Most people wash their sheets regularly—but rarely think about what’s underneath them.
A mattress can quietly accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, allergens, bacteria, and odors over time. Understanding how often a mattress should be cleaned is essential for both hygiene and sleep quality.
This guide explains recommended cleaning frequency, what builds up inside a mattress, when DIY cleaning helps, and when professional mattress cleaning becomes necessary.
Why Mattress Cleaning Matters More Than People Realize
The average person spends one-third of their life in bed. During that time, mattresses absorb:
- Sweat and body oils
- Dead skin cells (a primary food source for dust mites)
- Dust, pollen, and airborne allergens
- Pet dander and odors
- Bacteria and moisture
Unlike sheets, mattresses aren’t designed to be washed—so contaminants accumulate quietly beneath the surface.
General Mattress Cleaning Guidelines
Professional Mattress Cleaning
Every 12 months for most households
Light Maintenance (DIY)
Every 3–6 months
However, frequency should increase based on lifestyle and health factors.
How Often Should a Mattress Be Cleaned Based on Your Home?
Homes Without Pets or Allergies
- Professional cleaning: every 12–18 months
- DIY vacuuming & deodorizing: every 6 months
Homes With Pets
- Professional cleaning: every 6–12 months
- DIY spot care: as needed
Pet hair, dander, and accidents behave similarly to upholstery contamination and often penetrate deeper than surface cleaning can reach.
Allergy or Asthma Sufferers
- Professional cleaning: every 6–9 months
Mattresses can harbor dust mites at levels far higher than carpet or area rugs due to constant warmth and moisture.
After Illness or Heavy Sweating
A mattress should be cleaned as soon as possible after:
- Flu or viral illness
- Night sweats
- Accidents or spills
Moisture trapped inside the mattress can lead to bacterial growth and odors if left untreated. This is something to keep in mind when deciding a professional mattress cleaning.
What DIY Mattress Cleaning Can (and Can’t) Do
What DIY Cleaning Helps With
- Surface dust and debris
- Light odors
- Fresh spills (if treated immediately)
DIY steps include:
- Vacuuming with a HEPA filter
- Light baking soda deodorizing
- Spot blotting (never soaking)
What DIY Cleaning Cannot Remove
- Deep allergens
- Dust mites and bacteria
- Embedded body oils
- Urine contamination
- Odors trapped in inner padding
This limitation is similar to DIY carpet and furniture cleaning—surface improvement without full extraction.
Signs Your Mattress Needs Professional Cleaning
If you notice any of the following, professional cleaning is recommended:
- Persistent odors
- Allergy symptoms worsening at night
- Visible staining or discoloration
- Increased sneezing or congestion indoors
- Mattress hasn’t been cleaned in over a year
These signs often coincide with other indoor air quality issues, including dirty carpets, rugs, and air ducts.
How Mattress Cleaning Affects Indoor Air Quality
Mattresses act like large filters—similar to:
- Upholstered furniture
- Area rugs
- Carpeted stairs
When contaminants accumulate across these surfaces, indoor air quality suffers. This is why mattress cleaning often pairs naturally with carpet cleaning and air duct cleaning as part of a whole-home hygiene approach.
How Long Does a Clean Mattress Stay Clean?
A professionally cleaned mattress stays noticeably fresher for:
- 6–12 months (depending on use)
Using a breathable mattress protector can significantly extend cleanliness and reduce buildup.
Simple Tips to Extend Mattress Cleanliness
- Wash sheets weekly
- Rotate mattress every 6 months
- Use a washable mattress protector
- Keep pets off beds if possible
- Vacuum mattress during seasonal deep cleaning
These habits reduce buildup but don’t replace professional cleaning.
Final Takeaway
So, how often should a mattress be cleaned?
For most homes: once a year professionally, with light maintenance in between. Homes with pets, allergies, or health sensitivities should clean more frequently.
Mattresses, carpets, rugs, furniture, tile, wood floors, and air systems all interact. Treating them as part of one environment—not isolated surfaces—is how truly clean homes are maintained.
