A clean mattress is the foundation of a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. While we remember to wash our sheets quite regularly, we often forget to clean the mattress. But the mattress itself can accumulate dust, sweat, allergens, and even bacteria over time. But how often should you clean your mattress? The answer depends on several lifestyle factors. In this guide, we’ll break down the best cleaning routine based on your specific needs, drawing on years of experience from our professional mattress cleaning team at The Happy House Cleaning Services.

While there’s no single answer to ‘how often to clean your mattress,’ stains, odors, or fabric changes signal it’s time for a cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mattress?

For most people, experts recommend deep cleaning your mattress at least every six months. This frequency helps to remove accumulated dust mites, dander, and other allergens that can disrupt sleep and affect health. You should also do regular maintenance like vacuuming, spot-cleaning stains, and deodorising to keep it fresh between deep cleans. Consider these regular tasks as your daily and weekly upkeep, supporting the more thorough cleaning you do twice a year.

However, depending on your habits and lifestyle, you may need to adjust your mattress cleaning routine and increase the frequency. While the six-month rule is a good starting point, some situations demand more frequent attention.

Read also: 7 Signs You Need to Change Your Mattress

Your mattress cleaning routine should be based on your unique needs. Everybody is different.

Mattress Cleaning Tailored to Your Needs

As professional mattress cleaners, we understand that each mattress and household has unique needs. Some homes have pets, others have allergy sufferers, and some are more prone to spills. These factors significantly impact how often you should clean a mattress. Here, we provide tailored advice for the most common scenarios that require more frequent cleaning:

1. Allergy Sufferers

If someone in your household struggles with allergies or asthma, we recommend deep cleaning the mattress every three months. Dust mites and allergens quickly build up, triggering symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, which disrupt sleep, so regular vacuuming is crucial. A quality hypoallergenic protector is also essential, creating a barrier against allergens. Consider booking a deep mattress cleaning service every three months for a thorough clean that surpasses standard vacuuming. Professionals utilise powerful equipment and specialised techniques to eliminate allergens effectively. Alternatively, invest in a high-quality HEPA filter vacuum and a steam cleaner to deal with remaining bacteria and dust mites.

2. Spill-Prone Households

If you often eat or drink in bed or have young children who might spill milk or juice or experience night-time accidents, consider deep cleaning your mattress every two to three months. This routine helps prevent stains and bacteria from settling into the fabric. Invest in a waterproof protector to prevent liquids from getting into the mattress. Spot-clean spills immediately to avoid long-term damage. Some foods and beverages create an environment that facilitates bacterial growth and can attract pests. Clean spills promptly using a damp cloth and mild detergent, and consider professional cleaning to tackle deeper stains and potential bacterial contamination.

Read also: How to Keep Your Mattress Odour-Free

3. Night Sweaters

People who sweat a lot during sleep should clean their mattress every three to four months. Sweat and body oils can lead to stains, leave unpleasant odours, and create a breeding ground for bacteria. A water-resistant mattress protector is invaluable, preventing sweat from penetrating the mattress. Using moisture-wicking bedding can also help. Hire professional cleaners for deep mattress cleaning every three to six months to remove any accumulated odours and bacteria.

Check also: What Causes the Yellow Stains On the Mattress and How to Remove Them?

If you share your bed with your pets, you’ll need to deep clean your mattress and bedding more often.

4. Pet Owners

If you allow pets on your bed, your mattress requires frequent cleaning, potentially every one to three months, depending on your pet. Pet hair, dander, and grime can build up quickly, leading to allergies and unwanted odours. Pet claws can also damage the mattress fabric, providing entry points for dirt and moisture. Using a waterproof mattress cover is also a good way to prevent drool, pet urine, and other accidents from getting into the mattress. Ensure you wash it regularly, ideally weekly, to maintain it hygienic. We recommend booking professional mattress cleaning every three months to address the deep-seated allergens and odours pets leave behind.

Read also: Keeping Your Home Happy & Fresh: Our Cleaning Tips for Pet Lovers

5. Airbnbs and Guesthouses

For guest beds or mattresses used in short-term rentals, thorough cleaning should be done after each guest’s stay. This includes removing and replacing the protector with a fresh one, vacuuming the mattress, and deodorising it using an alcohol-based or antimicrobial deodoriser between guests. To uphold a high standard of hygiene, deep clean every three months or after a long-term guest.

Check also: How to Keep Your Sofa Bed Clean and Extend Its Life

6. After Being Sick

Even if your household doesn’t fall into any of the categories above and you usually don’t have to deep-clean your mattress very often, it’s worth considering a more thorough cleaning after someone has been sick and spent several days in bed. Illnesses like the flu, which involve viruses and fever-induced sweating, can contaminate the mattress. Extended periods in bed, as experienced by bedridden individuals, lead to an increased accumulation of dander and potential pathogens. The challenges associated with prolonged bed rest can also lead to spills and accidents. A professional cleaning after an illness will eliminate lingering bacteria or viruses and remove stains, ensuring a safe and hygienic sleeping environment.

Read also: 10 Things You Should Clean to Prevent a Flu Outbreak at Home – Part 2

Regular vacuuming of the bedroom helps to prevent dust from being trapped not only in your carpets, but also in your mattress and curtains.

Step-by-Step Mattress Cleaning Guide

Here’s how to clean your mattress impeccably:

Change the Sheets Regularly

While it’s not exactly mattress cleaning, regularly changing your sheets can help keep your mattress clean longer. Make sure to wash your sheets at least once a week to avoid the buildup of dead skin cells and dust mites. Fresh sheets create a more inviting sleep environment and prolong your mattress’s life.

Use a Mattress Protector

Best case scenario: You are using a protector. Throw it in the washing machine every time you change bed linens, too. A protector not only safeguards your mattress but also simplifies cleaning.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Use an upholstery attachment to remove dust, hair, and debris from the mattress surface. Start by vacuuming the top surface, then the sides, and finally the bottom. Don’t forget to vacuum the bed frame and under the mattress, as dust accumulates everywhere. Pay close attention to the seams and crevices, where dust mites tend to hide.

Spot Clean Stains

Mix a mild laundry detergent with warm water and gently dab stains with a clean cloth. Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can result in mould growth. For stubborn stains, use a specialised stain remover. Use a fan or dehumidifier in winter or cold weather to help the mattress dry faster. Ensure the mattress has dried completely before remaking the bed.

Deodorise

Even if your mattress appears clean and stain-free, lingering odours can detract from a restful sleep. Deodorising your mattress restores freshness, creating a more inviting and comfortable sleeping environment.

  • Baking Soda: The easiest and most inexpensive way to deodorise your mattress. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
  • Baking Soda and Baby Powder: Mix equal parts baking soda and baby powder for a fresh scent and added moisture absorption.
  • Rubbing Alcohol Spray: Lightly spray rubbing alcohol over the mattress to disinfect and deodorise. Let it air dry thoroughly.

Air Out the Mattress

It’s one of the best things you can do for your mattress. Place your mattress in direct sunlight for a few hours to kill bacteria and freshen it up if possible. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser. If sunlight isn’t available, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate.

Bonus Tip: Vacuum your bedroom regularly to keep dust from settling into your mattress and bedding. A clean bedroom not only ensures a cleaner mattress but also improves the air quality.

A well-maintained mattress contributes to better sleep, improved health, and a longer lifespan. Following these expert recommendations, based on your lifestyle, can ensure your mattress stays clean and hygienic all year round.

Read also: 5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Mattress As-new

Enjoy better sleep when you book our professional mattress cleaning service in London.

Enjoy a Healthier Sleep with Our Mattress Cleaning Services

If you need reliable and affordable professional cleaning service, don’t hesitate to call The Happy House Cleaning. Our London mattress cleaning technicians will deal with stains and odours, remove bacteria, and leave your mattress fresh and spotless. We use eco-friendly cleaning solutions and advanced techniques to ensure a safe and effective clean. Contact us today for a free quote and experience the difference a professionally cleaned mattress can make.