How to Clean a Dirty Mattress

Accidents happen. No matter how careful you are, drinks get spilled, pets and children urinate, and before you know it, your mattress is a total mess. In addition, we all sweat, and sweat can collect in a mattress until it has a funky odor and just doesn't smell as clean as it should. Regardless of the cause, mattresses should be cleaned every six months to a year to help them last as long as possible.

• 1

  Remove all sheets, and thoroughly vacuum both sides and the edges of your mattress.

• 2

  Spray on a commercial mattress cleaner, following the directions on the can. Allow the spray to dry, then vacuum the mattress thoroughly.

• 3

  If a mattress cleaner is not available, spray one side and the edges of your mattress with an upholstery shampoo. Follow all manufacturer's directions. Allow the shampoo to dry, and then thoroughly vacuum the sprayed areas.

• 4

  Turn the mattress over, and spray the other side with upholstery shampoo. Allow it to dry, and vacuum it.

• 5

  Spray urine stains with an equal mix of vinegar and water. Use a towel to blot the area after spraying. Spray up to three times (and blot each time) for particularly troublesome urine stains.

• 6

  Lay the mattress on a clean area in the sun for two hours. Flip the mattress over, and allow it to receive two more hours of direct sun.

• 7

  Cover your mattress with a mattress protector to keep it from becoming dirty again.