How To Wash Memory Foam Mattress: Safe Cleaning Guide & FAQs

If you’re searching for How To Wash Memory Foam Mattress, you’re likely dealing with spills, odors, or general refreshment. Memory foam is different from traditional spring mattresses, so it needs gentle, specific care to avoid damage. This FAQ-style guide walks through what you can and cannot do, step by step.

Can you wash a memory foam mattress like regular laundry?

No — you should never fully soak, machine wash, or hose down a memory foam mattress.

Memory foam is a dense, absorbent material. If it gets saturated with water:

  • It can take a very long time to dry
  • Moisture can become trapped inside
  • The foam may break down or develop unpleasant odors

Instead of “washing” it like fabric, you’ll be spot cleaning, deodorizing, and surface-refreshing the mattress.

How To Wash Memory Foam Mattress: Basic Step‑by‑Step

Here’s a simple routine to clean and refresh a memory foam mattress safely.

1. Strip and inspect the mattress

Remove all bedding and any removable mattress cover.

  • Check for stains, spills, and discoloration
  • Note areas with odors or visible spots so you can treat them directly

If the outer cover is removable and has a care label, follow those instructions separately.

2. Vacuum the surface

Use a hand-held or regular vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

  • Gently vacuum the top, sides, and seams
  • This removes dust, hair, and surface debris without damaging the foam

Avoid pressing too hard or using a beater bar directly on the foam.

3. Spot clean stains (without soaking)

For most stains, a gentle solution is enough:

  • Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with cool or lukewarm water
  • Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution (do not drench it)
  • Blot the stain, working from the outside inward
  • Follow with a second cloth lightly dampened with plain water to remove soap residue
  • Blot dry with a dry towel

🔍 Key point: You want the foam to feel only slightly damp at the surface, never wet through.

What’s the best way to remove odors from memory foam?

To help neutralize everyday smells, many people use baking soda.

Deodorizing with baking soda

  1. Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the mattress surface
  2. Let it sit for several hours, or longer if possible
  3. Vacuum it up thoroughly

This helps absorb odors and some surface moisture without harming the foam.

How do you handle spills and accidents?

Liquid spills are common and are a main reason people search for How To Wash Memory Foam Mattress. Swift action helps.

Fresh spills

  • Blot immediately with a clean, dry towel
  • Press gently to draw out as much liquid as possible
  • Avoid rubbing, which can push the liquid deeper
  • After blotting, use a mild detergent solution and spot clean as described above
  • Allow the mattress to dry completely before putting bedding back on

Pet accidents or strong odors

For stronger odors, a mild solution of water and white vinegar can sometimes help:

  • Mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar
  • Lightly mist or dab onto the affected area (do not soak)
  • Blot with a dry cloth, then apply a light layer of baking soda
  • After it dries, vacuum the baking soda

Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first.

How long does a memory foam mattress take to dry after cleaning?

Drying time depends on how damp it got, room temperature, and airflow. In general:

  • Allow several hours at minimum
  • Use fans and open windows to increase air circulation
  • Keep the mattress in a well-ventilated, dry environment
  • Avoid direct, intense heat (like space heaters very close to the foam)

The mattress should feel completely dry to the touch before you remaking the bed.

What cleaning products should you avoid?

To protect the foam structure, it’s best to avoid:

  • Bleach or harsh chemicals
  • Highly concentrated solvents
  • Steam cleaning machines
  • Heavy scrubbing with stiff brushes
  • Large amounts of water or soaking

These can weaken, discolor, or break down the memory foam over time.

How often should you clean a memory foam mattress?

A regular light routine can keep things under control:

  • Vacuum: every 1–3 months
  • Deodorize with baking soda: a few times a year or as needed
  • Spot clean: as soon as spills or stains appear

Using a water-resistant mattress protector can reduce how often you need to clean the foam itself.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Wash Memory Foam Mattress:

  • Do not machine wash, soak, or steam clean a memory foam mattress
  • Focus on spot cleaning with a lightly damp cloth and mild detergent
  • Vacuum regularly to remove dust and surface debris
  • Use baking soda for gentle, non-damaging deodorizing
  • Act quickly on spills by blotting, not scrubbing or soaking
  • Allow ample drying time with good airflow before using the mattress again
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive moisture to preserve the foam’s feel and lifespan

Handled carefully, a memory foam mattress can stay clean, fresh, and comfortable without ever needing a traditional “wash.”