We spend a third of our lives in bed, so it deserves some TLC. Usually, this means rotating pillows, splurging on linens, and arguing about how often to wash sheets. But while attention goes to what's on top, the mattress quietly collects evidence of every night spent there.
Why Cleaning Your Mattress Matters
According to sleep doctor Dr Alanna Hare from Sealy UK, mattresses are a hotbed of dead skin cells, dust, and dirt that can cause skin, sleep, and breathing issues. 'Keeping the mattress clean creates a calmer, healthier environment for your body to fully switch off,' she told the Daily Mail.
Your mattress is the forgotten foundation of sleep. Giving it a proper clean isn't just about hygiene; it's about comfort too. Especially in warmer months, when heat, sweat, and humidity turn your bed into a less-than-fresh environment, a clean mattress can prevent restless tossing and turning.
Emma Mannion, cleaning expert at Astonish, says cleaning your mattress doesn't need to be arduous. Focus on three things: vacuuming, stain removal, and eliminating odours. As we peel winter layers off our beds, now is a great time to clean your mattress—you might find the key to better sleep hiding under your fitted sheet.
Health Benefits of a Clean Mattress
'A mattress naturally collects dirt and dust over time, and that buildup can quietly irritate your skin and airways at night,' Dr Alanna said. 'When your body reacts to allergens or feels uncomfortable, you're more likely to wake up or miss out on deeper stages of restorative sleep.'
It's not just dust and dirt. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid spaces. 'A proper spring clean of your bed and bedroom removes the moisture and skin particles they rely on, instantly cutting down allergens that cause itching, congestion, and broken sleep,' she added. 'By reducing hidden irritations, your body can settle more easily into deep, continuous rest.'
As weather transitions to summer, a clean mattress helps you stay cool. 'A mattress holding onto sweat and humidity makes it harder for your body to stay cool,' she said. 'Overheating is one of the biggest disruptors of sleep; it pulls you out of deep, restorative stages and increases waking.'
How to Clean Your Mattress
Emma recommends starting by removing all sheets and pillows, then vacuuming the mattress. 'Ideally, use the brush or upholstery attachment to remove buildup of dust or dead skin,' she said. Dr Alanna adds that it's important to pay attention to seams where dust collects.
The second step is to remove marks and stains with a fabric stain remover, especially one that leaves your mattress smelling fresh. After spot cleaning, leave the mattress to air out fully until dry. When placing it back, rotate it if the design allows. 'Most modern mattresses are single-sided, so they don't need flipping,' she added.
Finally, Emma says to eliminate lingering odours by opening all windows and spritzing the mattress with a fabric refreshener.
Keeping Your Mattress Fresh Between Cleans
The experts recommend cleaning your mattress twice a year. Dr Alanna gave tips for keeping it fresh in the interim. 'A breathable, washable mattress protector makes a big difference, especially when cleaned regularly,' she explained. 'Keeping the bedroom cool reduces nighttime sweating, and choosing natural fibre bedding helps manage heat and moisture.'
Airing your mattress out occasionally prevents allergen buildup. Strip the sheets and, if possible, leave it outside in direct sunlight for a few hours—sunlight acts as a natural bacteria killer. If you don't have outdoor space, take off all sheets and open windows to create airflow. You can even point fans or air conditioning at it. It's also helpful to leave it undressed between sheet changes to give it extra air.
