When was the last time you gave your mattress a serious cleaning? Most people don't realize that their memory foam mattress becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, dust, and allergens with each passing night. Professional cleaning isn't just about making your mattress look good—it's about creating a healthier sleep environment that supports your overall well-being and protects your valuable investment. Understanding the components of your bed is the first step, and you can learn more about what's inside a memory foam mattress here.
Not all mattresses clean the same way. Memory foam needs special care because it absorbs moisture like a sponge and can be easily damaged by water or harsh cleaners.
| What to Consider | Memory Foam | Innerspring | Latex | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Can I use water? |
Very Little Only |
Yes |
Yes (Moderate) |
Limited |
|
How fast does it dry? |
1-2 Days |
4-8 Hours |
12-24 Hours |
12-36 Hours |
|
Risk of mold/mildew |
High Risk |
Low Risk |
Medium Risk |
Medium Risk |
|
Can I use cleaning products? |
Mild Only |
Most Products |
Gentle Products |
Mild Preferred |
|
Easy to remove stains? |
Difficult |
Easy |
Moderate |
Moderate |
|
Can I steam clean? |
No |
Yes |
Not Recommended |
No |
|
What if I clean it wrong? |
Permanent Damage |
Usually Recovers |
May Shorten Life |
Can Damage Foam |
|
How often to deep clean? |
Every 6 months |
Every 3-4 months |
Every 6 months |
Every 4-6 months |
|
Expected lifespan |
7-10 years |
5-8 years |
10-15 years |
8-12 years |
What This Means for Memory Foam Owners
Before you start cleaning your memory foam mattress, spend 15 minutes getting ready. Grab your supplies, set up your space, and check a few things first. This prep work prevents mistakes that could damage your mattress or waste your time. It's quick and simple—and it makes the actual deep mattress cleaning much easier.
You need specific supplies to clean memory foam safely. Regular household cleaners can ruin the foam, so it's important to use the right stuff. Here's exactly what to get and what to skip. Most items are probably already in your home. Don't forget to have a mattress cover ready for after cleaning.
These eight steps set you up for success. They take about 10-15 minutes total, but they prevent problems like voiding your warranty or damaging the foam. Just follow them in order before you start cleaning.
| Step | What to Do | How to Do |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Check Manufacturer Guidelines |
Always review care instructions specific to your mattress brand. Some manufacturers have unique recommendations that can void warranties if not followed precisely. |
|
2 |
Set Up Work Area |
Work in a well-ventilated area with good airflow. Open windows or use fans to promote air circulation during and after cleaning. |
|
3 |
Strip the Bed |
Remove all bedding, mattress protector, and sheets. Wash them separately in hot water while you clean the mattress. |
|
4 |
Gather All Supplies |
Collect all essential tools and cleaning solutions before starting. Having everything ready prevents delays during the cleaning process. |
|
5 |
Test Cleaning Solution |
Test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage. |
|
6 |
Inspect the Mattress |
Look for specific stains, damage, or areas needing extra attention. Identify the type of stains (protein, liquid, organic) to choose the right cleaning method. |
|
7 |
Protect Surrounding Area |
Use a plastic sheet or drop cloth under and around the mattress to protect your floor from cleaning solutions and moisture. |
|
8 |
Plan Drying Time |
Ensure you have 24-48 hours for the mattress to completely dry before putting bedding back on. Plan accordingly and have alternative sleeping arrangements if needed. |
You don't need to deep clean your memory foam mattress every week. Simple maintenance between deep cleans keeps it fresh and makes the big cleaning jobs easier. Using a quality breathable mattress cover also reduces how often you need to deep clean. Here's what to do and when—most tasks take just a few minutes.
| How Often | What to Do | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
|
Weekly |
Quick Inspection |
While changing sheets, take 30 seconds to look for any new stains, spills, or damage that needs immediate attention. |
|
Monthly |
Vacuum Mattress Surface |
Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress surface, including seams and edges where dust accumulates. |
|
Monthly |
Spot Clean Fresh Stains |
Treat any stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Blot gently—never rub or scrub the foam. |
|
Every 3-4 Months |
Rotate Mattress |
Turn the mattress 180 degrees so the head becomes the foot. This ensures even wear and prevents body impressions from forming in one spot. |
|
Every 3-6 Months |
Deep Clean |
Follow proper memory foam cleaning techniques using baking soda, mild solutions, and adequate drying time (24-48 hours). |
|
Every 3-6 Months |
Wash Mattress Protector |
Remove your mattress protector and wash it according to manufacturer instructions, typically in hot water. |
Memory foam mattresses have specific rotation requirements that differ from traditional mattresses. Most memory foam mattresses are designed with a specific top and bottom, so you should rotate them but not flip them.
Rotating your mattress every 3-4 months distributes your body weight evenly across the surface. Without rotation, the same areas bear your weight night after night, leading to permanent body impressions and reduced support. Regular rotation helps maintain the mattress's shape and extends its usable life. To understand more about mattress longevity, read our guide on how long a mattress should last.
Deep cleaning a memory foam mattress isn't difficult, but it does require a different approach than cleaning a regular mattress. The key is using minimal moisture and allowing plenty of drying time.
Time needed: About 1-2 hours of active work, plus 24-48 hours for drying. Plan to do this on a day when you have alternative sleeping arrangements.
Remove everything from your mattress—sheets, mattress protector, pillows, and any toppers. Take all bedding to the washing machine and wash it in hot water (at least 130°F) while you clean the mattress. This kills dust mites and removes allergens.
If possible, move your mattress to a well-ventilated area or at least open all windows in your bedroom. Good airflow is essential for the drying process later.
Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire mattress surface. Go slowly and methodically, covering every inch. Pay special attention to:
→ All seams and edges where dust collects
→ Any quilted or tufted areas
→ The sides of the mattress
→ Under any handles or logos
This step removes loose dirt, dust, dead skin cells, and dust mites before you start wet cleaning. Don't skip this—it makes the rest of the process much more effective.
Now tackle any visible stains. The cleaning method depends on what caused the stain. Here's what works for different types:
Critical Rule: Always use white cloths for cleaning. Colored cloths can transfer dye to your memory foam mattress. And remember: blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes stains deeper into the foam.
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. You'll need about 1-2 cups for a queen-size mattress. Use your hand to spread it evenly across the entire surface, getting it into seams and crevices.
Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours, but 12-24 hours is even better if you can manage it. During this time, baking soda absorbs odors, moisture, and oils from the mattress. If your bedroom gets sunlight, position the mattress so sunlight hits it during this time—UV light naturally kills bacteria and dust mites.
Add 10-15 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to your baking soda before sprinkling. Mix it well in a bowl first. This adds a fresh scent and provides natural antimicrobial properties. Don't use more oil than this—too much can leave residue on the foam.
After the baking soda has sat for at least 8 hours, vacuum it all up using your upholstery attachment. Go over the mattress several times to make sure you've removed all the powder. Check seams and edges carefully—baking soda likes to hide there.
Your memory foam mattress should now smell fresh and clean. If you still notice odors, you can repeat the baking soda treatment.
For extra freshness and sanitization, make a light vinegar spray. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Very lightly mist the entire mattress surface—you want a fine mist, not wet patches.
The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking odors with it. This step also helps kill any remaining bacteria or dust mites.
Don't Over-Spray: Use a very light mist. If you can see wet spots or feel dampness when you touch the mattress, you've used too much.
This is the most important step. Your mattress must dry completely before you put any bedding back on. Here's how to ensure thorough drying:
→ Position fans to blow air across the mattress surface. Use multiple fans if you have them.
→ Keep windows open for maximum air circulation.
→ If possible, stand the mattress on its side and rotate it every few hours so air reaches all sides.
→ Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources—these can damage memory foam. Indirect light and air circulation are what you want.
→ Allow a full 24-48 hours for complete drying. It might look dry on the surface but still be damp inside.
To test if it's dry, press your hand firmly on different areas of the mattress. It should feel completely dry and cool to the touch. If any area feels damp or cool, keep drying.
Why Complete Drying Matters: If you put sheets on a damp mattress, you're creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew. These can grow inside the foam where you can't see them, causing health problems and ruining your mattress. Be patient with drying time.
Once the mattress is completely dry, put on a clean breathable mattress protector first—this is essential for keeping your mattress clean between deep cleanings. Then add your freshly washed sheets and bedding.
Your mattress is now deeply cleaned, deodorized, and ready for another 3-6 months of use before the next deep clean.
Keep It Clean Longer: Always use a waterproof, breathable mattress protector. It prevents 90% of the stains and damage that would otherwise require deep cleaning. Wash the protector monthly, and you'll rarely need to deep clean your actual mattress.
Novilla designs mattresses with innovative features that simplify maintenance and support long-term hygiene. Our commitment to eco-friendly materials and thoughtful construction makes cleaning and care more straightforward for users.
The ErgoChill Memory Foam Mattress makes cleaning easier with features that resist moisture and dry faster than standard memory foam.
Why It's Easier to Clean:
The cooling design keeps moisture away naturally. That means less chance of mold between cleanings and quicker drying when you do deep clean.
Bliss Memory Foam Mattress provides a perfect balance of comfort and easy maintenance. Its carefully engineered structure supports thorough cleaning and long-term hygiene:
Novilla mattresses are designed with cleaning and hygiene in mind:
These features make Novilla mattresses not just comfortable, but also practical for long-term maintenance and cleaning.
Knowing how to clean your memory foam mattress properly makes all the difference. Mattress cleaning doesn't have to be complicated—anyone can learn the right techniques. A consistent care routine helps maintain your mattress's quality and performance. By following these basic steps, you can keep your memory foam mattress in great condition and create a cleaner sleeping environment. For more advice on improving your rest, explore our tips for a healthier sleep routine.
