How to Clean and Freshen a Mattress

A mattress absorbs sweat and dust over the years. Cleaning it every few months, and protecting it with a washable cover, keeps it fresher.

By the Ample Cleaners team · 5 October 2026 · 3 min read

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Method

  1. Strip the bed and wash the bedding on the hottest setting its label allows
  2. Vacuum the whole surface, including the seams and sides, with the upholstery tool
  3. Spot-treat stains with a little mild detergent on a damp cloth, blotting rather than rubbing
  4. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave for several hours, then vacuum it up
  5. Let the mattress air fully before remaking the bed

Keep it fresh

  • Use a washable mattress protector
  • Rotate or flip the mattress as the manufacturer advises
  • Never soak a mattress, because damp can lead to mould

When to replace it

If a mattress sags, hurts your back, or has deep, persistent stains or mould, cleaning will not fix it. Most mattresses are worth replacing after around eight to ten years, according to common manufacturer guidance.

Common questions

How often should I clean my mattress?

Vacuum it every few months and air it when you change the bedding.

Would you rather we did it for you?

Ample Cleaners offers deep cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.

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