In short
- A washable mattress protector is the best way to keep a mattress clean.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water, and vacuum and air the mattress every few months.
- Treat spills quickly and keep water to a minimum.
Habits that keep a mattress fresh
- Use a protector. A washable, breathable protector stops sweat and spills reaching the mattress.
- Wash bedding weekly. Sheets and pillowcases carry most of the sweat and skin flakes.
- Vacuum every few months with the upholstery tool, paying attention to seams and edges.
- Air it out. Strip the bed now and then and let the mattress breathe for a few hours.
- Rotate it as the maker recommends, so it wears evenly.
Dust mites and allergies
Dust mites live in bedding and mattresses and feed on skin flakes. For people with dust mite allergy, the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends washing sheets, pillowcases and other bedding weekly in hot water above 60°C, and covering mattresses, pillows and quilts with dust mite resistant covers, washed at least every two months.
A professional mattress clean lifts surface dust and stains, but it works best alongside those habits, not instead of them.
Dealing with stains
| Stain | What to do |
|---|---|
| Fresh spills | Blot straight away with a dry cloth, then use as little water as possible. |
| Sweat and yellowing | Build up over time. A professional clean can lighten them, but old ones may not fully go. |
| Blood | Cold water only, blotted gently. Never hot water. |
| Urine | Blot up as much as you can, then call a professional before it soaks deep into the foam. |
The golden rule: never soak a mattress. Water that gets into the core is slow to dry and can lead to smells and mould.
When to call a professional
- After illness in the house.
- After accidents, such as bed-wetting or pets on the bed.
- If someone has allergies and the mattress hasn't been cleaned for a long time.
- Before a guest room is used again, or after buying a second-hand bed base.
- When stains have built up despite a protector.
What cleaning can't fix
Cleaning can freshen a mattress and lift many stains, but it can't fix sagging, broken springs, mould or water damage. A mattress with mould, or one that has been soaked right through, usually needs replacing.
