

  • If the label says it’s machine-washable, follow those directions carefully.
  • Even with removable covers, treat the foam core like a standard mattress: vacuum and spot-clean only, without heavy moisture.

How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?

Routine care helps you avoid deep, stubborn issues:

  • Vacuum: Every 1–3 months
  • Spot-clean stains: As soon as you notice them
  • Deodorize with baking soda: A few times a year, or as needed
  • Rotate or flip (if recommended): According to the mattress design and manufacturer guidance

A mattress protector can also reduce how often you need to deep-clean the mattress itself by catching spills before they reach the core.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about “What Can i Use To Clean a Mattress”:

  • Safe basics:

    • Vacuum with upholstery tool
    • Baking soda for light odor control
    • Mild dish soap or laundry detergent for gentle spot-cleaning
    • Diluted white vinegar or enzyme cleaner for organic stains
    • Cool or lukewarm water only, used sparingly

  • Use carefully:

    • Enzyme cleaners (follow label instructions)
    • Vinegar solutions (always dilute and spot-test)

  • Usually avoid:

    • Strong bleach or harsh chemicals
    • Steam on foam mattresses
    • Heavy soaking with water or cleaner
    • Abrasive scrubbing tools

With a few simple tools and a gentle approach, you can confidently answer your own question—“What Can i Use To Clean a Mattress?”—and keep your bed cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable over time.