Have a latex mattress and need to get it cleaned? You’re in the right place. This article explains five simple methods you can use to clean your latex mattress. Even better, you don’t need any specialized equipment or cleaning materials – just common household items such as hand soap, laundry detergent, baking soda, or white vinegar. See below for all you need to know about how to clean a latex mattress.
Begin immediately – Time Is Critical
Top tip for cleaning a latex mattress – begin immediately. As soon as you notice a spill or stain – get started right away. Don’t waste any time. The longer the stain is allowed to set in, the more difficult it will be to remove. Start by removing the bed sheets and bedclothes to expose the mattress surface. Note – latex mattresses are not waterproof – so when applying liquid in the following steps try to use as little as possible
Manufacturer’s Guidelines
You should always refer to the mattress manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions before cleaning a latex mattress. Some mattresses have special cleaning requirements and following an incorrect procedure could void your warranty. However, below is a list of the most common ways to clean a latex mattress. Each method is explained in simple terms and you won’t need any special cleaning solution or materials.
Vacuum the Surface
If the stain is still wet or you notice any debris on the latex mattress surface you should begin by vacuuming. This will remove any surface dust and dry skin from the surface. And, now is the perfect time to take the opportunity to perform a quick vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment and give the entire mattress surface a quick, thorough sweep.
Warm Water Method
The most gentle way to clean a latex mattress is to use warm water only. If the spillage is minor and can be easily cleaned this may be all you need. Here’s what you need.
- Clean White Cotton Cloth x 2
- Warm Water
- Small Bowl
Begin by gently dabbing the affected area with a dry clean cotton cloth. White works best as it avoids any dye staining the mattress. Dab the area to remove as much of the spill or stain as possible.
Then, rinse the cloth in a bowl of warm water and continue to dab the affected area with the moist cloth. Be sure to avoid adding excess moisture to the area. Latex mattresses are not waterproof. Once, the stain has been removed, use the second cloth to dab the area dry. Remove as much moisture as possible and then allow the mattress to completely air dry before replacing the bed sheets.
Mild Soap Method
If warm water alone is not doing the trick you should try using some mild soapy water. Here’s what you need.
- Mild Soap (Gentle hand soap works well)
- Clean White Cotton Cloth x 2
- Warm Water
- Small Bowl
Mix the warm water and gentle soap in a bowl. Then use one of the cloths to apply some of the cleaning solution to the stained mattress area. Soak the cloth in soapy water and squeeze to remove excess water. Then firmly dab the affected area.
Avoid making circular motions as this will spread the stain over a greater area. When done, take the second dry cloth and dab the area to remove the cleaning solution. Then, allow to completely air dry before returning the sheets and blankets to the mattress.
Laundry Detergent Method
If the stain is proving difficult to shift you may need to apply some laundry detergent for some extra muscle. The steps involved are similar to the two methods outlined above. You’ll need the following common household items.
- Laundry Detergent
- Clean White Cotton Cloth x 2
- Warm Water
- Small Bowl
Mix the detergent and warm water in a small bowl. Use the first cloth to dab and clean the affected area. Laundry detergent is highly effective at cleaning latex mattresses. Take care to apply as little water as possible. When done, dry by dabbing with the second cloth and then allow to completely air dry.
Baking Soda Method
If the stain has had time to dry in and is proving difficult to move – don’t worry. There are two more methods you can try that work great for cleaning latex mattress stains. The first is the baking soda method, one of the most effective mattress-cleaning techniques. Baking soda is a natural cleaning material and works wonders for removing odors and restoring freshness. It involves a little more work. Here’s what you need.
- Baking Soda
- Cold Water
- Bowl
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Clean Cotton Cloth
Sprinkle the baking soda liberally over the affected area. Don’t be shy, get plenty of it on there and make sure the stain is completely covered. Then let the baking soda get to work. Leave it for at least 1 hour. During this time it will draw the moisture and odor out of the mattress.
If the stain has dried in, you should form a paste by mixing baking soda and a little water in a bowl. Then, apply the paste to the affected area. When done, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dry soda powder or a clean cotton cloth for paste. For more, check out our full guide – How to Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda.
White Vinegar Method
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and one of the go-to home remedies for – how to clean a latex mattress. You’ll need a spray bottle for this method. If you can’t get your hands on one – substitute the spray bottle with a clean cloth and apply the vinegar mixture in a dabbing motion. Here’s what you’ll need.
- White Vinegar
- Cold Water
- Small Bowl
- Spray Bottle
- Clean Cotton Cloth x 2
Mix the vinegar and water in the spray bottle or a small bowl. Use a 50:50 ratio – equal parts vinegar and water. Then spray the mixture onto the stained area of the mattress. Allow the vinegar to sit on the stain for 30 minutes.
Using a clean damp cloth, dab the area to remove the vinegar solution. Once the vinegar has been removed, use a clean dry cloth to dab the area dry. Then, allow the mattress to fully air dry before replacing the bedclothes. Simple!
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Hire a Professional Latex Mattress Cleaner
If you’ve tried the above methods on ‘how to clean a latex mattress’ and they haven’t achieved the results you need – then you should hire a professional cleaner. There are companies out there that specialize in cleaning mattresses.
And, if you’ve had no luck trying the cleaning tips above then it’s time to reach out to the professionals. These people use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove stains from mattresses and they’re your next port of call if you still need your latex mattress cleaned.
Here’s How to Keep a Latex Mattress Clean
Here’s how to keep a latex mattress clean. If you want to minimize the number of times you’ll be tasked with cleaning a latex mattress – follow these tips below. This way you can prevent the most likely sources of spills, grime, and stains marking a latex mattress.
Use a Mattress Protector
The best way to keep a latex mattress clean is to use a mattress protector. A mattress protector is a protective layer that sits between the surface of your mattress and your bed sheet. It creates a physical barrier between you and your mattress. Mattress protectors are great at preventing accidental spills from reaching the surface of the mattress.
Avoid Eating in Bed
Another great tip for keeping a latex mattress clean is to avoid eating or drinking in bed. Food is the most common source of spills and stains on mattresses. If you want to keep yours clean you should avoid eating in bed. If you really need a late-night snack – satisfy your craving in the kitchen and keep food and drink out of harm’s way.
Change Bed Sheets Regularly
Change your bed clothes regularly. If you want to protect your latex mattress and keep it looking and smelling clean you need to change your bed sheets regularly. Bed sheets absorb sweat and debris every night while we sleep. And, pretty quickly they begin to get grubby and need to be changed. If you want to stop these odors and bodily fluids from seeping into a latex mattress – strip the bed and add clean bed sheets.
No Pets in Bed
Those of us that have pets cherish their company and love having them next to us – as much as possible. However, allowing your pet to share your bed is not a good idea if you want to keep your mattress clean. Our four-legged friends have a habit of taking the outdoors – in with them. This can introduce hairs, dirt, microbes, and nasty little critters into your bed. Keep the pet away from your latex mattress.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JESSICA GABEL – MCG Contributor
Jessica joined the MCG team in 2021 and is our in-house sleep expert. She is a fountain of knowledge on sleep cycles, sleep hygiene, and sleep-related disorders. Jessica is a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Mexico and holds a B.S in Sociology.
When she’s not educating us on sleep-related matters she is continuing her studies at the University of Arizona. Outside of work and study, Jessica likes to explore the great outdoors. Her favorite places to visit include the White Sands National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
