Cleaning 101: How to Clean Memory Foam
You only need a few supplies to get cleaning!
Does your memory foam mattress have stains or odors? You may be able to salvage it – Learn how to clean memory foam and get the most out of it in our guide below.
How to Regularly Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress
How to Deep-Clean Memory Foam
How to Remove Odors from Memory Foam
How to Regularly Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress
Since memory foam is very dense and takes a while to air-dry, it is best to put off a deep clean until it is soiled and emitting an odor. For a regular monthly clean, follow the steps below to keep your memory foam mattress in tip-top shape.
What You Will Need:
- Vacuum
- White vinegar or enzyme-based cleaner
- Bucket
- Clean cloths
1. Vacuum
After stripping the bed sheets, vacuum your mattress with the upholstery brush attachment, which is designed to remove dirt and dust from fabric without causing damage. Vacuum up and down your entire mattress, making sure to get in the nooks of the mattress (only necessary for euro-top and pillow-top configurations), as these divots in the mattress tend to collect dust. A handheld vacuum cleaner will work best for this task.
Tip!
If you have a double-sided mattress, you'll need to flip it over and vacuum the other side to prevent a build-up of dust.
2. Spot-Treat Stains
After vacuuming, it's time to focus on stain removal. Mix together ¼ cup of white vinegar and ¾ cup of water in a bucket. Dip a clean cloth into the bucket, wring it out, and gently blot the stain. Take a second damp cloth and rinse off the vinegar. Use a removable cover that can be thrown in the wash regularly to prevent stains. This will improve longevity, and limit the amount of cleaning you have to do.
Tip!
Use an enzyme-based cleaner for urine stains on your mattress. Spray it onto the spot, and let it sit for 15 minutes, then blot the solution away with a damp cloth. Do not use hydrogen peroxide to spot-treat stains on memory foam as it will discolor the foam and damage its surface.
3. Let It Air-Dry
Let your mattress air-dry before putting your sheets or pillowcases back on. Depending on the size of the stain, you may want to let it air-dry for several hours. Ensuring your mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on ensures it has time to dry properly – preventing the growth of mold or mildew.
How to Deep-Clean Memory Foam
You should deep-clean your memory foam mattress every six to 12 months to prevent mold, bacteria, and dust mite build-up. Doing a mattress deep-clean can help improve your sleep quality by removing allergens, while also helping to extend the life of your mattress by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria that can degrade the mattress if left untreated.
What You Will Need
- Vacuum
- Mild, liquid laundry detergent
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Baking soda
- Mesh strainer
- Scrub brush
1. Vacuum
After removing your bedding, vacuum your mattress with an upholstery brush attachment to remove dust and dirt – just like you would do for routine cleaning.
2. Spray It With a Cleaning Solution
Pour ½ cup of mild, liquid laundry detergent and 1 cup of water into a spray bottle. Shake it well to ensure the solution is mixed together. Spray the entire mattress, covering it top to bottom and front to back with the solution. Depending on the size of your mattress, you may need to make and refill the solution a few times. Use your hand to check for dry spots that still need spray. You do not rinse off this solution from the mattress.
Tip!
While other surfaces may respond well to steaming, we don't suggest using a steamer to deep-clean memory foam unless specified by the mattress manufacturer. This is because the heat and moisture can deteriorate the foam construction.
3. Cover the Mattress in a Layer of Baking Soda
Baking soda helps freshen up your mattress by removing odors, moisture, and bacteria. Use a mesh strainer to help evenly distribute the baking soda over your mattress. Use a brush to spread the baking soda across your mattress. You only need a thin layer of baking soda to do the job. Use a bit more baking soda on areas with visible stains to help absorb them.
4. Let Your Memory Foam Mattress Air-Dry
Let the cleaning solution/baking soda layer sit for a few hours – if your mattress has a lot of deep stains or discoloration, you may want to wait up to 12 hours. We recommend pointing one or two fans at your mattress to help with the drying process. The baking soda layer will help soak up excess moisture while removing stains and odors. Giving your memory foam mattress time to air-dry is essential as it will prevent moisture from getting trapped/settling in the foam layers, which can cause mold and mildew growth.
5. Vacuum the Baking Soda Layer
After giving your mattress time to air-dry, check the mattress with your hand to see if there are still wet spots. If so, give it more time to dry. Add more baking soda on any wet spots to speed up drying. Once fully dry, vacuum the entire surface of the mattress to remove the baking soda layer and any remaining dust particles. Use the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner for a thorough clean.
6. Remake Your Bed
Put fresh sheets and pillowcases on your clean mattress and enjoy!
How to Remove Odors from Memory Foam
Since your memory foam mattress will naturally collect dust, sweat, and odor-causing bacteria, it's important to know how to remove odors. Here's how to deodorize memory foam when it starts to smell musty or stale.
What You Will Need
- Vacuum
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
1. Vacuum
Remove your sheets and vacuum your mattress with the upholstery brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.
2. Cover Mattress in Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over your entire mattress. Make sure it is covered completely. The baking soda will lift and absorb odors and moisture that is in your mattress, which are causing the smell. Let the baking soda sit for 12 hours or overnight.
3. Vacuum Again
After letting it sit, vacuum the baking soda away and make your bed with fresh sheets. If odors persist, spray a mixture of ¼ cup of white vinegar and ¾ cup of water on the mattress. Give it 10-15 minutes before blotting it out with a damp cloth. Then reapply a layer of baking soda and let sit for 12–24 hours.
Tip!
Check out How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last? A Helpful Guide to learn how much use you can get out of your mattress with the right maintenance and upkeep.
