The Easy Way to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress + Tips

Learn how to properly clean your memory foam mattress, including spot treatments for the worst stains and eliminating odors in a few easy steps without harsh chemicals. 

Memory foam seems to be popular now for everything from pillows to mattresses. I'm not surprised either. For a fairly cheap price, you can order a mattress or mattress topper online and have it delivered to your house.

I have found people either love them or hate memory foam.

At our house, we are on the love side of the memory foam. I have used a memory foam pillow for a couple of years now and it is great. When our mattress was getting old we bought an inexpensive memory foam pad and it has helped. I love how comfortable it makes my bed to sleep in.

See how I clean our memory foam pillows so they look new again, along with how I machine wash our regular pillows. 

What You'll Need 

• Cleaning solution for stains - we use Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water. 

Treating Tougher Stains 

Stubborn stains like blood stains are a little harder to treat. We recommend adding 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to the cleaning solution. 

Please note that you should test an area on the mattress first for the best results because even natural cleaners like this could possibly discolor the memory foam. 

How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress

STEP 1: Remove all sheets, the memory foam topper, and the waterproof mattress protector if you have one. 

STEP 2: Use a handheld vacuum cleaner on the entire mattress to suck up the dirt, dust, dead skin cells, and other debris. 

STEP 3: If there are stubborn stains, you will want to go ahead and spot-treat those. Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid ( I like Dawn) with a cup of water in a spray bottle. 

STEP 4: Lightly spray the surface of your mattress stains, but don't get it too wet. Use a damp cloth to blot the stain until it disappears. Repeat as necessary. 

STEP 5: Allow the stained areas to dry until they do not feel damp to the touch. This could take up to 2 hours.  

Deodorizing a Memory Foam Mattress 

Once you have taken care of the stained area and cleaned the entire mattress, you may still notice lingering smells. Let's fix that! 

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda over the entire surface. Depending on the size, you may need more. 

Let it sit for 1-2 hours. 

Vacuum the baking soda off. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils if desired.

Flip or rotate your mattress if desired, and put the bed sheets back on like normal. 

Helpful Tips

• Use a soft brush attachment or upholstery attachment to vacuum. You do not want one that has a spinning brush, as it could cause damage. 
• Avoid putting the sheets back on until the mattress is totally dry. If the excess water gets trapped, this can cause mildew growth. 
• Wet stains and spills are easier to clean than a dried stain. 
• We recommend using baking soda even if you don't have odors. It helps to soak up excess moisture from sweating, especially during the summer months. 
• If you find that the affected area where you spot treated is taking too long to dry, use a hair dryer on low or a cool heat setting. You can also turn on a fan to speed up the drying process. 
• Never place memory foam products in direct sunlight, it can cause them to yellow and even make the foam disintegrate. 

Maintaining a Clean Memory Foam Mattress

• The best way to keep your mattress in tip-top shape is regular cleaning. Not only does it extend the lifespan of your memory foam mattress, but can help with overall health because of the allergens that get trapped in a dirty mattress. 
• We also recommend placing a removable cover on top of your mattress or memory foam mattress topper, then place the fitted sheet on top. This will keep spot cleaning to a minimum and the washable cover is usually okay to go in the washing machine, just check the care instructions first. 

5 Reasons Mattress Cleaning Is a Must

1. Allergens and Dust Mites: Over time, mattresses can accumulate allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Regular mattress cleaning can help reduce these allergens, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. (Check out my dust mite spray)
2. Odor Removal: Mattresses can develop odors over time due to sweat, body oils, and other substances. Cleaning can help eliminate these odors, contributing to a more pleasant sleeping environment.
3. Stain Removal: Accidents happen, and mattresses can be stained by spills, sweat, or other substances. Cleaning can help remove stains and maintain the aesthetic appeal.
4. Prolonged Mattress Life: Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, can contribute to the longevity of your mattress. Removing debris and preventing the buildup of contaminants can help preserve the materials in the mattress.
5. Preventing Bed Bugs: While not a common issue, bed bugs can infest mattresses. Regular cleaning and inspection can help identify and address potential infestations early on.

Can You Use a Steam Cleaner on Memory Foam?

We do not recommend steam cleaning. This allows too much excess liquid to soak into the mattress making it really hard to dry. An oversaturated piece of foam is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.  

More Cleaning Tips and Hacks to Try:

• 26 Genius Vinegar Cleaning Hacks From a Cleaning Pro
• How To Clean With Essential Oils
• 8 Ways You Didn't Know You Could Use Bar Keepers Friend
• DIY Mattress Spray For Dust Mites
• How To Clean Window Blinds Like A Pro