How do you properly clean a mattress?

Key points

• • Vacuum quarterly, spot-clean as needed
• • Enzymes for organic stains; cold water only for blood
• • Blot, never rub
• • Steam and soaking are how mattresses get mold

The routine pass

Fifteen minutes, four times a year.

• • Strip everything, including the protector
• • Vacuum the surface, sides and seams
• • Sprinkle baking soda; leave several hours
• • Vacuum again and let the mattress air before remaking

The four common stains

Matching the agent to the stain matters more than scrubbing effort.

• • Urine — enzymatic cleaner, dwell as directed, blot, dry with a fan
• • Blood — cold water only; heat permanently sets protein stains
• • Sweat and body oils — mild detergent solution, blot dry
• • Spills — blot immediately; the first two minutes decide the outcome

What ruins mattresses

Steam cleaning drives moisture into layers that cannot dry. Soaking does the same. Remaking a damp bed in a humid climate is the fastest route to a mold problem. Dry methods and patience win every time.