Be honest, when did you last give your mattress a proper clean? Not just yanking the sheets off for a wash, but an actual, get-into-the-surface clean.
If the answer is “never” or “I genuinely can’t remember,” you’re in very good company. Most of us wash our sheets religiously but treat the mattress underneath like it’s someone else’s problem. The trouble is, it cops eight hours of you every single night: sweat, skin cells, spills, the odd toddler accident, the lot. It just doesn’t announce it the way a stained carpet does.
Why mattresses need a gentler approach than everything else
Here’s the thing that trips people up: mattresses and water are not great friends. Unlike a carpet or a couch cushion, a mattress can hold moisture deep inside for a long time, so if you go in heavy-handed with liquid you can end up with musty smells and a much bigger problem than whatever you started with. The golden rule for mattress cleaning is keep it light, keep it dry, and let it breathe.
The everyday stuff: tackle spills the moment they happen
Most mattress damage isn’t one big dramatic spill; it’s stains left to soak in and set. The rule is the same as anywhere else in the house: blot, don’t rub. Rubbing just spreads the mark and works it deeper into the fibres.
- Blot up as much liquid as you can with a clean, dry cloth first.
- If you need a cleaning solution, apply it to the cloth rather than spraying it straight onto the mattress, and dab from the outside of the stain inwards.
- For protein-based stains like blood, stick to cold water only.
- Let the mattress dry completely before you put the sheets back on.
For the everyday marks and odours, a spot treatment from the Everyday Range handles most of what a busy household leaves behind, without needing a full deep clean every time.
When everyday isn’t enough
Spot cleaning is great for keeping on top of the day-to-day, but it won’t shift months of built-up sweat, skin oils and general staleness. For that, your mattress needs a proper freshen-up, done carefully.
Start by stripping the bed completely and washing your sheets, pillowcases and doona cover. Then vacuum the bare mattress with an upholstery attachment, paying close attention to the seams, piping and edges where dust and crumbs love to collect. Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the surface, leave it for a few hours to pull out any lingering odours, then vacuum it away.
If you’re using the Britex 3in1 Deep Cleaning Machine with the upholstery tool on your mattress, go easy: a light spray is more than enough, and it’s worth doing a few extra passes on suction-only to draw out as much moisture as possible and speed up drying. It’s a good excuse to give the rest of the room the same treatment while the machine’s out — couches, dining chairs and rugs all benefit from the same deep clean. The hire machines are available from Bunnings and selected supermarkets, so there’s likely one not far from you.
How often should you actually do this?
As a rough guide: wash your sheets weekly, vacuum the mattress every month or two, spot clean stains the moment they happen, and do a full vacuum, deodorise and stain check every six months. A mattress protector goes a long way toward keeping sweat and spills from becoming a bigger job down the track.
Ready to give the whole bedroom a refresh? Find your nearest Britex machine.
FAQs
Can you deep clean a mattress?
Yes, but it’s more about careful freshening than soaking. A deeper mattress clean usually means a thorough vacuum, spot treating any visible marks, deodorising with baking soda, and letting everything dry completely before you remake the bed.
What’s the best way to clean mattress stains?
Act fast. Blot first, use a suitable stain treatment in small amounts, and avoid scrubbing hard or soaking the area — too much liquid is the enemy here, not the stain itself.
How do you keep a mattress smelling fresh?
Vacuum regularly, wash your bedding often, and use a mattress protector. To deodorise, sprinkle baking soda lightly over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Good airflow helps too, especially after a spot clean or during warmer months.
Can I use the Britex machine directly on my mattress?
You can, using the upholstery tool, but go easy on the water. A light spray is enough, and it’s worth doing a couple of extra suction-only passes to pull out as much moisture as possible so it dries faster. Always check your mattress manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first, and spot test in an inconspicuous area if you’re unsure.
How often should I clean my mattress?
Wash sheets weekly, vacuum the mattress every month or two, spot clean stains as they happen, and do a full vacuum, deodorise and stain check every six months.
