A clean, fresh mattress plays a huge role in how well you sleep each night. But most Aussies don’t realise how much sweat, dust, skin cells, and allergens build up inside their mattress over time. Even if your bed looks clean, it can be hiding dust mites, odours, and bacteria that affect your health and sleep quality. That’s why deep cleaning your mattress regularly is essential.
At Supreme Cleaners, we specialise in professional mattress cleaning across Australia, helping households maintain a hygienic, comfortable sleeping space all year round. But before you consider calling in the experts, there’s a lot you can do at home to keep your mattress fresh and clean. This guide walks you through exactly how to deep clean a mattress at home, step by step, using simple ingredients and proven cleaning techniques.
Why Deep Cleaning Your Mattress Matters
Most people wash their sheets weekly, but the mattress itself often gets forgotten. Over time, mattresses naturally accumulate:
- sweat and body oils
- dust mites and allergens
- pet hair and dander
- dead skin cells
- stains from spills or accidents
- trapped odours
- humidity and moisture
- bacteria and microscopic debris
Even high-quality mattresses need proper maintenance to stay hygienic. A neglected mattress can lead to:
- allergies
- respiratory irritation
- dust mite infestations
- persistent odours
- poor sleep quality
- mould or mildew growth in humid areas
If you’re noticing unpleasant smells, discolouration, increased allergies, or visible stains, it’s definitely time for either a DIY clean or a mattress cleaning service. Regularly cleaning your mattress also prolongs its life, saving you money in the long run.
How to Deep Clean a Mattress at Home: Step-by-Step
Below is a comprehensive, practical, and easy-to-follow guide on how to deep clean your mattress without damaging the fabric or inner layers. These methods work on most Australian mattress types, including memory foam, latex, spring, and hybrid mattresses.
Step 1: Strip the Bed & Wash All Bedding
Start by removing everything from your mattress, including:
- sheets
- pillowcases
- quilt covers
- mattress protectors
- blankets
Wash all bedding in hot water to kill bacteria and dust mites. Whenever possible, sun-dry your bedding, as UV rays naturally sanitise and freshen fabrics—an advantage of the Australian climate.
If your mattress protector is old or stained, consider replacing it. A good-quality protector dramatically reduces the need for frequent mattress cleaning.
Step 2: Thorough Vacuuming
Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the mattress surface. Vacuuming helps remove dust, dirt, pet hair, crumbs, and loose debris.
Focus on:
- seams
- crevices
- edges
- stitching lines
Vacuuming alone won’t deep clean your mattress, but it’s an important step before treating stains or deodorising. Doing this every month keeps dust mites under control and improves sleep hygiene.
Step 3: Spot Clean Mattress Stains
This step is crucial when cleaning mattress stains such as sweat marks, spills, or pet accidents. Below are safe, effective DIY stain-removal methods that work for most mattress types.
General Stain Remover (DIY Solution)
Mix:
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
Dab gently—never rub—as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the mattress.
Sweat Stains
Sweat can cause yellowish stains. Treat these with:
- hydrogen peroxide (use sparingly)
- baking soda
- a few drops of dishwashing liquid
Lightly spray the stained area, let it bubble, and blot dry.
Urine Stains (Fresh or Old)
Urine needs a special approach to avoid odours:
- Blot fresh urine with paper towels.
- Spray with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water.
- Sprinkle baking soda generously.
- Leave for 8–12 hours.
- Vacuum once dry.
If the odour persists, it may be time for professional mattress cleaning, especially for old or set-in stains.
Blood Stains
Always use cold water, as warm water sets blood stains.
Dab with diluted hydrogen peroxide and blot repeatedly.
Drink or Food Spills
Use warm water, mild detergent, and gentle blotting. Avoid soaking, as excessive moisture can damage inner mattress layers.
Step 4: Deodorise the Mattress with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best natural deodorising agents for cleaning mattresses at home.
How to Use It:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the mattress.
- Leave it for at least 6–12 hours (longer is better).
- Let natural airflow help lift moisture and odours.
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove all residue.
This technique removes smells caused by sweat, body oils, pets, and general use—perfect for freshening up a frequently used mattress.
Step 5: Optional – Steam Clean the Mattress
Steam cleaning can significantly improve mattress hygiene, removing bacteria, allergens, and deep-set dirt.
Tips for Safe Steam Cleaning:
- Use a handheld steam cleaner or an upholstery steamer.
- Do NOT oversaturate the mattress—moisture can cause mould.
- Keep the steam head moving continuously.
- Allow enough time for the mattress to dry completely.
Steam cleaning is highly effective but tricky; incorrect technique may damage the mattress. For best results, many Australians prefer calling a professional mattress cleaning team like Supreme Cleaners, especially for deep sanitation and allergen removal.
Step 6: Air Out and Dry Completely
Proper drying is vital when deep cleaning a mattress. A damp mattress can develop mould, mildew, and odours.
Drying Tips:
- Place the mattress near a sunny window.
- Use fans to speed up the drying process.
- If possible, take the mattress outside (on a clean surface) for direct sunlight. Australian UV rays help sanitise naturally.
- Ensure the mattress is dry before replacing bedding.
How to Maintain a Clean Mattress: Long-Term Tips
Deep cleaning once every 6 months is ideal for most households, but these maintenance habits will help your mattress stay fresh for longer:
1. Use a High-Quality Mattress Protector
Prevents stains, dust mites, and spills.
2. Vacuum Monthly
Keeps dust and allergens under control.
3. Sun Your Mattress Occasionally
Sunlight kills bacteria and removes moisture.
4. Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Depending on the mattress type, rotate every 3 months.
5. Clean Spills Immediately
The sooner you treat stains, the easier they are to remove.
6. Air Out Bedding Weekly
Fresh air helps keep odours at bay.
If stubborn odours or stains persist, it’s likely time to schedule a mattress cleaning service.
When to Call a Professional Mattress Cleaning Service
While DIY mattress cleaning is great for general upkeep, some situations require expert attention. You should contact a professional mattress cleaning company like Supreme Cleaners if you notice:
- deep, set-in stains
- persistent odours
- mould or mildew spots
- heavy dust mite allergies
- pet accidents or recurring urine smells
- a mattress that hasn’t been cleaned for years
- visible yellowing or discolouration
Why Choose Supreme Cleaners?
Supreme Cleaners offers specialised mattress cleaning services across Australia, using advanced equipment and eco-friendly products to deliver exceptional results. Our services include:
- deep steam cleaning
- stain treatment
- allergen and dust mite removal
- sanitising and deodorising
- same-day service (subject to availability)
- child- and pet-safe cleaning solutions
When DIY methods aren’t enough, our team ensures your mattress is fresh, hygienic, and safe for you and your family. We help prolong the lifespan of your mattress while improving your sleep quality.
Conclusion
Deep cleaning your mattress at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, vacuuming, stain removal, deodorising, and proper drying, you can keep your mattress in excellent condition and maintain a healthy sleeping environment.
But when stains refuse to budge, odours linger, or your mattress just needs a complete refresh, Supreme Cleaners is here to help. Our professional mattress cleaning services deliver powerful results that home cleaning simply can’t match.
A clean mattress isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about better sleep, improved health, and a fresher home. Don’t wait until your mattress looks worn or smells unpleasant. Take charge today and enjoy the comfort of a deeply cleaned, professionally maintained bed.
