How to steam clean a mattress – 7 steps to a simple clean

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 up there with the worst household chores.

The good news is there is one way to make cleaning a mattress simpler that doesn't sacrifice cleanliness: 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.

Steam cleaning a 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.

To complete the task, 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: either commercial, such as Shout Active Enzyme Stain Remover from Walmart, or a baking soda paste
• A microfiber towel
• Optional: A dehumidifier, like the Frigidaire Gallery 50 Pint Dehumidifier we reviewed

Step 1: Strip the bedding

You don’t want to put dirty bed sheets back onto a freshly cleaned bed, so start by removing bedding, then washing bed sheets and comforters. 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.'

Step 4: Spot-treat stains

Before you start steam cleaning, pre-treat any stain. It's best to do this when the stains occurred, but if you've spotted on now, it's better late than never! 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 stain remover but steer clear of anything that contains chemicals such as bleach or ammonia), or use a nice natural remedy such as cleaning with baking soda – making a paste by combining baking soda with water, little by little, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

‘Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can be sprinkled on the mattress, left for a few hours, then vacuumed up,' says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert for Cleaners Advisor.

If it's an animal pee stain a specialized enzymatic cleaner will work better, such as Angry Orange Eliminator spray available on Amazon. Ahmed adds, 'Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down organic materials and can be particularly effective for removing urine or blood stains.'

Step 5: Prepare the steam cleaner

Experts recommend say handheld are the best steam cleaners to use on a mattress (such as the BISSELL Little Green multi-purpose carpet and upholstery cleaner, on 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, 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 Val Oliveira, cleaning expert. ‘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.

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 dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the mattress and promote the movement of dry air.

‘Though steam cleaning your mattress is very effective, that doesn't mean you should slack on washing your bedding and mattress protector (get one if you don't have one) to keep your sleeping area as healthy as possible,’ reminds Ken Dotty, cleaning expert. ‘You should steam clean mattresses one to two times a year optimally, but those with pets or heavy sleep sweating tendencies should probably opt for two to three times a year to ensure cleanliness.'

Next, clean your mattress topper.