How to Clean a Used Mattress: Safe Methods That Work

Knowing how to clean a used mattress properly can be the difference between a hygienic, comfortable sleep surface and one that harbours allergens, bacteria, and stale odours. Whether you have just acquired a second-hand mattress or want to deeply refresh an old one, the right approach matters. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a typical mattress can house up to 10 million dust mites — a compelling reason to clean thoroughly before use.

As a professional cleaning company in Zurich, ZueriClean handles mattress cleaning requests every week from homeowners and renters across the city. The good news: with the right steps, most used mattresses can be cleaned safely and effectively at home. In this guide, we walk you through every stage — from initial safety checks to stain-specific treatments and when it is time to call in the professionals.

For a full overview of the general process, our guide on cleaning an old mattress step by step is a useful starting point before diving into the details below.

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Is It Safe to Use a Used Mattress? What You Need to Check First

A used mattress is safe to sleep on once it has been properly cleaned and disinfected. Before you start any cleaning, carry out a basic inspection to determine what you are working with.

•       Check for visible mould — grey, green or black patches, especially around seams and edges.

•       Look for signs of bed bugs — small rust-coloured spots, shed skins, or tiny dark specks on the fabric.

•       Smell for persistent musty or ammonia-like odours that go beyond surface-level staleness.

•       Inspect the structure — a mattress that sags significantly or has broken springs may not be worth cleaning.

What You Need Before You Start Cleaning

Gather these supplies before you begin. Having everything ready means you can work continuously without the mattress sitting wet for too long.

•       Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment

•       Baking soda (at least 300 g for a double mattress)

•       White vinegar (distilled, in a spray bottle)

•       Cold water and a spray bottle

•       Mild dish soap or enzyme-based upholstery cleaner

•       3% hydrogen peroxide (for light-coloured mattresses only)

•       Clean white cloths or microfibre towels

•       Optional: steam cleaner

•       Optional: essential oil (lavender or tea tree for natural deodorising)

How to Clean a Used Mattress Step by Step

Follow these steps for a thorough, safe result. Allow adequate drying time between wet steps to prevent moisture build-up inside the mattress.

Step 1: Strip and Wash All Bedding

Remove all bedding, including mattress protectors, sheets, and pillowcases. Wash them at 60 degrees Celsius or higher to kill dust mites and bacteria. This is one of the most effective immediate steps for allergen removal.

Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Mattress Surface

1.     Attach the upholstery tool to your vacuum cleaner.

2.     Work in slow, overlapping strokes from the top down across the entire surface.

3.     Pay extra attention to seams, tufts, and edges where dust mites and debris accumulate most.

4.     Flip the mattress and repeat on the other side.

Vacuuming alone removes up to 95% of surface-level allergens when done thoroughly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.

Step 3: Deodorise with Baking Soda

Because baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralises acid-based odours, it is the most effective natural deodoriser for mattresses.

5.     Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda across the entire surface.

6.     For deeper odours, gently work the baking soda into the surface with a soft brush.

7.     Leave for a minimum of 2 hours. For a used mattress, overnight is significantly more effective.

8.     Vacuum thoroughly to remove all residue.

Step 4: Treat Stains (see stain guide below)

Address any visible stains using the stain-specific methods in the next section before applying any general moisture to the surface. Treating stains first prevents them from spreading during broader cleaning.

Step 5: Disinfect the Surface

9.     Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle.

10.  Lightly mist the entire surface — do not saturate. Less moisture is always better.

11.  Leave for 5 to 10 minutes.

12.  Blot dry with clean white cloths. Do not rub.

White vinegar kills up to 82% of mould species and neutralises odour-causing bacteria on contact.

Step 6: Air and Dry Thoroughly

Moisture trapped inside a mattress leads to mould growth within 24 to 48 hours. Thorough drying is not optional.

•       Open all windows and doors in the room to maximise airflow.

•       If possible, stand the mattress upright or move it to a well-ventilated area.

•       Use a fan directed at the surface to accelerate drying.

•       On sunny days, direct sunlight for 2 to 3 hours is the most effective natural disinfectant available.

•       Do not put bedding back on until the mattress is completely dry to the touch.

Stain-Specific Treatment: How to Remove Common Stains from a Used Mattress

Different stains require different approaches because their chemical compositions vary. Using the wrong method can set a stain permanently. For severe or widespread staining, our article on effective deep cleaning for mattresses covers professional-grade techniques in more detail.

Urine Stains (Fresh and Old)

Because urine contains ammonia and uric acid crystals, it requires neutralisation, not just surface cleaning. Old urine stains are harder because the crystals bond with the fibres over time.

13.  Blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth.

14.  Spray a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and cold water onto the stain.

15.  Leave for 10 to 15 minutes.

16.  Blot dry. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area.

17.  Leave overnight, then vacuum.

18.  If a yellow mark remains, apply a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide, leave for 5 minutes, then blot dry.

Blood Stains

Because blood contains proteins that coagulate with heat, cold water must always be used. Hot water permanently sets blood stains into fabric fibres.

19.  Use only cold water — never warm or hot.

20.  Mix 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 250 ml of cold water.

21.  Apply with a cloth and blot from the outside inward.

22.  Rinse with a cold, damp cloth and blot dry.

23.  For stubborn marks on light mattresses: apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, leave 5 minutes, blot.

Sweat Stains and Yellow Discolouration

The yellow or brown discolouration common on older mattresses is caused by oxidised sweat proteins and body oils accumulating in the fabric over time.

24.  Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide into a paste.

25.  Apply the paste to the stain and leave for 30 minutes.

26.  Wipe away with a damp cloth and blot dry.

27.  Follow with the vinegar-water disinfection step above.

Food and Drink Stains

28.  Blot up any excess liquid immediately. Do not rub.

29.  Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 250 ml of cold water.

30.  Apply and blot from the outside inward until the stain lifts.

31.  Rinse with a cold, damp cloth and blot dry.

32.  For wine or fruit juice: sprinkle salt on the fresh stain first to draw out the liquid before blotting.

Mould Stains

Mould on a mattress is a serious hygiene issue. Surface mould can sometimes be treated, but deep mould penetration through the foam layers typically requires professional intervention.

33.  Take the mattress outside if possible and brush off surface mould with a stiff brush.

34.  Apply undiluted white vinegar to the affected area and leave for 1 hour.

35.  Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry in direct sunlight.

36.  Repeat if necessary. If mould returns after drying, contact a professional mattress cleaning service.

Cleaning by Mattress Type: Memory Foam, Latex, and Innerspring

Not all mattresses respond the same way to cleaning. Using the wrong method on the wrong type can cause irreversible damage to the internal structure.

Memory Foam Mattress

•       Never saturate memory foam with liquid. It absorbs moisture deep into the layers and takes days to dry, creating ideal conditions for mould.

•       Use only a lightly misted spray — never pour liquid directly.

•       Avoid steam cleaners on memory foam as high heat degrades the foam cell structure.

•       Baking soda and gentle spot-treatment are the safest approaches.

Latex Mattress

•       Latex is naturally antimicrobial, which is an advantage for used mattresses.

•       Use mild, pH-neutral detergents only. Harsh chemicals and strong solvents can break down latex.

•       Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight as UV degrades natural latex over time.

•       Allow thorough drying in a ventilated space — not in direct sun.

Innerspring / Traditional Mattress

•       Innerspring mattresses tolerate more moisture than foam mattresses, making them easier to clean.

•       Allow extra drying time as the layers trap moisture between springs and padding.

•       Steam cleaning is effective on innerspring mattresses and is the most thorough DIY disinfection method.

•       Flip and rotate after cleaning to allow both sides to dry and air out.

Do's and Don'ts When Cleaning a Used Mattress

When to Call a Professional Mattress Cleaner in Zurich

Home cleaning methods are effective for most used mattresses in reasonable condition. There are, however, situations where professional cleaning is not just better — it is the only safe option.

•       Persistent musty odour that remains after full baking soda treatment and airing.

•       Mould penetrating deeper than the surface fabric layer.

•       Confirmed or suspected bed bug infestation.

•       Widespread or multiple stain types covering a large portion of the mattress.

•       The mattress belongs to a child or person with allergies or respiratory conditions.

•       The mattress will be used in a rental property in Zurich and needs documented hygiene treatment.

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Keeping Your Mattress Clean: Five Prevention Tips

•       Use a waterproof mattress protector from day one — it is the single most effective preventive measure.

•       Vacuum the mattress surface monthly as part of your regular bedroom cleaning routine.

•       Air the mattress for 30 minutes each morning by pulling back the duvet before making the bed.

•       Wash all bedding at 60 degrees Celsius every two weeks to eliminate dust mites.

•       Rotate the mattress 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months to distribute wear evenly and extend lifespan.

Conclusion: A Clean Used Mattress Starts with the Right Method

Cleaning a used mattress does not have to be complicated. With the right sequence, the correct cleaning agents for each stain type, and adequate drying time, most second-hand mattresses can be restored to a hygienic and comfortable sleeping surface.

The key principles are: vacuum first, treat stains before you disinfect, use cold water for biological stains, and never put the mattress back into use until it is completely dry.

When home methods are not enough, or when you need a mattress cleaned to a professional hygiene standard for a rental property in Zurich, our professional mattress cleaning service in Zurich is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Used Mattress

How do I clean a used mattress before sleeping on it for the first time?

Start with a thorough vacuum to remove surface dust and allergens. Then deodorise with baking soda left overnight, vacuum again, and lightly disinfect with a vinegar-water spray. Allow the mattress to dry completely in a well-ventilated room — or in direct sunlight if possible — before use.

How do I get the smell out of a used mattress?

Baking soda is the most effective home remedy for mattress odours. Sprinkle a generous layer across the whole surface, leave overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. For persistent smells, a 50/50 white vinegar and water spray followed by thorough drying will neutralise most remaining odour-causing bacteria.

Can I use a steam cleaner on a used mattress?

Steam cleaning is highly effective for innerspring and hybrid mattresses — it sanitises deeply and kills dust mites. Avoid steam on memory foam, as the combination of heat and moisture can damage the foam structure and cause slow drying. When in doubt, use the baking soda and vinegar method instead.

How long does it take a mattress to dry after cleaning?

A lightly cleaned mattress typically dries within 2 to 4 hours in a well-ventilated room with a fan. A more thoroughly treated mattress can take 6 to 8 hours or longer. Never put bedding back on a damp mattress, as moisture trapped inside creates ideal conditions for mould growth.

Is professional mattress cleaning worth it for a used mattress in Zurich?

For a heavily stained, strongly odorous, or allergen-loaded used mattress, professional cleaning is absolutely worth it. Home methods have real limitations when staining is deep or widespread. ZueriClean's professional mattress cleaning service in Zurich removes what DIY methods cannot — including embedded allergens and deep biological staining.