> [!tip] Quick answer: Strip the bed, vacuum the mattress with an upholstery attachment, spot-clean stains with a baking-soda paste, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for 30 minutes, vacuum again, then rotate. Repeat every 3 to 6 months for fresh, odour-free sleep. ## How to clean a mattress in 2026 A mattress is the dirtiest piece of furniture in most homes and the one cleaned least often. Dust mites, dead skin, sweat, and the occasional spill build up in the surface fabric over months and years. The good news is that a proper clean takes about an hour with supplies you already have, and you only need to do it every 3 to 6 months. This guide covers the standard quarterly clean, stain-by-stain spot treatment, and when to replace instead of clean. ### What you should plan for - Time required: 60 to 90 minutes start to finish, mostly hands-off - Tools needed: Vacuum with upholstery attachment, baking soda, microfibre cloth - Cost: Under $10 for supplies (baking soda is the only consumable) - Frequency: Every 3 to 6 months for full clean; spot-clean as needed - Lifespan extension: A mattress protector is worth more than any cleaning routine ## The five-step routine 1. Strip everything off the bed. Sheets, mattress protector, pillows. Wash the sheets and protector at the same time so the laundry runs while you clean. 1. Vacuum the mattress. Use an upholstery attachment and slow, overlapping passes across the top, sides, and underneath. The goal is to lift dust mites, dead skin, and crumbs that have settled into the surface. 1. Spot-clean stains. Mix baking soda with a tablespoon of dish soap and a few drops of water into a thick paste. Apply to any stains, let sit for 30 minutes, then blot (don't scrub) with a damp cloth. 1. Deodorize. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda over the entire top of the mattress. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes; longer is better, up to a few hours. Then vacuum it all up. 1. Rotate or flip. Most modern mattresses are one-sided and only need rotation (head to foot) every 3 to 6 months. Older flippable mattresses should be flipped at the same interval. ## Stain-by-stain treatment ## What you'll need - A vacuum with an upholstery attachment - Baking soda (a full box, $2 at any Canadian grocery store) - Mild dish soap - White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for tough stains - A clean microfibre cloth - A mattress protector going forward ($40 to $100 at Canadian Tire, Costco, or Sleep Country). This is the single biggest move for mattress longevity. ## Common mistakes 1. Soaking the mattress. Liquids penetrate foam and inner springs and never fully dry, leading to mould and mildew that ruin the mattress. Use barely-damp cloths only. 1. Skipping the vacuum step. Spot-cleaning without first vacuuming pushes dust into the spill area and creates a bigger problem. 1. Using harsh chemicals. Bleach and ammonia damage mattress fabrics. Stick with baking soda, vinegar, mild soap, and enzyme cleaners. 1. Not using a mattress protector. A washable, waterproof mattress protector extends the life of your mattress by years and means most spills never reach the mattress itself. If you take one thing from this guide, take this one. 1. Cleaning a wet mattress in winter. Canadian winters mean closed windows and low ventilation. Wet mattresses take days to fully dry indoors. Clean in spring or summer if you can. ## When to replace instead of clean Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years. Replace, don't clean, if your mattress: - Sags visibly in the middle or near the edges - Smells musty after a thorough deep clean - Causes back pain that wasn't there before - Has visible mould or mildew - Makes squeaks, creaks, or sharp poking sensations For replacement guidance, see our how to choose a mattress guide. ## FAQs about cleaning a mattress How often should I deep clean my mattress? Can I steam clean a mattress? How do I get pee out of a mattress? Do I need to clean a new mattress before using it? What's the best mattress protector for Canadian homes?