Mattress cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What mattress cleaning is

Mattress cleaning vacuums the surface, spot treats stains and sanitizes the fabric to reduce dust, dust mites and odor. Methods vary, from low-moisture steam to enzyme or oxygen-based spot products, and the mattress must dry completely before anyone sleeps on it again.

Signs you need it

  • Stains from sweat, urine, spills or pets are visible on the top or sides
  • The mattress smells sour, musty or of pets even after the sheets are washed
  • You wake up with stuffy nose or itchy eyes and the bed is one of the dustiest spots
  • Crumbs, hair or dust collect in the seams and the tufted areas
  • A child or a pet has been sleeping on it and you want it cleaned before the next night

What the pro does

  • Strip the bed and inspect the mattress for stains, odor sources and any tears or bed bug signs
  • Vacuum the top, sides and seams with an upholstery tool to lift dust and debris
  • Spot treat stains with an enzyme or oxygen-based product suited to the stain type
  • Use a low-moisture steam or extraction pass on the surface where the mattress maker allows it, to lift grime without soaking the foam
  • Use a fan or dehumidifier to dry the mattress fully, since trapped moisture can cause odor and mold
  • Remake the bed only when the surface is dry, and note any stain that did not lift

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Mattress size and whether it is a single, a queen, a king or a split set
  • Number and type of stains, such as urine or sweat, that need specialized treatment
  • Presence of odor from pets or spills that needs extra product or time
  • Whether the job includes a box spring or a pillow top
  • Whether the cleaner needs to take the mattress to a facility or can clean it in place
  • Drying time needed based on the mattress thickness and the climate in the home

What a written quote should spell out

  • The mattress size and the number of sides cleaned
  • The stain treatment products and the method, such as steam or enzyme
  • Whether odor treatment is included or charged separately
  • The drying time and what you should do to help the mattress dry
  • Whether a bed bug inspection is included, and what happens if signs are found

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which product do you use on urine and what is it safe for on my mattress
  • Will the mattress be fully dry before I can sleep on it, and how long does that take
  • Do you steam clean the surface, and what temperature do you use
  • Will you tell me if you find bed bugs, mold or a tear
  • Can you clean a pillow top or memory foam without soaking it
  • Do you check the warranty before cleaning, since some products forbid wet cleaning

Red flags

  • A crew that soaks the mattress in water or cleaner, which can cause mold inside the foam
  • No drying plan, so the mattress stays damp for a long time
  • Promises to remove every stain and odor without testing the fabric first
  • No mention of a bed bug check when the stains or history suggest one

What you can do yourself

You can vacuum the surface, air the mattress in sunlight and spot treat a fresh spill with a light touch and a dry cloth. Call a professional for steam cleaning, deep urine or odor treatment, and any mattress where you think bed bugs or mold may be present.

Licenses and permits

Mattress cleaning is not commonly licensed. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration that applies to a cleaning company, and check any rules that apply to bed bug treatment if the company offers that service.

Mattress cleaning questions

Can I use a regular carpet shampoo on a mattress?

It can leave residue and soak the foam. Ask the cleaner what product they use and whether it suits your mattress material.

How long does a mattress take to dry?

It depends on the thickness and the air in the room. Fans and a dehumidifier shorten the time, but do not put sheets back on until the surface is dry to the touch.

Will mattress cleaning remove a bed bug problem?

Cleaning alone usually does not remove an established infestation. A pest specialist should inspect and treat it, and the cleaner can refer you to one.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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