To clean a bed properly, strip all bedding and wash it at the right temperature, vacuum the bare mattress thoroughly, deodorise with baking soda, spot treat any stains, then allow everything to dry completely before remaking the bed. Done in the right order, the process takes around two to three hours, most of which is waiting time rather than active work.
Most people wash their sheets regularly but neglect everything underneath. Dust mites, dead skin cells, moisture, and allergens accumulate in the mattress and bedding over time, directly affecting sleep quality and hygiene. A thorough clean every one to three months keeps all of that under control. This guide covers every part of the bed in the order that makes the process most efficient.
What Do You Need to Clean a Bed?
Gathering everything before you start means you can work through each step without stopping.
You will need:
- Washing machine.
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery and brush attachments.
- Baking soda.
- Mild laundry detergent or washing-up liquid.
- Hydrogen peroxide, for tough stains.
- Two or three clean cloths, one damp, one dry.
- A dry absorbent towel.
How to Clean a Bed: Step by Step
Step 1: How Do You Wash Bed Bedding Properly?
Strip everything from the bed, pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers, and mattress protector, and check each care label before loading the machine.
Washing at 60°C or above kills dust mites, bacteria, and most allergens. Cotton bedding handles high temperatures well. Linen, silk, and satin are delicate and need a cool gentle cycle, the care label always has the final say.
Quick reference by material:
| Material | Temperature | Cycle |
| Cotton | 60°C or above | Normal |
| Linen | 30°C | Gentle |
| Silk and satin | 30°C | Delicate, low spin |
| Synthetic (polyester) | 40°C | Normal |
- On detergent: Use a mild, gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softener, it weakens fibres over time and traps allergens rather than removing them.
- On stains: Pre-treat visible stains before the wash cycle. Apply a small amount of laundry powder or washing-up liquid directly to the stain and leave it for ten minutes before loading.
- On drying: Air drying outdoors is the best option. Sunlight naturally disinfects and brightens white bedding without shrinkage risk. If using a tumble dryer, choose low heat and remove bedding slightly before it is fully dry to prevent wrinkles setting in.
Step 2: How Do You Vacuum a Mattress?
With all bedding removed, attach the upholstery head to your vacuum and work from top to bottom in overlapping circular strokes across the entire mattress surface.
If your vacuum has a beater bar attachment, use that first, the beating action loosens debris from within the surface before suction removes it. Follow with the standard upholstery head.
Pay particular attention to the seams, edges, and corners. These areas collect the highest concentration of dust mites and debris because they are rarely disturbed during normal use.
Turn the mattress if it is double-sided and designed to be flipped, vacuum both sides while the bed is stripped.
Step 3: How Do You Deodorise a Mattress?
Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda across the entire top surface and leave it for a minimum of one hour, or up to eight hours for a deeper refresh. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralises the stale odour that builds up in mattresses over time. It removes the source of the smell rather than masking it.
Once the sitting time is complete, vacuum up all the baking soda using the upholstery attachment. Work in the same overlapping pattern to ensure every trace of powder is removed. This step is particularly effective if the mattress has not been cleaned in several months, the bedroom has limited ventilation, or anyone has been unwell in the bed recently.
Step 4: How Do You Remove Stains from a Mattress?
The cleaning solution you use depends on the stain type, the wrong approach can set a stain permanently rather than remove it.
Before applying anything liquid, check your mattress care label. Never saturate a mattress, trapped moisture causes mould to develop inside where it cannot be reached.
- For general or fresh stains: Mix one part mild detergent with four parts lukewarm water. Dampen a clean cloth, wring it out well, and blot the stain from the outer edge inward. Blotting prevents the stain spreading further into the surface.
- For blood, urine, or yellow sweat stains: Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part washing-up liquid. Lightly mist the area, leave for five minutes, then blot with a clean damp cloth. This combination breaks down the proteins in biological stains that standard detergent cannot fully remove.
- For dried or older stains: Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Apply to the stain, leave for 30 minutes, then dab clean with a damp cloth.
After treating any stain, blot the area dry with a clean absorbent towel and allow it to air fully before remaking the bed.
Step 5: How Do You Air and Dry a Mattress After Cleaning?
Before remaking the bed, both the mattress and any cleaned surfaces must be completely dry, residual moisture trapped between layers creates conditions for mould to develop. Open bedroom windows fully for at least 30 minutes. If ventilation is poor, a fan on a low setting directed at the mattress surface speeds up drying considerably.
If the mattress is double-sided and designed for flipping, this is the right moment to flip it. Rotating a double-sided mattress distributes wear evenly and extends its useful life.
Step 6: How Do You Clean a Bed Frame?
The cleaning method depends on the frame material, since wood, metal, and upholstered fabric all need a different approach to avoid damage.
- For wooden bed frames
Wipe down the entire frame with a soft cloth dampened in a mild solution of warm water and washing-up liquid. Work in the direction of the wood grain rather than across it, and avoid soaking the wood, since excess moisture can cause warping or damage to the finish over time. Dry the frame immediately afterwards with a separate clean cloth, then apply a small amount of furniture polish if the wood looks dull once fully dry. - For metal bed frames
Wipe the frame down with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent, paying particular attention to joints and screw fittings where dust tends to collect. Dry thoroughly afterwards, since leaving metal damp for extended periods can lead to rust forming at the joints. - For upholstered bed frames
Vacuum the headboard and any fabric panels first using the upholstery attachment, working in slow, overlapping strokes to lift dust and debris from the fabric weave. For marks or stains, spot clean with a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water, testing on a hidden area first, then blot rather than rub to avoid pushing the stain further into the fabric. Allow the fabric to air dry fully before leaning anything against it.
Across all frame types, check underneath the bed and around the legs at the same time, since dust and debris tend to build up in these areas far more than on visible surfaces. A quick vacuum or wipe-down of the floor and skirting beneath the frame keeps allergens from migrating back onto a freshly cleaned mattress.
How Often Should You Clean a Bed?
| Task | Recommended Frequency |
| Wash pillowcases and sheets | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Wash duvet covers | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Vacuum the mattress | Every 1–3 months |
| Baking soda deodorise | Every 3–6 months |
| Full mattress deep clean | Every 3–6 months |
| Flip mattress (double-sided) | Every 3–6 months |
| Wash duvets and pillows | Every 3–6 months |
Cleaning more frequently means less effort each time. A bed maintained regularly never builds up the level of dust, odour, and staining that requires a full deep clean.
How Do You Prevent a Bed Getting Dirty Quickly?
A mattress protector is the single most effective step. It creates a washable barrier between the mattress and everything that would otherwise reach it, spills, sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. Adding a mattress topper provides a further layer between you and the mattress, and is significantly easier to clean than the mattress itself.
Airing the bed each morning also makes a meaningful difference. Pulling back the duvet and leaving the bed open for 20 to 30 minutes allows overnight moisture to evaporate rather than being trapped. This simple habit significantly reduces odour build-up between full cleans.
If your mattress or bed frame is past saving and it’s time for a fresh start, you can browse the full range of beds at Aosom UK.
FAQs
1. How often should you deep clean a mattress?
Most mattresses should be deep cleaned every 3–6 months to remove dust, allergens, and accumulated dirt. People with allergies, asthma, pets, or recent illness may benefit from cleaning every 2–3 months. Using a mattress protector helps reduce cleaning frequency.
2. Can you use a steam cleaner on a mattress?
Yes, but use caution. Steam cleaners can kill dust mites and bacteria, yet they add moisture that must dry completely. Ensure good ventilation and several hours of drying time. Covering a damp mattress can trap moisture and encourage mould growth.
3. How do you get yellow stains out of a mattress?
Yellow stains are often caused by sweat and body oils. Lightly spray a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part washing-up liquid, leave for a few minutes, then blot clean. Stubborn stains may require multiple treatments with full drying between applications.
4. How do you remove sweat smell from a mattress without baking soda?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the mattress surface. Allow it to air dry completely before use. The vinegar smell fades as it dries, helping remove odours. Essential oils can be added for a light fragrance.
5. Is it safe to use bleach on a mattress?
No. Bleach can damage mattress fabrics, cause permanent discolouration, and leave strong fumes behind. For stain removal and sanitising, hydrogen peroxide is usually a safer alternative that cleans effectively without causing the same level of material damage.