How often should you clean your mattress?

Experts suggest 6 to 12 months is how often to clean a mattress, to rid it of dust mites, allergens, and other irritants that build up over time. And for good reason! A mattress can collect over a kilogram of dead skin cells and 26+ gallons of sweat per year. 

If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, you may even benefit from cleaning your mattress more frequently - every 3 to 6 months.

Read on to learn more about: why mattress hygiene is important, who should look to clean their bed area more often, and what you can do alongside deep cleaning your mattress at least once a year.

Key takeaways:

• Public opinion is that it can be difficult to clean a mattress every 6 months.
• But you should deep clean your mattress at least once a year for health benefits and to extend its life.
• What happens if you don’t clean your mattress? Dust mites, dead skin, sweat, and bacteria can build up… and it can start to smell.
• People with incontinence, health conditions or who spend long periods in bed should look to clean their mattress more often.
• Mattress care tasks: Vacuuming a mattress, changing the sheets weekly or biweekly, using a mattress protector, and flipping it every 3 to 6 months can also make a difference.
• Natural cleaning aids, such as baking soda and white vinegar, are great ways to clean a mattress.

Public Opinion: How easy is it to keep mattresses clean?

The consensus online is unanimous: 

• Many people don’t deeply clean their mattress as often as they know they should
• Some only do spot cleans or vacuum their mattress when something looks obviously bad (like stains, smells or discolouring)
• Many sing the praises of mattress toppers and protectors, relying on these to act as a shield, and cleaning these more frequently than their mattress. Usually, due to the ease of cleaning overlays rather than the mattress itself
• Some express uncertainty:“How do you even clean a mattress?” and “I never really deep clean, just change bedding.”

If this sounds like you, here’s why mattress cleaning is not something to skip entirely.

Why is mattress cleaning important?

From health benefits to helping it last, here’s why cleaning your mattress is a good idea.

Allergy and Asthma Relief

Cleaning your mattress every 6 to 12 months can:

• Take away dust mites: These can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, so regular mattress cleaning helps reduce these risks.
• Improve air quality: A dirty mattress can release particles into the air, and cause bad smells.  Cleaning it helps keep the air you breathe stay fresher.

Mattress Longevity

Extend the life of your sleep support:

• Comfort: A clean mattress maintains its structure and cushioning, so it remains comfortable for longer and supports disruption-free sleep. 
• Mattress longevity: Regular cleaning removes sweat, oils and other debris, which can break down a mattress’ materials. Help prolong its lifespan by cleaning your mattress often.

Skin Health :

You might even notice your skin feels better after sprucing up your mattress. Dead skin cells and bacteria embedded in your mattress can cause irritation or breakouts. So, eliminating these promotes good skin health.

Select Oak Tree mattresses use Mammoth Medical Grade™ foam, which is NHS award-winning. This helps reduce sweating with 69% better cooling technology vs. other memory foam options. While its deodorant function and hygiene protection supplies a fresher night’s rest.

Oak Tree’s Mammoth Medical Grade™ foam

What happens if you don’t clean your mattress?

Alternatively, if you put it off, these problems can occur from not cleaning your mattress often enough:

Dust Mites: These tiny creatures feed on dead skin cells, and their microscopic droppings can trigger breathing troubles (asthma, allergies) and skin irritation (eczema). A study found that over 8 weeks, vacuuming a mattress decreases total mite allergens by 85%.

Mould & Mildew: Over time, sweat, saliva, spills and other fluids can cause mould to grow, especially in damp or humid conditions. Foam mattresses are particularly prone to this. This can worsen respiratory issues and lead to musty smells.

Bacteria & Germs: Bodily fluids and skin cells can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This puts anyone with health conditions or a weakened immune system at risk. Eventually, it could even attract pests, like bed bugs, ants and carpet beetles, all drawn to unclean sleep areas.

Allergens & irritants: Pet dander, pollen and dust compiling in one zone isn’t good for people with allergies or hayfever. Leaving the window open is great for airing the room, but it will invite pollen in, which is why it’s recommended you clean mattresses regularly.

Who should clean their mattress more often?

This table offers guidance on who should clean their mattress more often, based on health or lifestyle factors. It also includes how often cleaning is recommended for each group:

Mattress care at home: What else should I be doing?

For a truly clean home and mattress, some basic mattress care is also advised. Here’s a checklist of care tasks, plus how frequently you should aim to do them:

Natural cleaning methods for your mattress

Cleaning your mattress is achievable with everyday items, such as baking soda and white vinegar spray. Here’s how.

Baking soda mattress cleaning method for removing odours

To clean your mattress via baking soda (and not baking powder):

1. Remove your bedding and vacuum the mattress
2. Sprinkle dry baking soda evenly over the entire surface. You can use a sieve or do it by hand
3. Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender or eucalyptus) to the baking soda beforehand, to add a fresh scent
4. Let the baking soda sit for at least 1–2 hours - longer if possible (overnight is great)
5. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove all the baking soda

White vinegar spray: Takes away bacteria & odours

White vinegar at the ready? Here’s what to do:

1. Make a natural cleaning spray: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle
2. Strip the bed and lightly mist the mattress with the spray - don’t soak it, focusing on areas with stains or odours
3. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, so the solutions can work on bacteria, odours, and any light stains. Keep the room well-aired during this time.
4. Blot or gently scrub stains, if needed, using a clean cloth or soft brush
5. Allow the mattress time to fully air dry, with the help of open windows and sunlight if possible before redressing the bed

Spot cleaning your mattress with natural soap for stains or spills

Had an accident? Here are the steps to take right away:

1. Mix mild or natural dish soap with warm water. Put this in a small bowl or spray bottle
2. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water, or spray it with the cleaning solution, then wring it out well. The cloth should be damp, not dripping - too much water can damage the mattress
3. Blot the stained area gently, working from the outside in to avoid spreading. Don’t apply too much pressure - this can push the stain in deeper
4. Rinse off the soapy solution with a clean cloth and water. Again, blot the area, keeping your pressure light. Remove all soap residue
5. Dry the mattress thoroughly: use a towel and allow the area to air dry. A fan or open window can speed up the drying time

Final Thoughts: Cleaning your mattress regularly

It can be tricky to clean a mattress every 6 to 12 months, especially when juggling daily tasks or caring for an older relative. But proper mattress care removes unwanted bacteria and particle build-ups. It’s well worth cleaning your mattress often. Create an inviting sleep space, perfect for a solid night’s rest.

Top Tip: Carry out mattress care tasks when it’s already stripped for a sheet change. This makes vacuuming, ‘airing out’ and ‘flipping’ your mattress way less taxing.

How Oak Tree can help

Our premium-grade adjustable beds tilt up and move, which helps make cleaning the mattress easier. With dual motion controls, you can move each half of our double beds separately, to get a better angle while cleaning them, changing the sheets or vacuuming.

“The Oak Tree Mobility products are geared to enable ease and comfort and to open up choice and possibilities.”

Sleep Expert, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan

Reach out to us to discuss sleep support that promotes good sleep hygiene in seniors. We’re happy to help with your queries.

Further reading and sources:

1. What Mattress is Best for Me?
2. 6 Ways to Get Disruption-Free Sleep
3. Journal of Asthma: Daily Vacuuming Reduces Allergens and Bio-Contaminants
4. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Vacuuming Reduces Mite-Allergen Reservoirs

FAQs: How often should I clean my mattress?

Still curious about the best way to clean a mattress - and how often to do it? Find answers to frequently asked questions others have asked.

Do adjustable bed mattresses need maintenance?

Yes, they do. While the adjustable base may need occasional mechanical checks, the mattress itself should be cleaned and rotated regularly, just like a standard one.

Does a mattress need to be washed?

Not ‘washed’ in the traditional sense, but a mattress should be cleaned often. This includes vacuuming, spot-cleaning stains, and deodorising with baking soda.

 How to get rid of yellow stains on a mattress?

Consider using a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a few drops of natural soap. Spray the mattress lightly, let it sit, then blot and let dry completely.

Should you vacuum your mattress?

Yes. Vacuuming removes dust, dead skin, and allergens. Aim to vacuum your mattress every 1–2 months, or more often if you have allergies or pets.

What is the best method to clean a mattress?

A combination of vacuuming, baking soda for odours, and gentle spot cleaning your mattress with natural products (vinegar or mild dish soap) works best.

Is it worth getting a mattress cleaned?

Yes. Especially for heavily soiled mattresses. Professional cleaning can extend the life of your mattress and improve hygiene if ‘DIY’ methods aren’t enough.