How to Clean a Mattress for Urine, Mould, Stains & More

Accidents happen — pee, mould, mystery stains. It’s stressful, sure, but no need to panic. With the right steps, you can clean it properly without replacing the whole mattress.

I’ve cleaned dozens of rentals with mattresses in every condition you can think of. These are the steps I keep coming back to. They're thorough, safe, and reliable.

What You’ll Need

• Upholstery-safe vacuum cleaner (with a flat head and narrow nozzle)
• Spot washer (this is handy if you’ve got kids or pets)
• Gentle laundry detergent
• Several clean microfibre cloths
• Rubber gloves
• Portable fan or ceiling fan for drying

For urine, sweat or vomit:

• Use an enzyme-based cleaner that’s kid-safe and pet-friendly. It breaks down the proteins in urine and sweat, making it easier to lift stains and remove odours.

For drink spills like coffee or juice:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide is my go-to. Just make sure to spot-test first, as it can lighten some fabrics.

For visible surface mould:

• Use a mould remover like Concrobium. Just double-check that it’s safe for your mattress fabric before spraying.

Not Essential, But Super Handy

• Handheld steamer
• HEPA filter air purifier

Heads up: Don’t mix cleaners like enzyme sprays, hydrogen peroxide, or mould removers. They don’t work well together and can cause damage or release harsh fumes.

Step-by-Step Mattress Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Remove All Bedding

Start by stripping the bedsheets, pillowcases, protectors, and toppers. Check the care labels to make sure everything’s machine-washable. Put what you can into the washer with a gentle detergent on a warm cycle.

Memory foam, latex, or feather-filled toppers need special care. Spot-clean them according to the maker’s instructions to avoid damage. These simple steps clear away dust, sweat, and oils, leaving your bed fresh and cosy.

Step 2: Give It a Proper Check

Look for signs like:

• Yellow stains — these are usually caused by sweat or spills.
• Dark patches — they could be mould or early mildew.
• A musty smell — or anything that just seems off.
• Tiny bug shells or red marks — they might be an early sign of bedbugs.

If you notice anything, make note — we’ll cover it in the next step.

Step 3: Give Your Mattress a Proper Vacuum

Grab the vacuum and swap in the flat head or narrow nozzle.

Run it over the whole surface — where you sleep, the sides, and the seams. Focus on the stitching too. That’s where dust mites, pet hair, and skin flakes like to hide.

This lifts the hidden debris you don’t see but wouldn’t want in your bed. To top it off, a HEPA air purifier cleans the air and makes the room more comfortable.

Optional: If you're worried about bedbugs, run a handheld steamer around the edges. That’s where they like to hide. Don’t soak the fabric, though. Too much moisture can induce mould.

Step 4: Treat Stains the Right Way

Before you start, throw on some rubber gloves. They’ll protect your skin from cleaners, spills, and mould spores.

Sweat, Urine, or Vomit

Protein stains like sweat and urine are best cleaned with enzyme cleaners. They break down the source of the smell and staining. Harsh cleaners can backfire here — irritating your skin or weakening the mattress material.

• Give the stained area a spray of enzyme cleaner.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, or as directed on the label.
• Blot the area with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Press down and lift to soak up the liquid without spreading it.
• Wipe the area with a damp microfibre cloth to clear away any remaining cleaner.

Spilled Drinks, Coffee, or Juice

3% hydrogen peroxide works well on dark stains like coffee or wine. Always remember to spot-test first, as it may cause discolouration on some materials.

• Dab the area with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide using a clean cloth.
• Let it sit for a minute or two.
• Blot the stain until it lifts.
• Run the damp microfibre cloth across the surface to remove any leftover residue.

Noticed any dark patches like these? Act quickly to stop mould from spreading.

• Spray an EPA-registered mould remover like Concrobium on the affected spots. It removes spores, kills mould and helps stop it from coming back. Always spot-test first to ensure it’s safe for your mattress fabric.

• Wait 10 –15 minutes for the cleaner to penetrate and break down the mould.

• Blot with a dry microfibre cloth, then wipe with a damp one to clear the remains.

• Dry the area with a ceiling fan or portable fan for 8 –12 hours. Mould loves damp, so airflow matters. Open the windows to speed up the drying.

Important: You can treat small, surface mould patches this way. But if it’s widespread, keeps coming back, or has soaked deep into the mattress — you’ll need to replace it.

Deep mould is almost impossible to remove and poses serious health risks. In my experience, it's not worth the gamble.

Step 5: Put the Spot Washer to Work (Optional)

If you’ve got a spot washer, now’s the time to use it. It lifts deep-set stains and sucks out excess moisture in one go. Perfect after pet messes or when you’ve treated mould and need to dry things fast.

Step 6: Tackle Lingering Odours

As the mattress starts drying, give it a quick sniff. If there’s still a smell, the same enzyme cleaner should take care of it. If it’s gone, you’re all set — no need to add anything else.

Step 7: Let It Dry

This one’s important. If your mattress doesn’t dry thoroughly, mould or mildew can creep back in.

Proper Drying is Paramount:

• Open the windows to air out the mattress. Sunny days are excellent for cleaning your mattress since they help with drying.
• Turn on a ceiling fan or portable fan to speed up the drying process.
• Avoid using heaters and keep your bed out of direct sunlight. Heat can warp the foam and harm the material over time.

Best practice: Leave the mattress uncovered for 8 to 12 hours to fully dry.

While you’re waiting, why not show your floors some love too? Here’s our guide on how to clean hybrid flooring without ruining it.

8. Flip or Rotate to Make It Last

• If your mattress is double-sided, flip it over.
• Got a single-sided or memory foam mattress? Rotate it 180 degrees.

You’ll stop dips from forming and stretch out the life of your mattress. Do this every 3 to 6 months.

Simple Habits to Keep Your Mattress Fresh

• Spills, sweat, and life’s little messes happen. A waterproof mattress protector catches it all. Go for one with breathable fabric. It stays cooler and cuts down moisture. That way, your mattress lasts longer.

• Give your mattress a monthly vacuum to get rid of dust, skin flakes, and allergens.

• Clean up spills fast before they have time to settle.

• Have pets? Use a washable blanket or cover to catch fur and dirt — just toss it in the wash each week.

• Open windows often to lower humidity and prevent mould and dust mites.

Mattress Cleaning FAQs

How often should you give your mattress a proper clean?

Every six months is a good rule of thumb to keep it fresh. If you have kids, pets, or allergies, do it more often. Spot clean straight away when spills or stains appear — don’t let them set in.

Can I clean a mattress without a spot washer?

Yes. Spot washers help with deep stains and moisture, but you don’t need one. The right cleaner and a few microfibre cloths are all you need.

Is it safe to sleep on your mattress the same day you clean it?

 Only if it’s fully dry to the touch. If it still feels damp when you press your hand on it, give it more time. Sleeping on it too soon can trap moisture and bring back mould or mildew.

Is there anything I shouldn’t use on my mattress?

Bleach, vinegar, and strong cleaners are a no-go. They’re harsh on fabric, damage memory foam, and can irritate your skin. Go easy on liquids too — if too much soaks in, it can lead to mould.

The Clean Mattress Payoff

Mattress care isn’t complicated. Stick to a routine, use the right tools, and handle messes early. I’ve cleaned dozens of rentals over the years, and clean mattresses always stand out. They feel better, smell fresher, and last longer. That bit of effort always pays off.

Bedrooms all sorted? If you’re ready, let’s move on to our how to clean shower screen guide.