To clean a mattress properly, you need to vacuum it thoroughly, spot-treat any pesky stains, and deodorise the whole thing with baking soda. Following this simple routine banishes dust, lingering odours, and allergens, leaving your bed fresh and hygienic for a much better night's sleep.
Why Bother Cleaning Your Mattress?
Think about it: we spend about a third of our lives in bed, yet the mattress is probably one of the most neglected items on the cleaning list. Over time, it collects a whole host of things we'd rather not be sleeping on. Keeping it clean isn't just about appearances; it's a huge factor in your health and sleep quality.
Your mattress is like a giant sponge, absorbing everything from sweat and dead skin cells to the occasional spilled coffee. This creates the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and allergens that can mess with your breathing and disrupt your sleep. A clean bed means cleaner air, a key ingredient for truly restful sleep. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on enhancing sleep quality in New Zealand.
The Invisible World in Your Bed
What you can't see is often the biggest problem. Dust mites, for example, thrive on the dead skin cells we naturally shed, and their presence can be a nightmare for anyone with allergies or asthma.
A regular cleaning schedule does more than just freshen up your bed. It actively removes these common irritants, turning your bedroom into a healthier, more peaceful sanctuary.
It’s no surprise that Kiwis are taking this more seriously. A 2021 survey showed that 65% of residential clients in Auckland were booking a professional mattress clean at least once every two years. Managing allergens is key, and if you have pets, learning about combating pesky pet dander is a great place to start. You can read more about the most in-demand cleaning services in New Zealand in the full research.
Gather Your Cleaning Gear
Before you dive in, let's get your cleaning arsenal ready. Having everything on hand makes the whole process a lot less of a chore. The good news? You’ve probably got most of this stuff already.
The single most important tool is a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Honestly, don't even start without one. It’s the only way to really pull out the dust, skin cells, and other gunk buried deep in the mattress fibres.
Your Go-To Cleaning Supplies
You can skip the fancy, expensive cleaners. A quick raid of your kitchen pantry will give you everything you need for a really effective clean.
Grab these essentials:
- Baking Soda: Your secret weapon. It’s a brilliant natural deodoriser that soaks up moisture and nasty odours.
- White Vinegar: The mild acid in vinegar is great for breaking down common stains. It also works as a gentle, natural disinfectant when diluted.
- A few clean cloths: Microfibre is best as it won't leave fluff behind. You'll need these for blotting spills and working in cleaning solutions.
For stubborn stains like sweat or blood, you might need to bring in the big guns. An enzymatic cleaner from the supermarket is your best bet. These cleaners contain enzymes that literally break down the proteins in the stain, lifting them right out of the fabric.
Of course, the best clean is the one you don't have to do. Investing in prevention will save you a world of effort. A good protector stops spills from ever reaching the mattress. If you're looking for one, here's some great advice on finding a quality waterproof mattress protector in NZ.
Your Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Method
Right, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Think of this as a six-monthly reset for your mattress, designed to tackle everything from stubborn odours to hidden dust. You don't need professional gear, just a bit of time and elbow grease to get your bed feeling brand new.
First, strip the bed completely. Everything comes off – sheets, duvet, pillows, and any protectors. This is the perfect time to give all your bedding a hot wash to blitz any lingering bacteria and dust mites.
Step 1: A Thorough Vacuum
With the mattress bare, grab your vacuum. The upholstery attachment is your best friend here. Go over every single surface: the top, the bottom, and all four sides. Really get into those seams and crevices, as that's where dust, dead skin cells, and allergens love to accumulate.
Don't rush this part. A slow, methodical vacuum is your first line of defence and lifts away a surprising amount of grime. This step alone makes a massive difference.
Step 2: Deodorise with Baking Soda
Once you're done vacuuming, it's time for the secret weapon: baking soda. This pantry staple is brilliant for absorbing moisture and neutralising odours. Sprinkle a generous, even layer over the entire mattress.
For the best results, let the baking soda sit for at least a few hours. If you can leave it all day while you're at work, even better. The longer it sits, the more effectively it'll draw out deep-set smells from sweat and body oils.
When time's up, vacuum every last bit of the baking soda away. You should immediately notice how much fresher your mattress smells.
Step 3: Target Lingering Stains
Now you can focus on specific spots. Whether you're using a store-bought stain remover or a DIY mix (we'll cover that next), the technique is the same. Apply the cleaner to a cloth first, never directly onto the mattress.
Gently dab the stain, working from the outside in to stop it from spreading. Follow up by blotting the area with a clean, damp cloth to rinse, and then press firmly with a dry towel to soak up as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Let It Air Out (The Most Important Step!)
Finally, let your mattress air out completely. Open the windows, get a fan going—anything to create good airflow. It is absolutely critical that the mattress is 100% dry before you put sheets back on. Trapped moisture is a recipe for mould and mildew, which will ruin all your hard work.
Giving your mattress this deep clean twice a year is a game-changer. For day-to-day protection, a good topper can make all the difference. Something like a bamboo mattress topper not only adds comfort but also helps with breathability, keeping your bed fresher for longer.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains and Odours
Let's be realistic—life happens, and mattresses often bear the brunt of it. From spilled coffee to a child's nighttime accident, stains are almost inevitable. The secret to winning the battle isn't magic; it's about acting fast with the right tools.
The golden rule is to blot, never rub. Rubbing a fresh spill just pushes the stain deeper into the mattress fibres, making it a permanent resident. Instead, grab a clean, dry cloth and gently dab the spot to soak up as much liquid as you can before you start treating it.
Tackling Specific Stains
Not all stains are created equal. The acidic tannins in wine require a different approach than the proteins in a bloodstain. Trying a one-size-fits-all cleaner often leads to frustration and a faded, but still visible, mark.
Here are a few tried-and-true methods for common mattress messes:
- Blood: This is a tough one, but hydrogen peroxide is your best friend. Mix a little bit of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a drop of clear dish soap. Dab it on the stain (you’ll see it fizz as it works), let it sit for a minute, and then blot it away with a cloth dampened with cold water.
- Urine: Accidents happen, especially with pets or little ones. A simple mix of equal parts white vinegar and water is fantastic for this. Lightly spray the area—don't soak it—and blot firmly. The vinegar does a great job of breaking down the uric acid and neutralising that distinct smell.
- Sweat and Yellowing: Over time, mattresses can develop yellowish patches from sweat and body oils. To tackle these, create a paste using baking soda, a bit of salt, and a few drops of water. Spread it over the discoloured area, leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes, and then scrape off the excess before giving it a good vacuum.
A crucial tip: always apply your cleaning solution to the cloth first, not directly onto the mattress. This little step prevents you from overwetting the area, which is vital for stopping mould or mildew from taking hold deep inside the foam.
DIY Stain Removal Cheat Sheet
For a quick reference, here’s a table with simple, effective DIY solutions you can whip up using things you probably already have.
| Stain Type | DIY Cleaning Solution Recipe | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee or Tea | Mix 2 parts water with 1 part white vinegar. | Dab the solution onto the stain with a cloth, blot, and repeat until the stain lifts. |
| Red Wine | Create a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. | Apply the paste, let it dry completely, then vacuum it up. For stubborn spots, follow with a hydrogen peroxide dab. |
| Grease or Oil | Sprinkle cornflour or baking soda directly on the stain. | Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb the oil, then vacuum. Treat any remaining mark with a dab of dish soap. |
| Vomit | Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. | After removing solids, spray the area, let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot thoroughly with a dry cloth. |
These simple recipes can be lifesavers, saving you from using harsh chemical cleaners on the surface where you sleep.
Banishing Deep-Set Odours
Sometimes, a stain is gone, but the odour lingers. This is where baking soda truly shines. It doesn't just cover up smells but actually absorbs them.
Once you’ve finished spot-cleaning and the mattress is completely dry, sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Don't be shy! Let it sit for a few hours at a minimum—if you can leave it overnight, even better. The longer it sits, the more moisture and odours it will pull out.
Finally, grab your vacuum and use the upholstery attachment to suck up all the baking soda. You’ll be left with a much fresher, cleaner-smelling bed. Just remember that certain materials need a delicate touch; for example, some memory foam beds in NZ are sensitive to moisture, so always be careful to use as little liquid as possible.
Keeping Your Mattress Fresh Year-Round
While a deep clean works wonders, the real secret to a fresh bed is what you do in between. A few simple, consistent habits will protect your investment and make for much healthier sleep.
Honestly, the best strategy is prevention. Think of a high-quality, washable mattress protector as your non-negotiable first line of defence. It’s a simple barrier that stops spills, sweat, dust mites, and allergens before they ever reach the mattress itself.
Simple Maintenance Routines
Beyond a good protector, a few small actions can make a massive difference.
- Regular Vacuuming: When you change your sheets, give the mattress a quick vacuum. It only takes five minutes but pulls out a surprising amount of dust and dead skin cells, which is great for keeping allergens down.
- Rotate, Don't Forget! To prevent annoying dips and sags, get into the habit of rotating your mattress every six months. A simple 180-degree turn from head to toe will ensure it wears evenly.
Letting your mattress breathe is a game-changer. Whenever you strip the bed, leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours. If you can, open a window to get some air circulating. This allows any trapped moisture to evaporate, which is the best way to stop musty odours from ever starting.
Embracing Sustainable Cleaning
Many Kiwis are looking for greener ways to care for their homes, and mattress care is no exception. This shift is happening professionally, too. Recent commercial cleaning trends in New Zealand show a real move towards sustainability.
In fact, around 40% of cleaning companies now offer eco-friendly mattress cleaning services—a huge jump from less than 10% in 2015. By adopting these simple habits, you’ll not only reduce the need for intensive deep cleans but also contribute to a healthier home.
Your Top Mattress Cleaning Questions Answered
Even with the best guide, you're bound to have questions. Getting the right advice can be the difference between a sparkling clean bed and an expensive mistake, so let's clear up a few common queries.
How Often Should I Really Clean My Mattress?
This is the most common question we hear. For a deep clean, aim for about twice a year, or every six months. It's also a great habit to give it a quick vacuum every time you change your sheets—it works wonders for keeping dust and allergens under control.
Of course, this isn't a one-size-fits-all rule. If you suffer from allergies or have a pet who loves to cuddle, you'll want to clean it more frequently. In those cases, bumping it up to every three to four months is a smart move. For more detail, this guide on how often to clean a mattress and box spring is a great resource.
What About Steam Cleaners?
It’s tempting to think a steam cleaner is the ultimate sanitising tool, but we strongly advise against it, especially for memory foam mattresses. The combination of intense heat and moisture can seriously damage the foam's structure. Worse, if it doesn't dry out completely (and that's a big if), you've just created a perfect breeding ground for mould. It's much safer to stick to the low-moisture methods we've outlined.
When Should I Call a Professional?
Sometimes, a stain is just too stubborn or you're facing a problem that's beyond a DIY fix. Don't hesitate to call a professional if you're dealing with a serious situation.
If you're tackling a major bed bug infestation, significant water damage, or a set-in stain that simply won’t lift, it's time to let the experts handle it.
Professional cleaners have commercial-grade equipment that can deep clean and properly sanitise your mattress without the risk of causing damage. And for any other general questions about our beds and their upkeep, you can always find quick answers on our comprehensive FAQs page.
At New Zealand Bed Company, we believe a clean, healthy bed is the foundation of great sleep. Explore our full range of mattresses and sleep solutions to find your perfect match today. https://nzbeds.co.nz