How to Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress, According to Cleaning Experts

Memory foam has a reputation for being difficult—or even impossible—to clean. But whether you're dealing with spills or musty odors, there will come a time when your mattress needs a refresh. So, how exactly does one clean a memory foam mattress?

With the right approach and a few basic supplies, you can effectively eliminate odors, remove stains, and extend the life of your memory foam mattress. (And it's not nearly as complicated as you may think.)

How to Maintain and Protect a Memory Foam Mattress

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to your memory foam mattress. One of the easiest ways to protect your investment and reduce the need for deep cleaning is to use a quality mattress cover. Some memory foam mattresses even come with a removable cover for easy washing, says mattress professional Tristian Person.

These protective layers act as a barrier against spills, sweat, allergens, dust mites, and general wear and tear. Many are waterproof and breathable, offering protection without compromising comfort. By preventing stains and moisture from seeping into the foam, a mattress cover can dramatically extend the life of your bed and make routine maintenance a breeze.

How to Dry Clean a Memory Foam Mattress for Odor Removal 

Regularly refreshing your mattress will help keep dust and odors at bay. "Every few months, maybe once a quarter, sprinkle baking soda lightly on the mattress for an hour or longer, then vacuum it up," suggests Gina McRae of Molly Maids.

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Fine mesh strainer
• Clean, dry cloth
• Lavender essential oil (optional)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Remove all sheets, mattress protectors, and covers, and machine wash them. 
2. Using your vacuum's upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. Pay attention to sides, seams, and crevices.
3. Use a mesh strainer to sprinkle a cup of baking soda evenly over the mattress. (Mix in a few drops of lavender essential oil if you want to add a subtle scent.) 
4. Allow the baking soda to absorb moisture and odors for several hours. 
5. Vacuum the entire surface a second time to remove all baking soda.
6. Add rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle and then spray the mattress. Allow to dry before remaking the bed.

How to Wet Clean a Memory Foam Mattress for Stains and Spills

A deeper cleaning is necessary when you're dealing with spills, urine, or other unexpected messes. When you have a larger task at hand, a wet cleaning method is your best bet at getting your memory foam mattress like new again. 

Materials Needed:

• Spray bottle
• Cleaning cloths or paper towels
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Mild dish soap (or white vinegar for urine)
• Carpet cleaner/vacuum (optional)

Instructions:

1. If the spill or stain is fresh, use paper towels or a cleaning cloth to blot up as much of the mess as possible. Avoid rubbing.
2. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Shake gently. For urine stains: Replace the dish soap with white vinegar.
3. Lightly spray the area. Avoid saturating the mattress, and keep the solution contained to messy areas.
4. Use a fresh cleaning cloth to blot and lift the stain. For deeper stains, opt for a soft scrub brush or old toothbrush. "Scrub individual spots with a brush. You don’t want to saturate it if you can avoid it,” says Person.
5. Repeat the previous steps as necessary.
6. Use dry cleaning cloths or paper towels to firmly press out excess moisture. (The extractor on your carpet cleaner can also be gently used to suck up water, ensuring the mattress doesn’t retain too much moisture.)
7. Let the mattress air dry completely. Use a fan or open windows to speed up the process. Do not put sheets back on until the mattress is fully dry.