How to steam clean a mattress – and keep it cleaner for longer

Mattress cleaning is one task many of us try to avoid. Stripping the bed, vacuuming, and covering the mattress with baking soda is a messy, time-consuming chore that, while necessary, is never a particularly enjoyable undertaking.

The good news is there is one way to make cleaning a mattress simpler that doesn't sacrifice cleanliness or create mess: setting your steam cleaner on it.

Here, professional cleaners share the steps to steam clean a mattress and kill bacteria while freshening up your sleep space superbly, plus what to avoid to prevent damaging this important investment.

Why you should steam clean your mattress

So, why is using a best steam cleaner an effective way to clean a mattress?

Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless explains, 'Steam cleaning effectively eliminates dust mites, allergens, bacteria, and odors, providing a deeper clean compared to vacuuming alone. It's an eco-friendly method that uses high-temperature steam to sanitize without the need for harsh chemicals,' and is therefore a great cleaning tip for allergy sufferers.

What to consider before steam cleaning your mattress

If you’re planning to clean with a steamer, make it the first thing you do when cleaning a bedroom. It’s not difficult, but it does take a bit of time to dry – do it too late in the day and you might be facing a night on the sofa.

As cleaning expert Toner points out, you might also want to check the care label on your mattress to ensure it is steam-clean safe before getting started. 'Memory foam and latex mattresses may absorb too much moisture, risking damage,' she warns.

Learn how to safely clean a memory foam mattress or memory foam topper as they cannot take liquid or heat, making steam cleaning a bad move for those types of mattresses.

How often should a mattress be steam-cleaned?

While mattresses don't need cleaning as regularly as your best bed sheets, cleaning expert Toner recommends steam cleaning them every six months.

Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning, adds, 'If you’re extra fancy (or have pets), consider cleaning every three to four months.'

You will need

To steam clean a mattress, you will need:

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment: such as the Dyson V12 Detect Slim or Brigii Handheld.
• A steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
• A stain remover, such as the Shout Active Enzyme Stain Remover from Walmart.
• A microfiber towel, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon.
• Optional: A dehumidifier, like the Frigidaire Gallery 50 Pint Dehumidifier which our in-house experts have reviewed and recommend.

Step 1: Strip the bedding

First things first, you don’t want to put dirty bed sheets back onto a freshly cleaned bed, so start by removing bedding, then wash bed sheets and comforters with an effective detergent, such as the bestselling ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart.

The mattress should be completely clear of any sheets, toppers, and protectors to make cleaning easier and more effective.

Step 2: Check your mattress material and care label

Before you begin, it’s crucial to check whether your mattress is suitable for steam cleaning. Most are, but some (usually those made from memory foam) may be more sensitive to moisture and require more specialized cleaning methods.

Ken Doty, cleaning expert and COO at The Maids explains, ‘Steam cleaning mattresses are safe to do on innerspring, latex and hybrid (has both spring coils and foam layers) models. In terms of models that are NOT safe to steam clean, memory foam and other delicate materials such as wool and cashmere mattresses can be damaged by steam cleaners.

'The memory foam breaks down its structure and causes it to lose shape. The moisture from the steam can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew over time.’

If you are unsure, check the laundry symbols and manufacturer instructions on your mattress and the manufacturer's website for more information.

Step 3: Vacuum the mattress

Use your best vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles and debris from the surface of the mattress, including the sides.

Justin Carpenter, general manager at Dallas-based cleaning service, Modern Maids, warns, 'Don’t be tempted to skip this step. Vacuuming first allows the steam to penetrate the mattress and makes for a deeper clean overall.'

If, when using your vacuum, you've noticed any signs it's time to replace old appliances, our top cordless pick is the Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute vacuum available at Dyson.

Step 4: Spot-treat stains

Before you start steam cleaning, pre-treat any stains. Soak up any fresh stains with a dry absorbent cloth, then dab away with cold water and a sponge. Avoid using hot water as this can set the stain.

If it isn’t shifting, try a specialist, enzyme stain remover, but steer clear of anything that contains chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia.

If you prefer not to use harsh chemicals, why not try cleaning with baking soda for a natural alternative – simply make a paste by combining baking soda with water, little by little, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Then, let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming up, says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert for Cleaners Advisor.

Sometimes, powdery messes can clog up your vacuum's filter, so you can brush the majority of the dried baking soda into a dustpan and brush, then vacuum the leftovers.

Step 5: Prepare the steam cleaner

Experts say handheld are the best steam cleaners to use on a mattress, and recommend the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner available at Amazon.

Val Oliveira, CEO and owner of Chicago-based cleaning company, Val’s Cleaning Services, explains, 'It’s portable, light-weight and easy to move around, meaning you can use it to clean the entire surface, including the sides.'

You also have the option of renting a commercial steamer if you don’t have the space to store your own. Most steamers have a water tank, a wand for applying the steam, and a motor to generate heat.

Fill the tank with distilled water to avoid mineral buildup, recommends cleaning expert Toner, such as the Pure Life Distilled Water available at Amazon, attach the fabric or upholstery nozzle, turn it on, and allow it to heat up before getting to work. How you assemble will vary from steamer to steamer, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Steam clean the mattress

Hold your steam cleaner about six inches above the mattress and work your way across the entire surface using slow, even strokes. ‘Avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this can saturate the mattress and cause damage, or lead to mold growth’, continues cleaning expert Oliveira. ‘Don’t forget to do the sides, too.’

Step 7: Let the mattress dry

Given how dense they are, mattresses can take a long time to dry. To speed the process up, move the mattress into a sunny, well-ventilated spot and allow it to sit undisturbed for at least four hours, or better, overnight.

If moving the mattress is not an option, open up windows and internal doors to improve airflow and ensure there is nothing underneath the bed to allow airflow on both sides.

You can also position fans near the mattress to keep air moving, or use one of our best dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the mattress and promote the movement of dry air.

Crucially, never replace your bedding until your mattress is thoroughly dry. As cleaning expert Webber points out, 'A damp mattress is a playground for mold, and nobody wants that.'

Step 8. Re-vacuum

Finally, cleaning expert Webber recommends re-vacuuming your mattress. 'Once everything’s dry, give it a final vacuum to pick up anything the steam lifted,' he says.

Expert tips for keeping your mattress clean

To keep your mattress cleaner for longer, Parima Ijaz, founder of Pure Parima, a luxury bedding company, says, 'Investing in high quality bedding and protectors will help protect your mattress from allergen and dust buildup.

'Our Egyptian cotton sheets and protectors provide a hypoallergenic layer which can help reduce allergens and makes the mattress easier to clean in the long run.

'Also, treat any spills you notice immediately to prevent the stains from setting in and possibly causing irreversible damage. Lastly, if possible, try to keep your pets off the bed as much as possible as they can bring dirt, hair, and allergens to the mattress, making for a harder clean.'

Steam cleaning can cut other chore times in half, too, so consider using yours elsewhere around your home for an eco-friendly clean.

Next, learn how to clean your mattress topper.