Keeping your mattress fresh should be a regular part of your home maintenance routine. In this post, I’ll guide you through quick, effective steps to clean and rotate your mattress, helping it last longer and stay comfortable for you.
As someone who loves sharing practical home maintenance tips, I’m excited to dive into a task that often gets overlooked – cleaning and rotating your mattress. This simple routine, ideally done every six months, helps extend the life of your mattress and keeps it feeling fresh.
But, I’ll admit, this is one task I’ve let slide since we got our new mattress almost four years ago! So, trust me when I say it was long overdue for a refresh. In this post, I’ll walk you through the quick, effective steps to make your mattress feel new. If you have guests coming for the holidays, now is a great time to tackle this quick home maintenance task.
Hint, hint…if you’re ready for more reminders like this, Your Home Playbook has plenty of easy-to-follow guides to keep you on track.
Rotate (or Flip) the Mattress
First up, let’s give that mattress a 180-degree spin. I like to think of this as a little “refresh” for our bed because moving the mattress around helps prevent any sagging in those well-worn spots. Plus, it keeps it in good condition for longer.
If your mattress is double-sided (They’re not as common anymore, but they’re still out there!), you’ll want to flip it over completely, instead of just rotating it.
My mattress was super heavy, but after a bit of tugging, I was able to get it turned all the way around.
Vacuum the Mattress Surface
Now that we’ve rotated, let’s grab the vacuum cleaner and tackle any dust mites and dead skin cells. Gross, I know.
I go over the entire surface of the mattress with the upholstery attachment, paying extra attention to the edges and corners where dust tends to hide. I have the Dyson V8 vacuum and it comes with all of the attachments. They have come in handy over the years.
Don’t forget to vacuum the sides of your mattress too. It only takes an extra minute and it makes such a difference! This step alone helps with allergens and it gives a fresh base for the next step.
Deodorize with Baking Soda
Time to bring in the baking soda! I sprinkle a thin layer evenly over the whole mattress. This is an easy trick that absorbs unpleasant odors and leaves the bed smelling fresh. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so it can do its thing!
Vacuum Again
Once the baking soda has had time to settle and absorb, it’s back to the vacuum. I go over the mattress one more time to pick up all the baking soda. After this final pass, it should look fresh and feel fresh.
Bonus Step: Tackling Stains on Your Mattress
If you spot any mattress stains while you’re cleaning, don’t worry—here’s a quick way to tackle them:
- Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water or, for tougher stains, a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar. If you’re working with a memory foam mattress, go light on the liquid so it doesn’t soak in too deeply.
- Dab, Don’t Rub: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into your solution and gently dab at the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain further in. It might take a few passes, but dabbing is the safest way to lift the stain without damaging the mattress.
- Let It Air Dry: Once you’re satisfied with the stain removal, allow the spot to air dry completely before putting your bedding back on. If you want to speed up the process, place a fan nearby or open your bedroom windows.
If you have stains, I urge you to get a mattress protector. More on that below…
Why a Mattress Protector Is a Must-Have
Let’s talk mattress protector – a small item that can make a big difference! If you don’t already have one, it’s worth buying. A good-quality mattress protector acts as a barrier between your mattress and all the little spills, dust, sweat, and allergens that inevitably end up in our beds.
Mattresses are a big investment, and a protector helps keep yours in great condition for longer. Here’s the waterproof mattress protector I have on our bed. I pop mine in the washing machine every couple of months and it’s good to go.
Waterproof covers are also a must for your kids’ beds. I bought this one for my daughter’s new big girl room because it has a mattress topper in it to make things extra cozy.
Don’t Forget to Freshen Up Your Pillows
While you’re probably washing your pillowcases regularly, chances are you’re forgetting to give your pillows some love too! Pillows can accumulate dust, sweat, and allergens, just like your mattress, so a little care every few months goes a long way toward keeping them fresh.
Here’s a simple guide to pillow care…
- Check the Care Tag: Pillows come in all kinds, and each type has its own cleaning needs. A quick look at the care label will tell you the best cleaning method.
- Machine Washable Pillows: If your pillows are machine washable, lucky you! Just toss them in the wash with a mild laundry detergent. I like to add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is out, especially since pillows are right up by our faces.
- Memory Foam or Specialty Pillows: For memory foam pillows, it’s best to stick to spot cleaning or hand washing only. A little warm, soapy water and a clean cloth work well for removing any spots or spills.
- Drying: Once washed, dry your pillows on low heat with a dryer ball (or a clean tennis ball) to help them fluff back up. Be sure they’re completely dry before putting them back in your bedroom—damp pillows can lead to mildew, and that’s the last thing we want.
- Consider A Pillow Protector: Just like the mattress, you can use a pillow protector to keep your pillows clean and fresh. These are the ones we have!
For extra credit, you can also spritz your pillows with my favorite scent! It’s a lavender and sandalwood pillow mist made with essential oils and I adore it!
My Main Bedroom Bedding Sources
While I love a good bargain, I don’t scrimp when it comes to our mattress, bedding, or pillows. I mean, we spend a third of our lives in bed, so it better be comfy!
Here are all of the sources for my bedroom setup.
Make It a Twice-a-Year Habit
Keeping your mattress and pillows clean isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s best to give them a refresh every six months. Adding this simple routine to your regular home maintenance schedule will keep your sleep space feeling fresh, comfortable, and supportive all year long.
Mark your calendar, set a reminder, or simply turn to Your Home Playbook to help keep you on track.
Now, tell me, do you do regular mattress cleaning? I’m trying to be better about doing it on a regular basis.