Read on to learn how to steam clean a mattress properly to improve your sleep hygiene.

Why Steam Clean Your Mattress?

If you see stains and notice a funky odor, it’s time to clean your mattress.

Vacuum with brush attachment held over mattress for steam cleaning

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

A steam cleanerwillclean your mattressand eliminate stains without you having to put in too much work.

Check your owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to clean the mattress.

Now would also be a good time towash all of your bedding.

Materials and tools to steam clean a mattress

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Use short, slow strokes to loosen as much soil as possible.

Tip

For strong odors, sprinkle the mattress with a thick layer ofbaking sodabefore vacuuming.

Allow the baking soda to absorb odors and oil for at least an hour.

Bedding removed from mattress before steam cleaning

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Vacuum up the baking soda before moving to the next step.

Spot-Treat Stains

Work the stain remover into the stained area.

Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes.

Mattress being vacuumed with upholstery brush attachment

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to blot away the cleaning product and the stain.

Do not over-saturate the area with water or the cleaning product.

Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Fill the steam cleaner with water and bring it up to full heat.

Mattress being spot treated for stains with cloth and stain remover

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The water should reach 212 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to fully destroy bacteria and dust mites.

Steam the Mattress

Hold the steamer head 2 to 3 inches above the surface of the mattress.

Slowly move the steamer in long strokes down the surface of the mattress.

Steam cleaner filled with water on bare mattress

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Avoid using blasts of steam.

verify the surface of the mattress is damp but not wet.

If it is wet, hold the steamer farther away from the surface.

Black steamer nozzle held up over mattress for cleaning

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Remember to clean the side surfaces of the mattress, as well.

If any moisture is detected, it needs more drying time.

It may not cost much to steam clean a mattress if you already have the tools.

Dry paper towel dabbing mattress for drying

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Can Steam Cleaning Remove Urine Stains From Mattresses?

Steam cleaning can remove urine smells from mattresses but the mattress should be cleaned with a stain remover first.

If the smell is still evident, steam clean the mattress to address the offensive odor.

Can Steam Cleaning Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Mattresses?

However, it will depend on the throw in of steamer you use.

Just don’t saturate the mattress with moisture.

double-check the mattress is thoroughly dry before sleeping on it.

Yes, you’re free to use a carpet steamer to clean a mattress.

Keep the head a few inches above the mattress when steaming.

Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to disinfect a mattress.

Steam that reaches between 212 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit kills bacteria.

How Much Does It Cost To Clean A Mattress?HomeAdvisor.

Biology, Habitat, and Management of Bed Bugs.Penn State Extension.