From baking soda to white vinegar, most cleaning essentials are versatile, non-toxic, and can be found in your kitchen cabinet. However, vinegar and baking soda aren't perfect at cleaning everything in your bedroom — especially mattresses.
"If you use a baking soda, water and white vinegar mixture to clean stains from a mattress, you’ll need to be very careful because it can damage the mattress materials," reveals Petya Holevich, cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services.
That doesn't mean you can't use a low-cost DIY cleaner, though. In fact, cleaning experts say the best ingredient for mattress cleaning is an everyday item: dish soap. Here, cleaning pros explain why soapy water is the key to a clean mattress, plus how to use it effectively.
Why soapy water is a great mattress cleaner
If you want to get rid of pesky mattress stains, all you need to do is add some H20 to a small amount of mild soap detergent — be it dish soap, gentle laundry detergent, liquid hand wash, or even face and body wash. Castile soap also makes a gentle, all-purpose cleaner.
"If I need to remove a stain or spot clean, I stick to basic soap and water," says Rositsa Petrova, an organic mattress care expert and founder of Home of Wool.
"There’s no magic ingredient as such, but if it's a smaller stain you can use a solution of mild detergent and water," agrees Mike Handelsman, a memory foam expert at FoamOrder.
"It’s simple, it’s effective, and it also doesn’t damage the material," he adds.
How to clean a mattress with soapy water
1. Apply the soapy water to a clean cloth
First, mix a small amount of soap detergent in a bowl of water and stir until it forms soapy suds.
Next, add a little of the mixture to a clean cloth. You don't need much, as a Petrova assures a little can go a long way.
"I make sure I use very little of the solution, because if I wet the mattress too much and it doesn’t dry properly, mattress mold becomes an issue," she warns.
2. Spot clean the stain
To spot clean a stain, gently dab (and don't rub) the mattress stain with soapy water, working outside to the inside of the stain.
"When you’re using it, though, use very little and use a cloth for cleaning instead of soaking the mattress, because excess moisture can break down the foam and cause mold issues," says upholstery expert Handelsman.
3. Air-dry the mattress
Now, the most important step: making sure the mattress is completely dry.
"Mold issues is why we always stress on drying your mattress properly after cleaning it," explains Handelsman.
To dry it properly, the upholstery expert recommends leaving your mattress to dry naturally in a well-ventilated room.
"Make sure you dry it completely, and ideally in a place with good airflow," he advises.
How to take care of your mattress
Once your mattress is stain-free again, you may be wondering how you can prevent this from happening again.
"It’s always more effective to prevent stains and dirtying than having to deep-clean a mattress once it’s stained," says Handelsman.
But how can you prevent your mattress from becoming grubby without having to deep-clean it on a regular basis?
Well, it's actually much less work than you think. Here are three quick tips for making safeguarding your mattress from stains, smells, and everyday dirt.
1. Use a water-resistant mattress protector
"Prevention is the best mattress care, so use protective cover," says Petrova.
While a lot of cheaper mattress protectors just provide a mattress with an extra outer layer of fabric, the best mattress protectors provide water-resistant or fully waterproof protection and safeguard your mattress from spills and stains.
2. Vacuum regularly
If you want to save your mattress from allergens as well as stains, then regularly vacuuming your mattress and bedroom can keep sleep-ruining dust mites at bay.
"I’d say that just regular vacuuming and using a protective cover are more than enough," says Handelsman.
3. Let your mattress get some air
Petrova is a huge advocate for allowing good old-fashioned air to keep your mattress feeling fresh and clean.
"I usually get rid of any moisture or odors in my mattresses by just airing them," she reveals.
She advises using methods such as the bedroom window hack and investing in naturally breathable bedding to allow your mattress breathe.
"Ensure there’s good airflow around your mattress because when materials are supported with the right environment, they stay fresh and clean for much longer," explains the bedding care expert.
