Most people wash their sheets regularly but forget about what’s underneath them. Your mattress absorbs sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, allergens, and spills over time. Even with a mattress protector, buildup is unavoidable.
So how often should a mattress be cleaned? The short answer: more often than most people think.
This guide explains recommended mattress cleaning frequency, why it matters, how to clean a mattress at home, and when deeper cleaning becomes necessary.
Why Mattress Cleaning Matters
The average person spends about one-third of their life in bed. Over time, mattresses collect:
- Sweat and body oils
- Dead skin cells
- Dust mites and allergens
- Bacteria and odors
- Accidental spills and stains
Without regular cleaning, this buildup can impact sleep quality, indoor air quality, and overall hygiene.
How Often Should a Mattress Be Cleaned?
General Recommendation
- Surface cleaning: Every 1–2 months
- Deep cleaning: Every 6–12 months
However, certain situations require more frequent cleaning.
Clean Your Mattress Every 3–6 Months If You:
- Have allergies or asthma
- Sweat heavily at night
- Allow pets on the bed
- Eat or drink in bed
Clean Your Mattress Immediately If You:
- Spill liquids
- Notice odors
- See visible stains
- Experience increased allergy symptoms
Mattress hygiene directly affects other soft surfaces in the home, including carpets and upholstered furniture, which also trap allergens over time.
Signs Your Mattress Needs Cleaning
You don’t always need to wait for a schedule. Clear signs include:
- Musty or sour smells
- Yellow or dark stains
- Increased sneezing or congestion at night
- Visible dust or debris
If your bedroom also contains rugs or carpeting, routine carpet cleaning helps reduce the spread of allergens back onto the mattress.
How to Clean a Mattress at Home (DIY Method)
Step 1: Strip the Bed
Remove all sheets, covers, and protectors. Wash them in hot water.
Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, hair, and debris from the surface and seams.
This step is especially important if your home includes area rugs, which can circulate dust into sleeping areas.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
For light stains:
- Mix mild dish soap with warm water
- Lightly blot stains (do not soak)
- Use a clean towel to absorb moisture
Avoid overwetting the mattress, as trapped moisture can lead to mold.
Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface
- Let it sit for several hours
- Vacuum thoroughly
This helps neutralize odors and moisture.
How Often Should a Mattress Be Professionally Cleaned?
While DIY cleaning helps with maintenance, professional mattress cleaning reaches deeper layers where allergens and bacteria live.
Most mattresses benefit from professional cleaning:
- Once per year for general maintenance
- Every 6 months for allergy-sensitive households
Deep mattress cleaning complements other periodic services like furniture cleaning and air duct cleaning by improving overall indoor air quality.
How to Keep a Mattress Clean Longer
Simple habits extend the time between cleanings:
- Use a breathable mattress protector
- Wash bedding weekly
- Keep pets off the bed when possible
- Maintain consistent humidity levels
Cleaning surrounding surfaces like wood floors and tile and grout also reduces dust and allergens that migrate back onto the mattress.
Mattress Cleaning vs. Replacing a Mattress
A mattress doesn’t need to be replaced simply because it’s dirty. Regular cleaning can:
- Extend mattress lifespan
- Improve sleep hygiene
- Reduce allergens and odors
Proper care often delays replacement by several years.
Final Thoughts
So, how often should a mattress be cleaned? At minimum, plan for regular surface cleaning every couple of months and deep cleaning once a year. Households with pets, allergies, or frequent spills benefit from more frequent attention.
A cleaner mattress supports better sleep, healthier air, and a cleaner home overall—especially when combined with consistent care of carpets, rugs, furniture, and other soft surfaces.
