My husband and I got a puppy this past year, and I’m embarrassed to admit how many accidents she’s had while sleeping in our bed with us. We’ve had to use multiple methods to clean up her messes, including cleaning our mattress with baking soda. If you, too, are in need of a mattress deep clean, consider following our expert tips below for what to do and what not to do when cleaning your mattress with baking soda.
Before Getting Started
There are a few things you’ll want to do to prep your mattress before using baking soda on it. First, strip the bed completely so you’re working with a clean slate. “This is the perfect time to wash your bedding, pillow covers, and even your mattress protector if you have one,” explains Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas. “Prior to starting, always ensure the mattress is dry (no sweat or water), as baking soda will stick to any dampness.”
Check the manufacturer’s label on your mattress for any cleaning instructions that might be specific to the type you have—this helps prevent any accidental damage. You might want to consider inspecting the mattress for stains and note their type and severity for targeted treatment. Lastly, Stein suggests grabbing all the supplies you’ll need: baking soda, a vacuum, and any extras like a sifter and essential oils if you’d like to add a fresh scent. What You’ll Need – Baking soda – Vacuum cleaner – Essential oils (optional)
How to clean a mattress with baking soda
1. Remove all the bedding: If you haven’t done so already, take off all your sheets, pillowcases, and the mattress cover. Pop them in the washer to get a fresh start now.
2. Vacuum the mattress: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get rid of dust, hair, and any other loose particles. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices. “Vacuuming is important to do before you start cleaning, as you want to remove any dust before adding any cleaning agents,” says Stein.
3. Apply baking soda: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda across the mattress. If you’re adding essential oils, Stein suggests mixing a few drops with the baking soda before sprinkling. Sifting the mixture helps it go on nice and evenly.
4. Let the baking soda sit: Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least 20-30 minutes, but if you can give it a few hours, even better! The longer it sits, the more odors it can absorb.
5. Vacuum again: After it’s had time to work, vacuum the mattress thoroughly to pick up all the baking soda.
6. Replace bedding: Replace all bedding with a clean mattress topper and clean sheets for a fresh, clean bed.
Optional Step:
1. Steam clean: Use your steamer to steam clean the mattress afterward to kill any dust mites.
2. Let it dry: Let the mattress dry fully before moving on.
3. Vacuum final time: Vacuuming one more time to remove any of those now dead dust mites is ideal, explains Stein.
How to get rid of and prevent smells in mattress
“Using baking soda regularly is great for keeping odors away and removing ones that are already there, but adding a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) can also give it a fresh, clean scent,” explains Stein. “Just remember to mix the oils into the baking soda instead of applying them directly to the mattress.” To keep your mattress fresh in the long run, vacuuming it every month or so and airing it out whenever you can will make a big difference. If possible, let your mattress air out in natural sunlight— this can help with smells and even kill off some bacteria, according to Stein.
If that is not possible, even just open a window or air purifier and let that mattress air out. Other prevention options would be to ensure you have a mattress cover to protect the mattress from any stains and odors seeping into the mattress (like body odor from sweat, food or drink, urine in kids’ mattresses, etc). “And washing your bedding regularly keeps odors from being absorbed into the mattress,” says Stein. Every three to six months is a good schedule for deep cleaning with baking soda, though if you have allergies or pets, you might want to do it more often. “I do mine once a month just for best practice,” says Stein.
Can I use baking soda on all types of mattresses?
According to Stein, baking soda is generally safe for all types of mattresses. She warns to be cautious with memory foam or mattresses with delicate fabrics. “Make sure you vacuum (those types of mattresses) gently, and don’t use too much moisture if you’re spot-cleaning with baking soda,” she explains. “It’s a good idea to always check your mattress manufacturer first, to ensure no damage is done to your mattress.”
Are there any alternatives to baking soda for cleaning a mattress?
Yes, you can try using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for spot cleaning (just dilute it with water and use it sparingly). “Vodka is also a great option for tackling odors—it evaporates quickly and won’t leave a strong scent once it’s dry,” says Stein. “But for an all-around clean, baking soda is still one of the best, most natural options.”
