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Memory foam mattresses have gained immense popularity due to their ability to contour to your body, providing unparalleled comfort and support. Aside from offering a comfortable place to rest, investing in one can significantly enhance your sleep quality, alleviate spinal discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
However, despite their popularity, many people still find themselves wondering, “How do you clean a foam mattress?” Keeping your mattress in good condition is key to maintaining its performance and benefits. That’s why, in this article, we'll teach you exactly how to clean a foam mattress and offer some insightful tips on how to ensure its longevity.
What is a memory foam mattress? Why is it essential to clean it regularly?
A memory foam mattress is made from a viscoelastic material that responds to heat and pressure. This material has the ability to conform to the shape of your body while still providing the appropriate amount of firmness.
This unique feature helps alleviate pressure points, such as the spine, muscles and joints and ensures you have the support needed for a comfortable sleep experience. However, the same features that make memory foam mattresses so comfortable also attract dust, allergens, sweat and skin cells.
Over time, if not cleaned regularly, these particles can accumulate in the mattress, leading to the growth of bacteria, mould and unpleasant odours. Moreover, a dirty mattress can impact the quality of your sleep as well as become a trigger for allergies and respiratory issues. This is why knowing how to clean memory foam is essential to maintaining its lifespan and your health and well-being as well.
How to clean a foam mattress
A foam mattress, known for its comfort and support, requires proper cleaning to preserve its quality. Follow these steps to learn how to clean memory foam mattresses effectively and ensure a healthier sleep environment:
Step 1: Strip the bedding
Begin by removing all sheets, pillowcases and mattress protectors from the bed. This will expose the mattress surface and allow you to clean it thoroughly.
Step 2: Vacuum the mattress
Once the bedding has been removed, use a handheld vacuum cleaner or the upholstery attachment of your standard vacuum to gently vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. This will help remove surface dirt, dust, hair and other particles. Use a low suction setting to avoid damaging the foam material.
Step 3: Spot clean stains
If you notice any stains on the mattress, it's important to address them promptly. The purpose of this goes beyond pure aesthetics — stains are usually caused by organic matter that may attract bacteria and other microbes that cause mould.
Create a mixture of mild liquid detergent and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a clean cloth and gently blot the stained area. Avoid saturating the mattress with excess moisture, leading to mould growth. After treating the stain, use a dry cloth to remove any residual detergent and wetness.
Step 4: Deodorise the mattress
To eliminate odours and freshen the mattress, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can help absorb unwanted smells. Let the baking soda sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Step 5: Vacuum again
After the baking soda has had time to sit, vacuum the mattress once more to remove the baking soda along with any trapped odours. This will leave your mattress smelling fresher and cleaner.
Step 6: Allow the mattress to dry
If the mattress is still damp after the cleaning process, ensure that it is completely dry before putting any bedding back on. To aid in the drying process, you can place the mattress in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. Avoid exposing the mattress to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can potentially damage the foam material.
How to wash foam mattress sheets and covers
Your sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers are just as important as the mattress itself. They work hard every night, catching sweat, dust and natural body oils before these reach your bed. Let’s go over how to wash and care for them properly:
Step 1: Read the care label
Always check the fabric tag before washing. Different materials, like bamboo or cotton blends, may require specific temperature settings or washing cycles. This small step helps keep your bedding in good shape for longer.
Step 2: Choose a gentle detergent
Use a mild detergent that is free from bleach or harsh chemicals. These products can weaken fabric fibres and cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. A gentle detergent keeps your bedding soft and fresh.
Step 3: Wash with cold or warm water
Cold or lukewarm water is best. Hot water can shrink fabrics or wear out elastic edges. If your bedding is heavily soiled, pre-soak it for 15 minutes in warm water mixed with a little detergent before washing.
Step 4: Avoid overcrowding the machine
Washing too many items at once prevents them from getting a proper clean. Give your bedding enough space to move around freely so water and detergent can reach every part.
Step 5: Air dry whenever possible
Fresh air works wonders. Hang your sheets and covers outside or in a well-ventilated room. Avoid strong, direct sunlight as it can cause fading. If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat or delicate mode to protect the elastic and fabric quality.
How often should you clean your mattresses?
A good cleaning schedule can make all the difference in how long your mattress stays comfortable. On average, aim for a deep clean every six months. However, if you live in a warmer climate, have allergies or experience frequent spills, you might want to clean more often.
Here’s a simple guide to follow.
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Weekly — Wash your sheets, pillowcases and covers to remove oils and dirt.
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Monthly — Vacuum the mattress surface to clear dust and dander.
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Every 3 to 6 months — Do a full clean using the steps above.
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After spills or stains — Treat the area as soon as you can.
Tips to ensure your mattress stays clean for longer
Keeping your foam mattress clean is one thing, but maintaining that freshness day after day is what really makes the difference. Here’s how to hold on to that light, comfy feeling for longer:
- Use a mattress protector — Invest in a high-quality, breathable mattress protector. This barrier can prevent spills, sweat and dust from directly reaching the mattress, prolonging its cleanliness.
- Rotate and flip — Regularly rotate your mattress to distribute wear evenly and flip your mattress every three months. This can prevent body impressions from forming.
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No eating in bed — Avoid eating and drinking in bed to prevent accidental spills that can lead to stains and attract pests.
- Avoid jumping — Discourage children from jumping on the mattress, which can damage the foam's structure over time.
- Invest in mattress toppers — Apart from adding an extra level of comfort to your mattress, a mattress topper can also act as a washable, extra protective barrier for your mattress.
Can you use these tips for other types of mattresses?
While this guide focuses on how to clean memory foam, most of these steps can be safely applied to other mattress types, too. Latex, hybrid and even traditional innerspring mattresses benefit from the same care principles — vacuuming regularly, spot cleaning stains and allowing proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
The key difference lies in how much water you use and how you dry the mattress. Foam and latex mattresses are more delicate and should never be soaked, while spring mattresses can handle a little more surface moisture as long as they’re fully dried afterward.
No matter the type, keeping things light, gentle and consistent will help extend the life of your mattress and keep your bed feeling comfortable and cared for.
Time to put these cleaning tips into action
Your memory foam mattress provides you with a restful and energising sleep experience. To ensure its continued comfort and longevity, regular upkeep is essential. By following the steps outlined in this guide on cleaning a foam mattress and how to wash its accessories, you can keep your setup fresh and comfortable for years to come.
Add to the comfort of your newly cleaned mattress with Super Sleeper Pro
Super Sleeper Pro is an Australian, family-owned brand passionate about helping Australians all over the country have a better night's sleep, regardless of age, build and sleep preference.
From premium pillows to mattress toppers in queen, king and super sizes, all our offerings are made with non-toxic materials and contain no harmful substances so you can sleep safely. Many of our products also feature an innovative, 3-layer Comfort Pad Technology, which creates a seamless feel of comfort and support.
If you’re looking for something to help keep your memory foam mattress clean and comfortable, rest assured, we’ve done the research for you and have made the search easier with our wide range of bedding products.
Shop our range of toppers, pillows and bedding today!
Shop conveniently with Super Sleeper Pro. We offer a wide range of secure payment options, including interest-free part payments with Afterpay and ZipPay. No matter where you are in the country, receive your purchase right at your doorstep with free shipping on all orders over $150. Plus, for added peace of mind, we also offer a money-back guarantee for up to 180 nights — a testament to our belief in the ability of our products to improve your sleeping comfort.
If you have any questions or would like some help in choosing the perfect mattress accessories for your memory foam mattress, feel free to contact us.