How to Clean a Mattress Properly — From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way

 

Why I Bother Cleaning My Mattress Now

So, full disclosure—I used to be that person who thought flipping the mattress every six months was enough. Change the sheets, shake out the duvet, and boom, done. Right? Yeah... not so much. After a few too many nights of waking up feeling groggy and kind of gross, I did a little deep dive. Turns out, mattresses are basically giant sponges for everything from sweat to dust mites to snack crumbs (guilty). Once I started looking into proper mattress cleaning, I couldn’t un-know it. Now I make it a part of my regular routine, and honestly, I sleep better for it.

Step 1: Strip It All Down

This one’s easy. Take off all your bedding—sheets, pillowcases, blankets, mattress protectors if you've got one. Get them in the wash using hot water if the fabric can handle it. That helps kill off dust mites and any other microscopic nasties. I also like to add a splash of vinegar to the wash because it helps neutralise smells.

Step 2: The Mighty Vacuum

Grab your vacuum and use the upholstery attachment if you’ve got one. Get into every corner and edge, and don’t forget the sides. You’d be surprised at how much gunk builds up around the seams. I usually go over mine twice, especially if I’ve skipped a month (or two). It makes a massive difference in how fresh the mattress feels after.

Step 3: Spot Treat Those Stains

Inevitably, you’ll find stains—maybe from spilled tea, pet accidents, or who knows what. Mix a little dish soap with water or go for a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combo if it’s a tough one. Dab, don’t rub. Blot with a clean towel. Let it sit for a bit, then blot again. It’s a bit of trial and error, but you’ll get a feel for what works. I’ve found that fresher stains lift easier, but even older ones can be softened up with patience.

Step 4: Baking Soda for the Win

Once you’ve handled any spots, it’s time to deodorise. Just sprinkle a good layer of baking soda over the whole mattress. I don’t measure—I just shake the box until it’s lightly dusted. Let it sit for at least a few hours (the longer, the better). This stuff works wonders. It soaks up moisture, smells, and just makes everything feel less... slept-on, if that makes sense.

Step 5: Vacuum Again

Yep, back to the vacuum. Once the baking soda’s done its job, vacuum it all up. Be thorough, especially if you went heavy-handed with the sprinkle. Sometimes I even use a lint roller around the edges if the vacuum misses anything.

Step 6: Flip or Rotate

Not all mattresses are flippable, but if yours is, flip it! If not, rotate it 180 degrees. This helps even out wear and prevents those deep body-shaped dips from forming. I try to do this every couple of months—it only takes a second but makes a big difference over time.

Optional But Awesome: Air It Out

If you can, let your mattress air out by leaving it bare for a few hours. Open the windows if the weather’s decent. Sunlight can help kill bacteria, and fresh air just makes the whole room feel better. This is the kind of step that feels optional until you do it and realise how nice it actually is.

Thinking About Getting Help?

Here’s the thing. You can absolutely do all this yourself. But if you’ve got a mattress that’s older, heavily stained, or just overdue for a professional refresh, it might be time to bring in the experts. That’s when I call Vip Carpet Cleaning London. They offer top-notch mattress cleaning services and honestly, they’ve saved a couple of mattresses I thought were past redemption. I’ve used them more than once, and they always show up on time, explain everything they’re doing, and leave my mattress looking and smelling brand new.

What About Mattress Cleaning Service Prices?

It’s one of the first things I wondered when I started looking into this. You hear 'professional cleaning' and immediately think it’s gonna cost a fortune. But honestly, the mattress cleaning service prices at Vip Carpet Cleaning London are way more reasonable than I expected. Definitely cheaper than buying a new mattress. And for the peace of mind it gives? Worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a mattress properly isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of effort. Still, there’s nothing quite like climbing into a bed that feels fresh, smells good, and isn’t secretly harboring last year’s sweat and snack dust. Whether you’re doing it solo or calling in the pros, just get it done. Your sleep—and your sinuses—will thank you. And if you’re in the area and searching for solid mattress cleaning London UK can trust, you really can’t go wrong with Vip Carpet Cleaning London.