How to clean a mattress (2025 guide)

Did you know? Eighty per cent of night-time allergy attacks originate from mattresses teeming with 2.5 million dust mites per square foot – a population that doubles every week you skip cleaning.

One in three adults report unexplained rashes or itching linked to mattress mould spores, according to a 2024 National Sleep Health Institute study. That ‘harmless’ midnight snack? Crumbs create a 400 per cent faster bacteria and mould breeding ground in mattress fibres versus kitchen countertops.

Yet, without proper care, you’re sleeping on a ticking time bomb of dust mites, dead skin, and who knows what else.

But don’t worry, cleaning a mattress is much easier than you might think. This article will provide you with detailed steps and techniques for mattress cleaning, and recommend a durable, high-quality antibacterial and anti-mite mattress.

How to deep clean and spot clean a mattress in 6 simple steps

Materials you’ll need:

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Cold water
• Mild dish soap or mattress cleaner
• Clean cloths or sponges
• Spray bottle.

Step 1. Strip the bedding

Remove all sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors. Wash them in hot water to kill dust mites.

Step 2. Vacuum the mattress

Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. Pay close attention to seams and crevices where dust and debris accumulate. Vacuum the sides of the mattress as well.

Step 3. Spot clean

Apply a minimal amount of cleaner directly to the stain, blotting gently and quickly to avoid soaking the mattress and leaving lingering moisture. Remember to test any cleaning detergent on an inconspicuous corner of the mattress before using it.

For stains, mix a small amount of mild dish soap or mattress cleaner with cold water. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the solution and gently blot the stain. Avoid soaking the mattress, as excess moisture can lead to mold growth.

Shaving cream can remove urine and sweat stains from mattresses because it’s thick enough to break down the proteins and oils in them. Gently apply the shaving cream to the stain in a circular motion with a clean, slightly damp white cloth. Make sure to use enough to cover the sweat and urine stains, but don’t apply it too thickly. Let the shaving cream sit for 15-20 minutes. Finally, thoroughly wipe away the shaving cream with a clean, damp cloth, ensuring all residue is removed.

For blood stains, use cold water and hydrogen peroxide. Blot the stained area with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

Step 4. Deodorise with baking soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Baking soda helps to absorb odours and moisture. Let the baking soda sit for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 5. Vacuum again

Thoroughly vacuum the mattress again to remove all the baking soda.

Step 6. Dry the mattress

Allow the mattress to air dry completely. This may take several hours. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to improve airflow. Do not put bedding back on a damp mattress.

Bonus tips for protecting and caring for your mattress

• Mattress type: Be mindful of your mattress type. Some mattresses, like memory foam, are more sensitive to moisture.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial during the drying process to prevent mould growth.
• Mattress protector: Use a Newentor waterproof mattress protector to protect your mattresses. All textiles are certified with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. And the water-resistant barrier protects your mattress against damage, staining, spills and accidents.
• Assess your mattress: Mattresses with large, irremovable sweat and mould stains, and those with persistent odours, are not recommended for continued use even after cleaning.

Replacing your old mattress regularly

Did you know the average mattress lasts just 3-5 years? Without proper care, its lifespan shortens even more. Considering we spend about a third of our lives in bed, an old, worn-out mattress with persistent odours can harm sleep quality and even cause back pain or allergies. That’s why experts recommend replacing your mattress regularly.

For a longer-lasting solution, try the Newentor Mattress — engineered to provide superior comfort and support for 8-10 years. Unlike ordinary mattresses that sag or lose shape quickly, Newentor uses high-quality materials and advanced technology to ensure durability without compromising comfort.

Founded in 2018, Newentor may be a newcomer in Australia’s mattress-in-a-box market, but it has quickly gained widespread recognition across the country.

Over the past seven years, the brand has analysed more than 100,000 customer reviews to continuously refine its products, striving to deliver a better sleep experience. Whether you prefer an all-foam mattress with customisable firmness or a supportive hybrid mattress, Newentor offers options to suit every sleep style.

Below are two of Newentor’s best-selling mattresses:

Newentor Hesperis Mattress (the most popular memory foam mattress)

Does one mattress fit all needs?  With the Hesperis, that’s reality.

Simply rearrange its three plush memory foam layers to create your perfect sleep surface – a cloud-like soft, a supportive medium-firm, or a firm feel. Experience the luxury of personalised firmness, every night.

Ideal for all sleeping positions:

• Side sleepers: Medium-firm cradles hips and shoulders
• Stomach sleepers: Firm keeps spine properly aligned
• Unsure? Test all options—your perfect feel depends on body type and preference.

Benefits of Newentor Hesperis Mattress

1. 7-Zone Skystar foam: Adapts to head, shoulders, waist, hips, thighs, legs and feet for full-body support, and spinal alignment.
2. Safe to use and skin-friendly: CertiPUR-US certified foams ensure toxin-free comfort, while the OEKO-TEX® certified cover guarantees a skin-friendly sleeping surface for healthier nights.
3. Fast-rebound Gel-Visco foam: Cradles you in stable, cloud-like comfort while minimising motion transfer – so one person’s movement won’t disturb the other.
4. Stays quiet: No springs to squeak!

How does the Newentor Hesperis Mattress compare?

Newentor Hybrid Mattress – the top choice for back pain sufferers

Tired of waking with a sore back? The Newentor Hybrid Mattress is engineered for relief.

Combining targeted 7-zone support with motion-isolating pocket springs, it promotes spinal alignment and minimises partner disturbance. Breathable materials ensure a cool, comfortable sleep, while its medium-firm (7/10) feel provides optimal support.

Endorsed by orthopaedic specialists, this mattress isn’t just a purchase, it’s an investment in pain-free nights and revitalised mornings. Say goodbye to back pain and hello to restorative sleep with the Newentor Hybrid.

Benefits of Newentor Hybrid Mattress:

• 7-Zone support: Specifically designed to target and support your head, shoulders, waist, hips, thighs, calves, and feet, while promoting proper spinal alignment.
• Individual pocket springs: Each spring is independently wrapped, offering excellent shock absorption and resilience. It effectively isolates motion to prevent disturbances from a sleeping partner.
• Breathable materials: Constructed with breathable materials, it is ideal for hot sleepers because it promotes airflow and prevents overheating.
• Comfort and support: The combination of excellent comfort and good support.

Tips: Invest in sleep that truly revitalizes with the Newentor Hybrid Mattress Pro. With 28cm thickness (+3cm over standard) and four types of springs (versus two in the 25cm Hybrid Mattress), it delivers superior support. The design strengthens support for head and foot sections while increasing waist firmness to ensure optimal spinal alignment.

In addition, 3cm diameter micro coils provide the comfort of memory foam without heat or sagging issues, greatly extending the lifespan.

How does the Newentor Hybird Mattress compare?

Final thoughts

Your sleep investment deserves longevity. While others are replacing mattresses every few years, you could be enjoying a decade of pristine comfort.

Choose Newentor for a mattress that’s not just easy to clean and breathable, but built to last. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a long-term commitment to restful nights and waking up refreshed, year after year.