Have you ever wondered how to clean a memory foam mattress? 

Memory foam is one of the most common mattress fillings, but people are often worried that memory foam mattresses are hard to maintain and clean. You’ll be relieved to know that cleaning a memory foam mattress is much easier than you may think. 

In this guide we’ll give you our best tips on how to clean a memory foam mattress so that you can enjoy a good night's sleep for longer. 

Why Should You Clean Your Mattress?

Cleaning your memory foam mattress may seem like a lot of unnecessary effort, but in reality it can be quite beneficial for your health. 

If you want to get the most use out of your mattress, then a regular clean is a must. The benefits of cleaning your mattress include: 

  • Reducing mites and pollen, keeping your allergies at bay; 
  • Improving your sleep hygiene by removing dead skin;
  • Reducing risk of mould; 
  • Improving the air quality in your bedroom;
  • Prolonging the life of your mattress;
  • Improving overall sleep quality and health. 

Can You Wash Memory Foam?

Due to how dense memory foam is, you should be careful when getting your memory foam mattress wet. Washing your memory foam mattress can cause the formation of mould. Instead use a spray bottle or a damp cloth to scrub any stains. 

You also should never put a memory foam mattress in the washing machine as it might ruin the foam and you will end up with an uncomfortable, lumpy mattress. For your convenience, though, most memory foam mattresses come with a removable cover that you can clean in the washing machine. 

How to Clean A Memory Foam Mattress - Our Top Tips 

So how do you clean a memory foam mattress? Here are our top tips for cleaning memory foam mattresses, so you can get better sleep for longer: 

Don’t Let Stains Dry

Letting a stain on your mattress dry out will only allow it to settle deeper into the memory foam. To prevent that, tackle any stains while they're still wet. Do that by gently cleaning the spot with a damp cloth, then soak up as much of the moisture as you can with a dry towel. 

Use Detergent and Water

When cleaning stains on your foam mattress you have to be very careful about getting it wet as this can ruin its filling. In order to avoid damaging the memory foam use a spray bottle with lukewarm water and some gentle detergent to lightly spray your mattress, then dab it with a cloth. 

Be careful before using any detergents though and read the manufacturer’s instructions as harsh chemicals can break down the foam in your mattress. 

Vacuum Your Mattress Regularly

You should also clean your mattress with a vacuum cleaner when you change the bed linen. This can help get rid of any dust, crumbs, hairs or dead skin cells, giving you a fresh, clean surface. 

This practice is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. 

Wash the Mattress Cover

Although you can’t wash your memory foam mattress, a lot of them come with removable covers that can be washed. If yours does, it’s a good practice to make sure you clean it regularly. If you’re worried about the process of washing a memory foam mattress cover, then don’t stress too much - most of them are machine washable. Before you throw it in the washing machine, however, have a glance at the instruction tag just to make sure. 

Air-dry Your Mattress

Dampness can soak through your memory foam mattress, which is why after spot treating your mattress you should let it air-dry. This will prevent the risk of mould formation.

Always make sure that your mattress is completely dry before putting the bedding back on. 

Keep Your Memory Foam Mattress Fresh With Baking Soda

If you want an easy way to freshen up your memory foam mattress, you can try sprinkling baking soda over its surface. Lightly cover the whole mattress and leave it for a couple of hours, then collect the baking soda with your vacuum cleaner. This will remove any odours from your mattress, leaving it clean and fresh!

Carefully Read the Care Instructions on the Tag 

Different memory foam mattresses have different care instructions, so before you try cleaning your mattress, it’s always important to check the instructions given by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will provide the best cleaning methods for your specific mattress.You can usually find the care instructions on the tag sewn in on the side of your mattress. 

How Often Should You Clean A Memory Foam Mattress

To ensure your memory foam mattress remains in good condition, it’s recommended to give it a good clean at least twice a year. If you suffer from allergies or tend to spend a lot of time in bed due to a health condition, it might be worth cleaning your memory foam mattress even more regularly.  

Alongside cleaning your mattress, it’s also important to wash your bed linen at least once a week to prevent the spread of bacteria and dust mites. 


And there you have it - this is how to clean a memory foam mattress! 

If none of the cleaning tricks we mentioned are helping, however, it might be time to look for a new mattress. Luckily for you at My Next Mattress you can find a wide range of mattresses, from memory foam to latex and much more. Browse our full range of memory foam mattresses and get yourself a superior night’s sleep.