Cleaning a mattress: what you can do at home and when to ask for help

First of all: what mattress is it?

• Sprung with fabric cover: the most tolerant; the surface allows cleaning with little water.
• High-resilience foam: absorbs a lot; surface cleaning with minimal moisture.
• Memory foam and latex: the core must not receive water; vacuuming and very light surface treatment only.
• With removable cover: the cover is washed according to its label; the core is vacuumed.

Maintenance that actually works

• Vacuum the surface and sides every few weeks with the upholstery tool.
• Air the bed uncovered for a while each morning.
• Turn or flip the mattress as the manufacturer indicates.
• Use a washable protector: the measure that most reduces stains and odours, especially in homes with children or in holiday lets.

Fresh stains (sweat, drinks, urine)

1. Absorb with a dry cloth or paper, pressing. Change until it comes away dry.
2. On sprung or foam mattresses, a barely damp cloth with cold water pressed from the edge inwards. No jets and no generous sprays.
3. Press dry and leave the mattress uncovered and ventilated, standing up if possible.
4. Don't make the bed until it feels dry to the touch deep down.

What's best avoided

• Soaking: the water goes down into the core and takes days to come out; the most common cause of musty smell and drying marks.
• Steam on memory foam or latex.
• Bleach: discolours and leaves residue.
• Large amounts of bicarbonate without vacuuming thoroughly afterwards.

When to ask for help

• Old or extensive stains.
• An odour that persists after several days of airing.
• Holiday-let mattresses between stays, where drying time matters.
• Doubts about the material: the wrong method can deform the mattress.

We make no claims about mites or disinfection: cleaning treats dirt and stains compatible with the material.