Learn How to Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

It is important to clean your mattress just as you would clean the rest of your home and furnishings. Memory foam mattresses have gained in popularity for amazing comfort and true memory. Thanks to the NASA engineers, who invented the remarkable foam, people are realizing the many benefits of sleeping on the innovative memory foam mattress. Once you have experienced the super comfort of your dream memory foam mattress with wonderful restful sleep, it is time to learn how to clean it and keep the mattress in its best hygienic shape.

STEP 1: Vacuum Your Memory Foam

STEP 2: Get Stains and Odors Out

STEP 3: Dry Your Memory Foam Mattress

STEP 1: Vacuum Your Memory Foam

Regularly vacuuming your mattress is important to rid of surface dirt that will accumulate. You will want to do this at least four times a year as the seasons change. The vacuum will suck up lingering dead skin cells, dust, lint, furry pet hair, dust mites, and those crumbs from snacking in bed.

  • Use a good hand held vac, or the upholstery attachment, as well as tools that will zone in on any ground in dirt zones. Make sure to even vacuum the sides of the mattress as well.
  • Once you vacuum the mattress with the cover on you should zip off the GhostBed CertiPUR-US certified plush cover in order to vacuum the actual mattress. Toss the cover into the washing machine as you continue to clean the mattress.

STEP 2: Get Stains and Odors Out

People get sick, wine spills… stains happen. You can get stains out of memory foam with some caring cleaning. Being foam, liquids can quickly soak in so you need to know how to specifically care for this unforeseen type of mess.

Stay away from commercial cleaners that contain chemicals like bleach and ammonia. These products can cause harm to your precious memory foam mattress. Use a natural enzyme cleaner that works naturally to break down and remove stains and odors. Old fashioned dishwashing liquid and water can be used as well. Be careful to only wet the surface around where the stain is.

  • If using an enzyme cleaner in a spray bottle, then lightly spray on the stained area and scrub in a circular pattern with a clean cloth until stain and odor is removed.
  • When using dishwashing liquid, mix it in a bucket with water to form a very bubbly foamy mixture on top. Take a clean sponge and only dip it into the bubbles as to not soak in the solution. Begin from the furthermost area of the stain and work towards the center of it scrubbing lightly in a circular motion.
  • Vinegar works well to remove odor. Fill a spray bottle with a solution of a ¼-cup vinegar mixed with ¾-cup water. Spray and scrub the area in a circular motion.

Soaked in stains may require you to go deeper with the cleaning. Press down on the mattress as you scrub to allow the cleaning solution to get into the core of the stain to do its job of removing it.

STEP 3: Dry Your Memory Foam Mattress

Clean early in the morning so the mattress has time to dry before using again. The best place to dry out your memory foam mattress is in the sunshine but sometimes the sun just won’t shine. There are a few ways to accomplish drying time.

  • Place the mattress in the heat of the sun so nature can do the job. Make sure to turn the mattress so that it will dry completely and quickly.
  • Use baking soda as a soaking agent, as well as for additional odor removal. Sprinkle it on any wet spots and let it stand for about an hour or until it completely clumps up the dampness. Then vacuum it up.
  • A blow dryer is perfect to spot dry a damp area. To prevent damage don’t let it linger on hot over one spot. Take care by using the warm medium setting.

Your mattress is the place that most spend one-third of their lives. With so much time lying prone, one’s shedding dead skin cells, sweat and body oil will find their way through sheets and mattress covers onto the actual mattress. Take care to use the special cleaning maintenance to keep your memory foam mattress in tiptop shape.


Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

Twitter LinkedIn

Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More

Affirm Financing

Flex Payment

36-Month Flex Pay Option

Most Orders Ship Within 24 Hours

Shop Mattresses
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay

One-Time Payment

Pay Once. Rest Easy.

Most Orders Ship Within 24 Hours

Shop Mattresses