How to Clean a Mattress Properly (Australian Guide)

Most Australians never clean their mattress. It sits under a fitted sheet, unseen, and collects years of sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, and the occasional spill — all without being addressed. This is genuinely worth changing. A clean mattress isn't just about hygiene; it extends the life of the mattress and can significantly improve sleep quality, particularly for allergy sufferers.

This guide covers how to properly clean a mattress at home, how to deal with specific stains, how to eliminate odours, and how to maintain cleanliness going forward.

How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?

• Light cleaning (vacuuming): every 1–3 months

• Deep cleaning: once or twice per year

• Spot cleaning (stains): immediately when they occur

What You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment

• Baking soda

• Dish soap or enzyme-based cleaner

• White vinegar

• Clean cloths or paper towels

• Cold water

• Essential oil (optional — for fragrance)

Step-by-Step Mattress Cleaning Process

Step 1: Strip the Bed

Remove all bedding including pillows, pillowcases, sheets, and mattress protector. Wash all of these in your washing machine — hot water if the care labels allow, which kills dust mites effectively.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides. Pay particular attention to seams and crevices where dust mites and debris accumulate. This step alone removes a significant amount of allergens and debris.

Step 3: Treat Any Stains

Deal with specific stains before applying baking soda to the whole mattress. See the stain-removal section below for specific guidance.

Step 4: Apply Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda across the entire surface of the mattress. For a more pleasant result, mix a few drops of essential oil (lavender is popular) into the baking soda before applying. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least 30 minutes — longer is better, ideally a few hours if you have time. Open windows while it sits if possible. Baking soda absorbs moisture and odours from the foam or fabric below.

Step 5: Vacuum Again

Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress completely. This second vacuum pass removes the baking soda along with the absorbed odours and moisture.

Step 6: Air the Mattress

If weather permits, allow the mattress to air out before remaking the bed. Opening a window or using a fan to promote airflow helps the mattress dry fully and reduces the chance of moisture-related issues developing.

How to Remove Specific Stains

Urine Stains

Act quickly. Blot as much liquid as possible with paper towels — don't rub, which spreads the stain. Mix one part white vinegar, one part water, and a small amount of dish soap. Apply to the stain, blot again, and repeat. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave for several hours before vacuuming. Enzyme-based cleaners (available at supermarkets) are particularly effective for urine as they break down the organic compounds.

Blood Stains

Cold water only — hot water sets blood stains permanently. Apply cold water to the stain, then a paste of baking soda and cold water. Leave for 30 minutes and blot away. For older blood stains, hydrogen peroxide (3%) applied carefully with a cloth can help — but test on an inconspicuous area first as it may bleach some fabrics.

Sweat Stains

The yellow staining that develops over time on unprotected mattresses is primarily from sweat. Mix baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide into a paste and apply to the yellowed area. Leave for 30 minutes, then blot away. Prevention — using a mattress protector — is far easier than removing established sweat stains.

Food and Drink Stains

Blot immediately to remove as much as possible. Apply cold water, then a small amount of dish soap, working from the outer edge of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Blot dry rather than rubbing. For coffee or red wine, white vinegar is effective.

Dealing with Mattress Odours

Beyond stain-based odours, mattresses can develop a general staleness over time. Baking soda is the best accessible solution — its alkaline chemistry neutralises the acidic compounds responsible for most odours. For persistent odours, a spray of diluted white vinegar (allowed to dry completely) before the baking soda treatment can help.

In Australian conditions, humid weather can contribute to moisture buildup in mattresses. Airing the mattress — propping it against a wall in a well-ventilated room or outdoors in shade — on a dry day helps remove embedded moisture.

What Not to Do

• Never soak a mattress — foam doesn't dry quickly and moisture leads to mould

• Don't use hot water on stains unless specifically indicated

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners like bleach — they can damage foam and fabric

• Don't use a steam cleaner unless the manufacturer specifically approves it

Prevention Is Easier Than Cleaning

The single most effective thing you can do for mattress hygiene is use a quality mattress protector from day one. A waterproof but breathable protector keeps spills, sweat, and skin cells off the mattress surface, dramatically reducing the cleaning burden. A good protector costs $30–$100 and can extend the useful life of a mattress by years.

In addition: wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly, wash your mattress protector monthly, and rotate your mattress every 3–6 months to distribute wear evenly.

Our Verdict

A proper mattress clean takes about an hour and should happen at least twice per year. The baking soda treatment is the core step — it's simple, effective, and safe for all mattress types. Deal with stains immediately rather than letting them set. And if you haven't already, invest in a good mattress protector — it's the single best thing you can do for long-term mattress hygiene.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison Table

Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Australian Mattress

1. Trial Period

Always look for at least 100 nights. Koala (120 nights) and Sleeping Duck (100 nights) offer some of the best trials available. A trial lets you test the mattress through different seasons including Australian summer.

2. Warranty

A 10-year warranty is standard for quality mattresses. Ecosa offers 15 years, which is exceptional. Be wary of brands offering less than 5 years.

3. Foam vs Hybrid

All-foam mattresses offer excellent motion isolation but can sleep warm. Hybrid mattresses use pocket springs under foam, improving airflow significantly — important for Australian summers.

4. Firmness

Medium is most versatile for side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers generally need firmer. If unsure, Ecosa lets you adjust firmness.