How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

If you’re searching for how to clean a memory foam mattress, the most important thing to know is this: memory foam requires a gentle, low-moisture cleaning approach.

Because it’s highly absorbent, using too much water, steam, or harsh chemicals can damage the foam and lead to mold or permanent breakdown.

Over time, memory foam mattresses collect sweat, body oils, dust mites, and allergens that can cause odors and reduce comfort. Proper cleaning not only removes stains and smells but also helps preserve support, extend mattress lifespan, and maintain warranty protection.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn the safest and most effective way to vacuum, spot clean, deodorize, and dry a memory foam mattress — without damaging the material.

Step by Step to Clean Memory Foam Mattress?

1. Strip the Bed

Start by completely removing everything from your mattress, including bed sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, comforters, and any toppers or blankets you may be using. This step is essential not only to expose the mattress surface but also to prevent cross-contamination while cleaning. 

All your bedding should be washed separately—preferably in hot water if the fabric allows—to kill dust mites, bacteria, and allergens that may have accumulated over time. 

Pay attention to your mattress protector or encasement, as these can harbor sweat, skin oils, and spills that might seep through to the mattress underneath. Stripping the bed fully ensures you’re working with a clean, unobstructed surface and also helps keep your sleeping environment more hygienic overall.

2. Vacuuming

The simplest and most effective way to lift the detritus is through a handheld vacuum cleaner or an upholstery attachment. These cleaning devices are easy to handle— anything larger might cause the mattress fabric to rip.

We suggest vacuuming the mattress surface every time you change your sheets— about once a week.

• Buttons and crevices will need thorough vacuuming.
• Make sure to get in the nooks and crannies as dead skin cells and dust build up in those areas.
• Remember to vacuum the sides of your bed.
• Vacuum the underside of your mattress every time you rotate or flip it— about once every 6 months. Look at your care guide to determine if the mattress can be flipped.
• If you have a pet, use a vacuum specifically designed to pick up pet dandruff and hair.

3. Removing Dried Stains

Once you’ve discovered a stain, it’s best to take care of it right away. We encourage quickly cleaning fresh stains as the spot will lift more easily. However, if you couldn’t get to the spot in time, you can still lift the stain with a little elbow grease.

If you have a zippable mattress cover, we suggest unzipping and looking to see if the stain soaked through and prepare to spot clean the stain both on the mattress and the cover. However, be careful removing the cover, as you may have to clean up fiberglass if your mattress model has this material as a flame barrier.

Using harsh chemicals such as bleach will damage the foam materials. Instead, use a homemade solution of 1 part mild detergent and 2 parts water shaken in a spray bottle until dissolved. Lightly spray the mixture on the mattress. You only need enough to make the fabric surface lather slightly.

Using too much of the solution can risk the integrity of the materials. A memory foam mattress is like a sponge, absorbing moisture and drying slowly. If the mattress isn’t able to dry within 24 hours, it may develop mildew or mold.

1. After spraying the stain, scrub in circular motions with a rag. Rubbing too hard may drive the cleaning solution into the bed and damage the foam.
2. Once the stain is removed, repeat the circular pattern with a clean damp rag, removing the solution. For mattresses with removable covers, once you have removed the stain, toss the cover into the washing machine and use cold water set to a gentle cycle.
3. To dry the mattress quickly, press a clean, dry rag to the wet spot, absorbing excess water. Then let the bed air dry under a fan or in direct sunlight. Once the foam is dry, place clean sheets on the mattress.

Tough Stains

For tougher stains, a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts warm water will help remove the tougher stains. Some people use hydrogen peroxide because they dislike the smell of vinegar. Bear in mind that hydrogen peroxide can discolor and damage the mattress fabric and void the warranty.

Unlike the detergent solution, this mixture will be put in a bowl.

1. Dip a rag into the liquid and scrub the stain.
2. Wipe away the excess solution with a clean, wet rag.
3. Press a dry towel to the wet spot to absorb excess water and dry under a fan or in the sun.

Liquid Stains

Accidents happen no matter your age. Spilling a dark color drink can be difficult to clean, but it’s easier if you clean it as soon as you can.

1. Use paper towels to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Repeat until the towels are no longer absorbing moisture.
2. Mist the area with white vinegar in a spray bottle and then absorb the liquid again with a paper towel.
3. Sprinkle the wet spot with baking soda and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. The baking soda will absorb the moisture and odor.
4. Vacuum the baking soda up. You’ll want to let the spot fully dry before putting clean sheets on the mattress. If the mattress still has an odor, drag the mattress in the sunlight and sprinkle more baking soda on the spot. This will deodorize the bed.

4. Vacuum Again

After allowing the baking soda to sit for several hours (ideally overnight), it’s time to remove all of the absorbed moisture, odors, and residue from the mattress. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress. 

Pay special attention to seams, indentations, and edges, as baking soda tends to collect in these areas. Move slowly in overlapping passes to ensure no powder is left behind, as any residue can irritate the skin or lungs if disturbed later. 

If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, even better—it will capture fine dust and allergens more effectively. This final vacuuming not only cleans the mattress surface but also fluffs up the memory foam slightly, helping it maintain its texture and responsiveness.

Quickly Dry Your Memory Foam Mattress

As we said, memory foam mattresses are like sponges. They absorb moisture readily and dry slowly because of their density. Many serve as excellent mold-resistant mattresses, but it’s still important to make sure they aren’t damp for too long.

Excess moisture can lead to unpleasant odors, bacterial buildup, or even minor mildew growth if left unchecked. Over time, this can affect the comfort and hygiene of the mattress, especially in humid climates where drying takes even longer.

It’s critical to make sure the room is well-ventilated when cleaning. Opening the door and window will help ensure quick drying of your mattress.

If possible, position the mattress near a sunlit window—natural sunlight not only aids drying but also helps eliminate bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun have mild disinfecting properties, which add an extra layer of cleanliness without the use of harsh chemicals.

Using a small fan or hairdryer on low heat can hasten the drying process. Don’t use the blow dryer’s high heat setting or it will damage the foam. Even a ceiling fan can help speed up the drying process despite the distance between it and the bed.

You can also prop the mattress upright against a wall or over two chairs to allow airflow on both sides, further accelerating the drying time. For thicker mattresses, this step is especially useful, as the center retains moisture the longest. If you’re dealing with a significant spill, placing moisture-absorbing materials like baking soda or silica gel packets nearby can also help draw out hidden dampness.

How to Keep Your Memory Foam Mattress Clean?

The first step in mattress care is protecting your bed from damage and debris. While vacuuming and spot cleaning keeps your mattress clean, mattress protectors and encasements will prevent damage and protect against things like dust mites, dust, pollen, and bed bugs.

Waterproof protectors and encasements offer protection to those who enjoy snacking and drinking in bed. Even a mold-resistant or hypoallergenic mattress can benefit from an extra barrier of protection.

There are some mattress companies that require their mattresses to be covered by a mattress protector or encasement to keep the warranty intact. Most companies state stains or discolorations will void the mattress warranty.

A mattress topper can also offer some protection, but the protection is minimal. Liquids can soak through the material and there is no side protection, leading to debris collection on the mattress surface.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Memory Foam?

1. Don’t Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals

Why: Memory foam is made from delicate polyurethane materials that can be chemically altered or weakened by strong cleaning agents. Bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or even some multi-surface sprays can break down the foam’s structure and lead to permanent damage.
What to Do Instead: Use a mild detergent diluted in water or an enzyme-based cleaner designed for fabrics and upholstery.

2. Don’t Machine Wash or Soak the Mattress

Why: Memory foam is incredibly absorbent. If submerged or saturated with water, it can take days (or even weeks) to dry completely. This trapped moisture becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can ruin your mattress and pose health risks.
What to Do Instead: Always spot clean using minimal liquid, and avoid using steam cleaners or deep extraction tools.

3. Don’t Scrub Vigorously or Use Abrasive Tools

Why: Memory foam’s open-cell structure is sensitive to friction. Scrubbing with stiff brushes or abrasive pads can tear the foam, flatten its shape, or create thin spots that reduce its support.
What to Do Instead: Gently blot stains using a soft cloth or sponge. Use dabbing motions to lift stains without compressing the foam too much.

4. Don’t Use or Cover the Mattress Until It’s Fully Dry

Why: Covering a damp mattress traps moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold and odor development. Laying down on a moist surface can also trigger allergies and disrupt your sleep quality.
What to Do Instead: Allow the mattress to dry completely in a well-ventilated space. Use fans, open windows, or a hair dryer on the cool setting to speed up the process. Always check for dryness deep within the foam before replacing bedding.

5. Don’t Use Colored or Dyed Cloths for Cleaning

Why: Some colored cloths may bleed dye when damp, especially when mixed with cleaning agents. This can lead to unwanted staining on your memory foam surface.
What to Do Instead: Use clean, white microfiber cloths or paper towels for spot cleaning and drying.

6. Don’t Ignore Spills or Stains for Too Long

Why: The longer a stain sits, the deeper it seeps into the foam and the harder it is to remove. Stains from urine, wine, coffee, or vomit can also create long-lasting odors if not treated promptly.
What to Do Instead: Act quickly. The sooner you address the spill, the better the chances of removing it completely without damaging the mattress.

7. Don’t Use Excessive Heat

Why: Heat can warp the foam’s structure, reducing its responsiveness and support. Using a hot hair dryer, heating pad, or placing the mattress in direct sunlight for too long may cause the foam to crack or stiffen.
What to Do Instead: Use cool air-drying methods and indirect sunlight only for short periods. A fan or dehumidifier works best for indoor drying.

Maintenance Tips

Mattress cleaning is a great way to extend your bed’s life. However, there are other ways to care for your mattress that can also increase its longevity.

• Support your memory foam mattress with a solid foundation. Memory foam needs more support than an innerspring mattress. The material can disintegrate if too much pressure is placed on one area. We recommend a base with slats no more than 3 inches apart as the weight of the mattress will spread over a wider space and stop pressure from disintegrating the mattress.
• Rotate your mattress every four to six months. This will help your mattress wear evenly as time goes on.
• Keep the mattress in sunlight. The sun’s rays are deodorizing to memory foam. Placing a foam mattress in sunlight will keep the mattress fresh.
• Wash the bedding and mattress cover weekly. If the mattress has a zippered cover, washing it with your bedsheets in lukewarm water will keep your mattress surface clean.

Memory Foam Mattress Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

Is It Time to Replace the Memory Foam Mattress?

Sometimes, the effort of cleaning a memory foam mattress just isn’t worth it. For example, if mattress mold has taken root, it’s difficult enough to dislodge completely for your safety that you are typically better off with replacing the mattress.

If you find that to be the case, you can save greatly on a new mattress purchase with one of the year’s big mattres sales:

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FAQs

How do I protect my mattress from spills?

Use a mattress protector, preferably an encasement that covers all six sides of the mattress. Not all protectors are waterproof, so look for ones that are. You should also use a protector that shields against bed bugs and dust mites.

How often should I clean my memory foam mattress?

You should vacuum your memory foam mattress at least once a month to remove dust, allergens, and debris. Spot cleaning should be done as needed, and a deeper clean with baking soda can be done every 3 to 6 months to keep it fresh.

Can you shampoo a memory foam mattress?

You should only use a mild detergent to spot-clean your mattress.

Can you use a steam cleaner on a memory foam mattress?

No, steam cleaning is not recommended for memory foam. The high heat and moisture can damage the foam’s structure and promote mold growth inside the mattress. Instead, stick to dry cleaning methods like vacuuming and spot cleaning with minimal moisture.

How do you get stains out of a memory foam mattress?

Use a damp cloth with some detergent to make circular motions on the mattress stain. You can also try dabbing the stain until it comes out.

What causes yellow stains on a mattress?

Sweat can leave behind yellow stains, which are quite common on old mattresses. You can remove them using the methods outlined in this article.

Is it safe to use vinegar on a memory foam mattress?

Yes, diluted white vinegar can be used to treat odor or stains, but it should be applied sparingly. Use a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar, and dab with a cloth—never soak the mattress. Always air dry thoroughly afterward.

Conclusion

You spend a third of your life on your mattress, which collects dust and grime. Not cleaning them can lead to allergen build-up and faster deterioration of the bed itself. Regularly vacuuming and spot cleaning our beds is a great way to keep our health. Besides, a clean and supportive mattress encourages restful sleep, preventing sagging and uncleanliness.