Mattresses are an essential part of our daily lives, providing us with much-needed rest and relaxation after a long day. However, over time, mattresses can accumulate dust, sweat, and other odours, leading to an unpleasant sleeping experience. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, you can use a simple and eco-friendly solution: Baking soda! In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your mattress using Baking Soda to keep it fresh, clean, and odour-free.

Let us now learn how to clean a mattress with baking soda.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Baking soda
• A clean brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
• A sifter or fine-mesh strainer (optional)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Strip the Bed

Remove all the bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. Wash the linens according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Vacuum the Mattress

Using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress surface to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris.

Step 3: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Take a box of baking soda and sprinkle a generous amount evenly over the entire mattress. If you prefer, you can use a sifter or fine-mesh strainer to ensure an even distribution.

Step 4: Work in the Baking Soda

Gently rub the baking soda into the fabric of the mattress using a clean brush. This will help the baking soda penetrate deeper and neutralize odours.

Step 5: Let it Sit

Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least 15 to 30 minutes. For best results, you can leave it on for a few hours or even overnight if possible.

How long do you leave baking soda on a mattress to clean?

You can leave baking soda on the mattress for at least 15 to 30 minutes, but leaving it on for a few hours or even overnight will yield better results.

Step 6: Vacuum Again

Using the brush attachment, vacuum the mattress once more to remove the baking soda. This will also pick up any dirt or dust particles that the baking soda has absorbed.

Do you have to vacuum baking soda off the mattress?

Yes, it’s essential to vacuum the baking soda off the mattress to ensure all the dirt, dust, and baking soda residues are removed.

Step 7: Air It Out

If possible, place the mattress in a well-ventilated area, like near an open window or outside in the sun, to let it air out for a few hours. Sunlight helps to kill bacteria and freshen up the mattress.

How do you dry a mattress after cleaning it?

Allowing the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated area or exposing it to sunlight can help it dry after cleaning.

Step 8: Remake the Bed

Once the mattress is completely dry, put fresh sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors back on the bed.

Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning: 

To keep your mattress fresh, repeat this baking soda cleaning process every three to six months or as needed.

Spot Cleaning: 

For small stains or spills, you can spot-clean the affected area with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you deep-clean a mattress with vinegar and baking soda?

For a deep clean, you can combine vinegar and baking soda to create a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the mattress with the vinegar solution, avoiding saturating the mattress. Then, follow the baking soda cleaning process mentioned above.

How do you get yellow stains out of a mattress with baking soda?

For yellow stains, the baking soda cleaning process can help, but you may need to combine it with a vinegar solution or hydrogen peroxide for better stain removal.

How do you remove deep stains from a mattress?

Deep stains may require spot cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and water or using a store-bought enzyme cleaner designed for mattresses.

Is it OK to leave baking soda on a mattress?

Yes, it is safe to leave baking soda on a mattress for a short period (15 to 30 minutes) or longer if needed, as it is non-toxic and safe for most mattresses.

Do you put baking soda or vinegar on the mattress first?

If you’re using both baking soda and vinegar, start with baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda on the mattress, let it sit, and then follow up with the vinegar solution.

What happens when you spray vinegar on your mattress?

When you spray vinegar on your mattress, it helps to break down stains and neutralize odours, leaving the mattress fresh and clean.

What does white vinegar do to a mattress?

White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that helps to remove stains, deodorize, and sanitize the mattress.

Can baking soda remove deep stains?

Baking soda can help to lift and neutralize some stains, but for deep or stubborn stains, you may need to use additional cleaning agents or professional cleaning services.

Why do mattresses turn yellow?

Mattresses can turn yellow due to the accumulation of sweat, body oils, and other bodily fluids that seep into the fabric over time.

Does baking soda remove yellowing?

Baking soda can help to reduce yellowing by absorbing moisture and odours, but for significant yellow stains, additional cleaning methods may be necessary.

What is the best natural stain remover for a mattress?

Baking soda and white vinegar are excellent natural stain removers for mattresses.

Why do mattresses get so stained?

Mattresses can become stained due to sweat, spills, body oils, and dust mites over time.

How do you get yellow-brown stains out of a mattress?

To remove yellow-brown stains, you can try spot cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and water or using an enzyme cleaner.

How much baking soda do I use to clean a mattress?

You can use a generous amount of baking soda to cover the entire mattress evenly. There’s no specific measurement, but enough to create a light layer.

Can baking soda absorb pee on the mattress?

Baking soda can help absorb moisture and odours, including those from urine, but it may not completely remove deep-set stains.

Is bicarbonate of soda the same as baking soda for cleaning the mattress?

Yes, bicarbonate of soda is another term for baking soda, and it can be used for mattress cleaning.

Can you vacuum baking soda?

Yes, you can and should vacuum baking soda off the mattress after letting it sit for a while to remove dirt and residue.

How does baking soda clean?

Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and absorbs moisture, which helps to lift dirt, debris, and odours from the mattress.

How do you clean pee out of a mattress without a vacuum?

If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use a clean cloth or sponge to blot and absorb the urine before using baking soda for deodorizing.

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?

While baking powder and baking soda are similar, it’s best to use baking soda for mattress cleaning, as it’s more effective for odour absorption.

How long do you leave baking soda on a memory foam mattress?

It’s best to leave baking soda on a memory foam mattress for at least 15 to 30 minutes, but you can extend the duration for a few hours or overnight for better results.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your mattress with baking soda is a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to maintain a fresh and odour-free sleeping environment. 

By following these easy steps and incorporating natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar, you can ensure that your mattress stays clean, stain-free, and inviting for a good night’s sleep. 

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a natural and refreshing solution for mattress cleaning!