If you’re wondering, can you wash a mattress thoroughly? You’re definitely not alone! Many people want to keep their mattresses as fresh and clean as possible, but aren’t sure just how deep their cleaning efforts can go. While routine vacuuming and spot-cleaning are simple enough, washing a mattress thoroughly is a bit more involved and depends on the mattress's materials and construction.
Most mattresses aren’t designed to be soaked or submerged in water. In fact, saturating the core can damage the materials, encourage mold growth, and void your warranty. Instead, the best way to “wash a mattress completely” is to give it an intensive surface clean, removing stains, dust, and allergens without letting too much moisture seep in. Here’s how you...
If you’re wondering, can you wash a mattress thoroughly? You’re definitely not alone! Many people want to keep their mattresses as fresh and clean as possible, but aren’t sure just how deep their cleaning efforts can go. While routine vacuuming and spot-cleaning are simple enough, washing a mattress thoroughly is a bit more involved and depends on the mattress's materials and construction.
Most mattresses aren’t designed to be soaked or submerged in water. In fact, saturating the core can damage the materials, encourage mold growth, and void your warranty. Instead, the best way to “wash a mattress completely” is to give it an intensive surface clean, removing stains, dust, and allergens without letting too much moisture seep in. Here’s how you can keep your mattress clean and hygienic:
- Vacuum regularly: Use a handheld vacuum to remove surface debris, dust mites, and dead skin cells.
- Spot-clean stains: Gently blot with a mild detergent and water mixture, using as little liquid as possible. Blot dry immediately.
- Deodorize with baking soda: Sprinkle it over the surface, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up to neutralize odors.
- Air out your mattress: Open windows and let sunlight hit the mattress to reduce moisture and kill surface bacteria.
- Use a mattress protector: This adds a washable barrier to defend against spills, sweat, and allergens.
For those who insist on a very deep clean or are dealing with tough stains or odors, choosing a professional mattress cleaning service is your safest option. It’s important to remember that attempting to wash a mattress thoroughly, such as using a hose or steam cleaner with excessive water, can have drawbacks. Here’s a helpful comparison:
| Pros of Deep Cleaning |
Cons of Deep Cleaning |
- Removes allergens and bacteria
- Eliminates surface odors and stains
- Increases overall freshness
|
- Too much moisture can damage mattress layers
- A long drying time can lead to mold growth
- May void product warranty
|
Most mattresses aren’t built to be washed thoroughly; soaking them with water or using heavy steam can push moisture deep into the layers, risking material damage, long drying times, mold growth, and even warranty issues. The safest way to get as close as possible to a “complete wash” is a deep surface clean: vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and allergens, spot-clean stains by blotting with a mild detergent-and-water mix (use minimal liquid and dry right away), deodorize with baking soda for a few hours before vacuuming again, and air out the mattress with fresh airflow and sunlight when possible. If you’re dealing with stubborn odors or heavy staining, a professional mattress cleaning service is usually the safest option.
To keep your mattress hygienic long-term (and reduce the need for intense cleaning), using a washable waterproof protector is one of the best moves—especially for sweat, spills, and allergy control. A practical option to consider is the King Koil MattPro Ultra Waterproof Mattress Protector, which acts as a protective barrier, keeping messes on the protector (which you can wash) instead of soaking into the mattress itself, helping your bed stay fresher with less effort.
Find Stores
