How to Clean a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Australian Guide

Knowing how to clean a mattress properly keeps your bed fresh, helps it last longer, and removes the dust and buildup that accumulate over months of use. The good news: it's simple, doesn't require expensive products, and can be done in under an hour with everyday household items.

Key Takeaways

• Routine cleaning (every 1–2 months): vacuum thoroughly, sprinkle baking soda, let sit 15–30 minutes, vacuum again, air out.
• Deep cleaning (every 6–12 months): enzyme cleaner for stains, full deodorising treatment, sunlight if possible.
• Stain removal: blot, don't rub. Use hydrogen peroxide for blood, enzyme cleaners for biological stains, mild soap for spills.
• Never use bleach, machine washing, or excessive water — all damage mattress materials.

This guide covers everything you need: routine cleaning, deep cleaning, stain removal, deodorising, and what to avoid.

Why Regular Mattress Cleaning Matters

Mattresses accumulate dust, dead skin cells, sweat, oils, and dust mites over time — far faster than most people realise. Regular cleaning keeps your bed hygienic, helps the mattress last longer, and removes the buildup that contributes to musty smells.

Dust mites and allergens. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in mattresses, feeding on shed skin cells. Their droppings are a common indoor allergen. Regular vacuuming and airing reduces their population significantly.

Hygiene and odour prevention. Sweat, body oils, and dead skin slowly create a mustiness that's hard to notice day-to-day but obvious to visitors or after returning from travel. Routine cleaning prevents that buildup.

Extending mattress lifespan. Foam, fabric, and stitching all degrade faster when exposed to moisture, oils, and bacteria. A clean mattress simply lasts longer — often by years.

Sleep quality. A fresh, clean bed feels noticeably better to sleep on. Even small bedroom hygiene improvements make a difference.

Recommended cleaning frequency:

• Light cleaning (vacuum and baking soda): every 1–2 months
• Deep cleaning: seasonally or once a year
• Stain treatment: as soon as a spill happens

What You'll Need to Clean Your Mattress

Almost everything you need is already in your home. No specialty equipment required.

Essential tools:

• Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• Clean cloth or microfibre towel for blotting
• Spray bottle for applying solutions evenly

Household products:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — for deodorising and absorbing moisture
• White vinegar — natural disinfectant and odour neutraliser
• Mild dish soap — for spot cleaning
• 3% hydrogen peroxide — for blood and protein stains
• Cold water — never hot for biological stains (it sets them)

Optional:

• Enzyme cleaner — breaks down biological stains (urine, vomit, blood)
• Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, lemon) — for natural fragrance
• Activated charcoal — for stubborn odours

Safety considerations:

• Never use bleach — it damages mattress fabric and foam, and the fumes linger.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, which can break down foam.
• Spot-test first if you're using anything stronger than soap and water.

Most of these supplies are available at any Australian supermarket or hardware store.

Step-by-Step Routine Mattress Cleaning

This is the everyday cleaning routine — quick, effective, and what you should do every 1–2 months. Total active time: about 45 minutes (plus a few hours for the baking soda step).

Step 1: Strip the bedding. Remove sheets, pillowcases, mattress protector, and any toppers. Wash everything in hot water if your fabric labels allow.

Step 2: Air out the mattress. Open the bedroom windows and let air circulate around the mattress for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Vacuum thoroughly. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire surface — top, sides, and crevices. Pay extra attention to the seams, where dust and skin cells collect. Don't skip the underside if you can lift it.

Step 4: Spot-clean any visible marks. Address stains as you go using the methods in the next section. Always blot, never rub.

Step 5: Sprinkle baking soda across the surface. Cover the entire mattress in a light, even layer. Baking soda's alkaline properties neutralise odour compounds and absorb moisture — for best results, leave it on for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for stubborn smells. 

Step 6: Let it sit for 15–30 minutes. For lightly used mattresses, 15 minutes is enough. For mattresses that haven't been deep-cleaned in months, leave it up to a few hours.

Step 7: Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly. Take your time — getting all of it out matters. Any residue left behind can attract moisture later.

Step 8: Air out. For most mattresses, sunlight or an open window helps eliminate residual bacteria. Koala mattresses should be aired indoors away from direct sunlight to protect foam and fabric. 

Step 9: Reapply your mattress protector and remake the bed. A clean protector goes on first, then your fitted sheet, then everything else.

Deep Cleaning Your Mattress

A deep clean goes beyond routine maintenance — it addresses set-in stains, biological residue, and accumulated buildup. Do this every 6–12 months, or after any major spill.

When to deep clean:

• After a major spill or accident
• Once or twice a year as standard maintenance
• After illness (especially gastrointestinal)
• When moving house (before reassembling the bed)
• If the mattress smells musty or "off"

Step-by-step deep clean:

1. Strip the bedding and wash everything.
2. Vacuum thoroughly, including under the bed and around the frame.
3. Treat any visible stains using the methods in the stain removal section below.
4. Apply enzyme cleaner across the surface if you've had biological accidents or general buildup. Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down protein and organic matter — making them especially effective for urine, blood, and pet stains. Let it sit per the product instructions (usually 10–30 minutes). 
5. Blot the surface dry with clean towels — push down to absorb as much moisture as possible.
6. Sprinkle a thicker layer of baking soda across the mattress and let it sit for several hours, or overnight if you have somewhere else to sleep.
7. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all baking soda and lifted residue.
8. Dry completely. Position fans nearby, open windows, and ideally let the mattress sit uncovered for 4–8 hours after cleaning. A damp mattress is a mould risk — moisture can develop into mould within 24–48 hours. 

Moisture management. The single biggest mistake during a deep clean is putting the bedding back too soon. Mattresses look dry on the surface but can hold moisture in foam or fibre layers. Use a fan, air conditioner, or open window to ensure complete drying.

Removing Common Stains

The golden rule for any stain: blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres. Always work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.

Blood stains. 

Use cold water (never hot — it cooks the protein and sets the stain). For fresh blood, blot with a damp cloth. For dried blood, mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of cold water, dab onto the stain, and blot. Repeat as needed. Always test on a small inconspicuous area first — hydrogen peroxide can discolour some fabrics, and for memory foam mattresses, an enzyme cleaner is a safer alternative. 

Sweat stains (yellowing)

Mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then blot with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Food and drink spills

Blot up the spill immediately. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with cold water, apply lightly, and blot until the stain lifts. Avoid soaking — light layers, repeated blotting.

Coffee and tea

Blot immediately with a clean cloth. Apply cold water with a few drops of dish soap, blot, then rinse with a clean damp cloth. For dried stains, an enzyme cleaner often works better than soap.

Wine and dark spills

Blot up immediately. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt or baking soda on the wet stain to absorb the liquid — leave for 10–15 minutes, then vacuum. Treat the residual stain with cold water and dish soap.

For more complex stains or set-in marks, see our mattress stain removal guide for detailed instructions by stain type.

Deodorising Your Mattress

Even without visible stains, mattresses develop subtle odours over time. These methods refresh the fabric without harsh chemicals.

Baking soda (the gold standard). Sprinkle generously, let sit for several hours (or overnight), then vacuum thoroughly. Simplest and most effective.

Essential oils for fragrance. Add 5–10 drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil to your baking soda before sprinkling. Mix well in a jar, then apply. Lavender is calming, eucalyptus is fresh and slightly antibacterial, and lemon is bright and clean.

Activated charcoal for stubborn odours. If your mattress has persistent smells (e.g., from pets or smoke), place small bowls of activated charcoal near the mattress (not directly on it) for 24–48 hours. It absorbs odour molecules from the air.

Ventilation and air drying. The simplest deodoriser is fresh air. Open windows, run a fan, or move the mattress to an airier room for a day if possible.

Sunlight or indoor airing. Direct sunlight kills bacteria and helps neutralise odours on most mattresses — a few hours outdoors on a dry day works for many types. However, Koala mattresses are specifically designed to dry away from direct sunlight, so air them indoors with windows open and fans running instead. 

Odour prevention habits:

• Use a breathable mattress protector
• Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly
• Keep your bedroom dry and well-ventilated
• Avoid eating in bed where possible

Mattress Protectors & Prevention

A quality mattress protector is the single most effective way to reduce how often you need to deep-clean your mattress. It blocks sweat, oils, spills, and skin cells from ever reaching the mattress fabric — so the surface beneath stays cleaner for years.

Waterproof protectors. Prevent liquid spills (water, wine, urine) from soaking through. Essential for kids' beds, pet households, and anyone who occasionally drinks coffee in bed. Look for breathable waterproof options that don't trap heat.

Machine-washable covers. The best protectors come off easily and go straight in the wash, often weekly with your sheets. This keeps the surface that touches your skin consistently fresh.

Impact on cleaning frequency. With a quality protector, you can extend deep cleaning intervals to once a year (or longer), since most of what would soil your mattress is intercepted by the protector cover instead.

Cost vs benefit. A good mattress protector costs AUD $50–$150 — a fraction of what it costs to replace a mattress prematurely. If you spend even $1,000 on a mattress, a $100 protector is straightforward maths.

For a deeper guide to choosing one, see our best mattress protector guide for Australian recommendations.

Ready to protect your bed? Shop our mattress protector range to keep your mattress fresh and your cleaning routine simple.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning

A few common mistakes can permanently damage your mattress. Avoid these:

Don't use excessive water. Mattresses absorb moisture deep into foam and fibre layers, where it can take days to dry. Wet patches that don't dry completely become breeding grounds for mould and mildew. Use the minimum water needed for any cleaning step.

Don't use bleach. Bleach degrades mattress fabric, breaks down foam, and leaves fumes that linger in the bedroom. It's also overkill — for any stain bleach would handle, an enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide will do the job safely.

Don't use harsh chemicals. Ammonia, undiluted vinegar (in large quantities), and industrial-strength cleaners can damage mattress materials. Stick to mild soap, hydrogen peroxide for protein stains, and enzyme cleaners for biological residue.

Don't put your mattress in a washing machine. Even small mattresses can't go through a washing machine. Water saturates internal layers, and the spin cycle damages foam, springs, and stitching.

Don't sleep on a damp mattress. This is the #1 cause of mould inside mattresses. After any wet cleaning, ensure the mattress is fully dry — not just surface-dry — before putting bedding back on.

Don't ignore the underside. Cleaning only the top half misses dust and moisture that build up underneath. Lift and vacuum the bottom every few months.

For broader mattress recommendations, see our guide to the best mattress.

Less cleaning, more sleeping

Koala's TENCEL™ Lyocell mattress protector blocks spills and stains before they reach your mattress — machine-washable for easy care.

Shop the mattress protector →