3 Easy Steps to Clean Memory Foam Mattress and Keep It That Way

By
Bella
Bella
Writer
Bella is a skilled copywriter who holds a degree in English studies. Her lifelong passion for decor and interior design is evident in her work, which is inspired by the beau read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tommy
Tommy
Expert Consultant
Tommy is an expert consultant at HouseAndBeyond, with extensive experience in home improvement. A master of all trades, he offers invaluable expertise in areas such as carpe read more
Last updated: August 26, 2023
HouseAndBeyond is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

A memory foam Trusted Source Memory foam - Wikipedia Memory foam consists mainly of polyurethane as well as additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam. en.wikipedia.org mattress adjusts to your body shape, which ensures optimal comfort. The perfect fit combined with breathability and hypoallergenic materials makes this product a smart choice for sleeping. While these items are a long-term investment, it’s crucial to maintain them well. The crucial question that owners might have is how to clean memory foam mattresses?

Our guide covers all important questions regarding mattress cleaning. You’ll learn how to clean them one step at a time to get the best results out of the process. No need to get rid of even the cheapest mattresses, once you get the smallest stain on them. We also included an FAQ section to answer common questions users often have about these memory foam units.

Cleaning a memory foam mattress

The initial thing to assess is whether your mattress has a cover. The majority has a protective cover, and you’ll need to remove it first. It’s crucial to wash and clean the cover, but the maintenance process is different than for the mattress itself.


Check out the care tag or the product’s instruction manual. It should contain all information on the required cover cleaning steps. The odds are you can wash it in a washing machine, but make sure to use a gentle cycle.

As for harsh stains, a mild cleaning solution is a way to go. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals or fabrics to avoid material damage.

How often should you do that

If there’s a big stain, it might be smart to act immediately. Otherwise, there’s no rule on how often you should clean your mattress. You can do it once every three or six months. If you have children or pets, there is a bigger risk of stains, so a more frequent cleaning might be required. And don’t forget to vacuum the mattress every time you change your sheets.

Now, let’s focus on cleaning the mattress. Here is what you need to do to clean your memory foam unit!

Step 1: Start with a vacuum

3 Easy Steps to Clean Memory Foam Mattress and Keep It That WayYour first task is to use a vacuum to eliminate any dirt and other unwanted things from your mattress. It’s not only about debris; you are sleeping on that mattress, so it also collects hair and dead skin cells. Skin oil goes into the mattress, as well as pet hair.

Vacuuming the mattress is a cleaning step you’ll do most often. You can use a standard vacuum with a brush attachment, but you might find it easier with a handheld unit. BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L is convenient since it’s light and cordless but powerful enough to handle the cleaning.

If you are changing the sheets, don’t be lazy and vacuum your mattress. Did you notice a stain? If yes, don’t go to using cleaning solutions right away. Instead, vacuum the mattress first. It will ensure the cleaners work with their full potential, which increases the odds of removing the stains.

Step 2: It’s Stain-cleaning time!

3 Easy Steps to Clean Memory Foam Mattress and Keep It That WayDid you spill juice on the mattress? Did your child jump on the bed covered in mud, and there are noticeable stains?

The experts recommend acting as soon as possible to clean the stains. Otherwise, you risk the foam mattress absorbing the stains, which makes them harder to clean. Let’s learn how to remove stains from memory foam mattress.

You’ll need a reliable cleaning solution for the mattress. The experts advise being careful with store-bough cleaners because harsh solutions could damage your product. That’s why you should go with Biokleen Bac-Out Fresh, which advertises a safe and natural approach.

Once you acquire the desired cleaning solution, here is what you should do:

  • Grab an empty and clean spray bottle.
  • Add about half of a cup of your desired cleaning solution.
  • Pour a cup of water into the bottle.
  • Shake everything to prepare your homemade mattress cleaning product.

Is your solution ready? It’s now time to spray it on the mattress. Try not to be too generous when spraying the cleaner because you don’t want drying to take forever. After applying the cleaner, use a clean cloth. Use circular movements to scrub the stain off the mattress. There’s no need to use too much force, but some effort is recommended.

EXTRA TIP: If your stain seems persistent, you can make an alternative homemade cleaner. Use a spray bottle to mix about 75% of water and 25% of vinegar. You don’t need much of this solution, but it should be effective on persistent stains.

Step 3: The aftermath

Once you deal with the stain, your mattress will look clean again. However, there might still be some cleaner visible. You should use a new cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution.

Your mattress will be wet now, which means it requires drying. There are two methods for drying the unit:

  • Take the mattress outside and let the sunlight do its job.
  • Use a hairdryer to speed up the process. It’s also possible to use a fan but always stick to low heat settings. Excessive heat can damage the product.

We recommend accelerating the process using the above-mentioned way because it might take up to 48 hours to dry on its own.

The final step is to apply some baking powder to the mattress surface. It’s a convenient method of freshening the product. Allow the powder to spend about 30 minutes on the mattress, and then grab your vacuum. Use it to vacuum the entire mattress again and rotate it if necessary.

Removing liquids from a mattress

3 Easy Steps to Clean Memory Foam Mattress and Keep It That WayThere’s something special about taking a glass of your favorite drink to bed and relaxing with a book or TV. Unfortunately, you were clumsy, and the juice ended up on the mattress. The bad news is that you’ll have to act immediately. On the other hand, it’s possible to deal with the stain. Here are the methods you should use for removing these stains.

Method 1:

The initial step involves removing any excess liquid immediately. You can use paper towels or cloths, but try to be thorough and collect as much as possible without letting it spread. Next, take off the cover. If necessary, you can use a stain remover on the cover, too. Place the cover in the washer and use a cold and gentle cycle or any other recommended by the instructions.

Now, grab a bowl and add the following:

  • Hydrogen peroxide – approximately ten ounces
  • Baking soda – three tablespoons
  • Dishwashing detergent – a couple of drops

Mix the ingredients in the bowl and beware because the solution might become foamy. Once mixed, add the cleaner to a spray bottle and apply it to the stain. Now, take the mattress out in the sunlight. If that’s not an option, try opening a window to speed up the drying process, and it’s also possible to use a fan.

Method 2: vinegar to the rescue

3 Easy Steps to Clean Memory Foam Mattress and Keep It That WayVinegar can also assist in dealing with stains from a liquid. You want to grab a spray bottle and add the following to it:

  • 50% of white vinegar
  • 50% of baking soda

Apply this cleaner to the stain and allow it to work for about ten minutes. If possible, boost airflow by opening a window. Now, grab some paper towels to wipe the vinegar solution. Use some more baking soda on the stain and let it rest for a couple of hours. Once that time expires, use a vacuum to get the baking soda out of the mattress.

And here you go, stained mattress as good as new.

Extra tips for caring about your mattress

Optimal care for your mattress is the crucial step to maximizing its longevity and comfort. Check out these extra tips to apply during the caring process:

  • The box spring and the mattress foundation should always offer sufficient support.
  • If you have an option, take out the mattress to direct sunlight occasionally. Even letting the sunlight come in through the windows can help. If you are taking the mattress to the yard, be careful of sudden rains.
  • You should avoid using harsh cleaning solutions on your mattress. They could damage and compromise its performance.
  • If you have children or believe it’s a wise move, add a waterproof protector over the mattress. It will help to prevent stains from penetrating inside.
  • Never use steam because this method will soak the mattress. It could take days before it dries completely, and moisture is a risk of mildew and mold. Also, don’t submerge the mattress in water for the same reasons.
  • Read the instruction manual carefully. It will help you understand your particular mattress and how to care for it.

Final thoughts

A memory foam mattress is durable and easy to maintain, which means the cleaning process isn’t demanding. Although it varies on the unit, gentle cleaning solutions and regular vacuuming are usually the best way to go.

Now that you know how to clean memory foam mattresses, you can confidently tackle the project of cleaning your unit. Make sure to be thorough while vacuuming and patient when trying to eliminate stains. That way, you’ll ensure your mattress looks great and performs at its best as long as possible.

References

1.
Memory foam - Wikipedia
Memory foam consists mainly of polyurethane as well as additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as “viscoelastic" polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *