Does your mattress need cleaning? Baking soda is a great way to clean a mattress and remove odors. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps – see below. Here’s how to clean a mattress baking soda.
MATTRESS CLEANING WITH BAKING SODA
Mattress cleaning with baking soda is easy and a great way to restore some freshness and cleanliness. All you need are a few regular household items and some patience.
You’ll have your old mattress smelling and looking great in no time. See the nine steps below for how to use baking soda for mattress cleaning.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Cleaning your mattress with baking soda is easy and all you need are a few regular household items to get the job done. Here’s what you’re going to need.
- Baking Soda (3 cups)
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Vacuum Upholstery Attachment
- Clean Cloth
- Warm Water
- Upholstery Cleaning Solution (optional)
Once you’ve got everything you need, let’s take a look at – how to clean a mattress baking soda.
1: PREPARE THE MATTRESS
The first thing you’ll need to do is prepare the mattress. Begin by removing the sheets and any bedclothes you have on the mattress. Now is a good time to put these through the laundry. This way you’ll have clean sheets ready to go when you are finished cleaning the mattress.
We like to use the hottest setting on the washing machine when washing bedclothes – so that it kills any bed bugs or microbes. Then, when drying – crank the heat up to make sure there are no lingering germs.
2: VACUUM THE BED SURFACE
Now that you have dealt with the bedclothes, you can turn your attention to the mattress itself. Grab your vacuum cleaner and attach the vacuum upholstery attachment to the end of the suction tube.
This attachment is ideal for cleaning mattresses. Just make sure it is clean before you begin rubbing it across your mattress surface. Then use the vacuum to remove all surface debris and dirt. Pay close attention to crevices and sides.
3: ADD SOME STAIN REMOVER
This step is optional. But seeing as you have the bed stripped and prepared for cleaning – it’s the perfect opportunity to add some stain remover to your mattress. A specialist upholstery cleaner works well – or you can make your own. Just mix 1 teaspoon of regular kitchen detergent with 1 cup of water.
Apply the cleaning solution to any stains that stand out on the mattress and then dab them with a wet cloth to work it through the fabric. Most stains will be easily removed. However, coffee and red wine can prove stubborn.
4: SPRINKLE BAKING SODA
Now it’s time to add the baking soda. You are going to use 1-3 cups of baking soda depending on how big and how dirty your mattress is. Apply the baking soda over the entire surface area of the mattress.
Try and sprinkle an even coat across the whole mattress face. However, if there is an area that needs particular attention – a stain or a localized bad smell – feel free to add more baking soda to that area.
5: DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Once you have finished applying the baking soda position the mattress close to a window so it has direct access to sunlight. Sunlight helps the baking soda perform its cleansing and de-odorizing magic.
If your mattress is easily maneuvered, you can lift it and place it outside. The heat from the direct sunlight will boost the effects of the baking soda. However, make sure you don’t get the mattress wet or dirty by taking it outside.
6: ALLOW 24 HOURS
The baking soda will take 24 hours to cleanse your mattress. You will need to factor in this time requirement when you begin cleaning. You’re going to be unable to use the mattress for a full day. If you have small kids or pets – you’ll need to make sure they don’t disturb the mattress during this time.
7: VACUUM – REMOVE THE BAKING SODA
Once the 24 hours have passed it’s time to remove the baking soda. Grab your vacuum cleaner again and attach the upholstery fitting to the head of the vacuum tube. This attachment has been specially designed for use on surfaces such as your mattress.
Then, work the vacuum across the entire surface mattress surface. Make sure you get all of the baking soda. Pay particular attention to crevices and folds in the mattress. Seems and crevices will require a little extra attention.
8: FLIP & REPEAT
Every mattress has two sides. Have you been periodically flipping your mattress and sleeping on both sides? If so – you’ll need to flip the mattress and repeat the cleaning process on the other side.
There’s no point in cleaning one side of your bed if you use both sides. Now that you know the ‘mattress cleaning baking soda’ trick – it’s the perfect time to go ahead and clean both sides. Strike while the iron is hot.
9: CLEAN EVERY 6 MONTHS
How often should you clean your mattress? Now that we know how to clean a mattress baking soda – we recommend you clean your mattress every 6 months to keep it fresh and fragrant.
Keeping on top of your mattress cleanliness is a great way of ensuring it stays fresh and fragrant. It will also prolong the life of your mattress by preventing the build-up of nasty smells and grubby stains.
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WHAT IS BAKING SODA?
Baking soda is a common pantry stable found in most kitchens around the globe. It is used as a rising agent in baking. In the UK it is called bicarbonate of soda.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that is used in baking to make bread and cake rise. To activate the baking soda it needs to be mixed with an acidic material such as buttermilk or yogurt.
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when cooked creating pockets of air in the bread or cake mixture. It is this process that makes the bread rise as it is being baked.
It can also be used as a cleaning agent as its alkaline nature breaks down dirt and grease. This makes it great for removing stains and unpleasant odors on fabrics and upholstery. Baking soda is a great choice for cleaning mattresses.
USE A MATTRESS PROTECTOR
Have you tried using a mattress protector? A mattress protector is a layer that is placed between the surface of your mattress and your bed sheet. It creates an additional layer between you and your bed.
Mattress protectors are absorbent and protect your mattress by soaking up spills, sweat, and any other liquid before they reach your mattress.
They are easily removed and can be washed with your bedsheets. If you want your bed to remain fresh and clean for as long as possible – we recommend using a mattress protector.
READ NEXT
• HOW TO MAKE YOUR BED QUIET – click here
• HOW TO SLEEP ON A PLANE – click here
• TIPS FOR SLEEPING BETTER – click here
• HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR MATTRESS – click here
• BED SIZE COMPARISON CHART – click here
• WHY DO WE SLEEP WALK? – click here
• HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS IN YOUR MATTRESS – click here
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR MATTRESS WITH BAKING SODA?
Yes, cleaning a mattress with baking soda is a great idea. It is an easy way to clean your mattress and restore some freshness without using water and getting the mattress wet. Cleaning a mattress with baking soda is easy and achieves great results.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT BAKING SODA ON YOUR BED?
When you put baking soda on your bed it helps clean your mattress, remove unpleasant odors, and restore freshness. Baking soda is an alkaline substance and when you sprinkle it on your bed it will help break down stains, grime, and odors. Baking soda is a great material for mattress cleaning.
CAN I LEAVE BAKING SODA ON MY MATTRESS?
You can leave baking soda on your mattress for 24 hours. Once the 24 hours are up – you should remove the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner and upholstery attachment. Baking soda should not be left on a mattress. And, it needs just 24 hours and some daylight to do its thing and clean your mattress.
HOW LONG DO YOU LEAVE BAKING SODA ON A MATTRESS?
Leave baking soda on your mattress for 24 hours. When you use baking soda to clean a mattress you should leave it on your mattress for 24 hours in direct sunlight. When the time has been reached – carefully remove all the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner.
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• WHAT IS A MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS? – click here
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• REMOVE BLOOD STAIN FOR A MATTRESS – click here
• BEST MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES – click here
• PROS & CONS OF MEMORY FOAM – click here
• WHAT IS A LATEX MATTRESS? – click here
• PROS & CONS OF LATEX MATTRESS – click here
• BEST LATEX MATTRESSES – click here
• WHAT IS A HYBRID MATTRESS? – click here
• PROS & CONS OF HYBRID MATTRESS – click here
AUTHOR
Mattress Consultant
Bill is a DIY expert and our resident mattress maintenance and cleaning guru. He’s incredibly capable with his hands and seems to be able to build, repair, or clean just about anything. He has a long history of remodeling and renovation work and has given a facelift to many homes in the New Mexico area over the years.
Bill has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry with a particular focus on woodworking. When he’s not writing for MCG he’s busy working on his last house renovation project. Bill is a native of El Paso Texas and is a keen follower of his local Locomotive FC soccer team.
Baking soda works for cleaning a mattress. And it gets rid of bad smells. In the UK we call it bread soda.
Thanks Vikki 🙂
Is baking soda the same as baking powder. we have baking powder and i need to know if i can use it on my mattress. thank you
Its important to remember that you sprinkle DRY baking soda on the mattress. Ive seen people mix it with water first. Heavens above. LOL
I wash my mattress using washing up liquid. It makes lots of bubbles and leaves the mattress smelling nice but it’s hard to dry out. You can have a wet spot on your mattress for a few days.