How to Clean a Latex Mattress

Check the care label first

Latex mattresses are generally cared for with a light touch. Natural and synthetic latex foam can be damaged by soaking, heat, strong sunlight and harsh chemicals. Because brands and constructions differ (all-latex, latex over springs, latex with a wool or cotton cover), check the care label or the maker’s instructions before you start. If the cover is removable, it usually has its own washing instructions.

Safety notes before you begin

• Never mix cleaners. Do not combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other acids. You do not need any of these for latex, and bleach is best avoided on latex altogether.
• Do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same bottle. Together they can form a corrosive acid.
• Ventilate the room, and keep children and pets away until the mattress is dry and any powder is vacuumed up.
• Skip essential oils if you have cats, dogs or small children, since some are harmful to them.
• Test any liquid on a hidden area first.

Supplies

• Vacuum with a soft upholstery attachment
• Baking soda
• Mild soap or dish detergent
• Cool or cold water
• Clean white cloths and dry towels
• A fan

Step-by-step routine

1. Strip the bed. Wash sheets and the mattress protector per their labels. If your mattress has a removable cover, check whether it is machine washable.
2. Vacuum gently. Use a soft attachment over the top, sides and seams. Avoid hard brush heads that could scuff the surface.
3. Deodorize. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda across the surface. Many care guides suggest leaving it for roughly 30 to 60 minutes. A longer wait is not usually harmful if the mattress is dry.
4. Vacuum again. Remove all of the powder.
5. Air out. Let the mattress sit uncovered in a ventilated room before remaking the bed.

Spot cleaning stains

1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap into cool or cold water.
2. Dip a clean white cloth in the solution and wring it out well. It should be damp, not wet.
3. Blot the stain gently, working from the outside in. Do not rub hard.
4. Wipe the area with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap.
5. Press a dry towel on the spot to draw out moisture.
6. Dry with a fan.

Latex is porous and holds moisture, so use as little liquid as possible.

Urine, pet accidents and odors

Blot up as much liquid as you can right away. Then treat lightly with the mild soap method above. An enzyme cleaner may help with odor, but check that it is safe for latex, since some products are not. Avoid bleach and ammonia. If the smell persists, repeat the treatment with baking soda and give the mattress plenty of drying time. For more on this, see our guide to cleaning a mattress after bed wetting and our broader guide on getting smells out of a mattress.

Drying a latex mattress

Dry the mattress in open, well-ventilated air, with a fan if possible. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from hair dryers and heaters, since heat and UV light can break latex down over time. Make sure it is completely dry before putting the cover and sheets back on.

What not to do to latex

• Do not machine wash, submerge or soak it.
• Do not use bleach, strong solvents or harsh detergents.
• Do not use steam cleaners unless the manufacturer says it is okay.
• Do not leave it in direct sun or near high heat.
• Do not put wet bedding back on the bed.

How do you disinfect a latex mattress?

It is hard to truly sterilize any mattress at home, and aggressive disinfecting is not good for latex. A practical approach is to wash everything that can be washed, vacuum, spot clean with mild soap, and dry the mattress well. If you want to use a disinfectant, look for a product whose label says it is safe for mattresses or foam, and follow the label exactly, including drying time. Do not rely on mixing your own disinfectants. If the mattress has been contaminated by something serious (for example, heavy mold or biological spills), contact the manufacturer or a professional cleaner.

Do bed bugs live in latex mattresses?

Bed bugs can hide in many kinds of bedding and furniture, including seams, tags, cover folds and the bed frame. Natural latex is sometimes described as unfriendly to pests, but that should not be treated as a guarantee. If you suspect bed bugs, look at seams, folds and the frame, and contact a pest control professional rather than treating a latex mattress yourself with strong chemicals.

Sleeping on a mattress topper before 24 hours

Often people ask this about new toppers or newly cleaned items. New foam or latex products may have a smell at first and some instructions suggest airing them for a period of time. There is no single rule that applies to every product, so follow the maker’s instructions. For a mattress or topper that has been cleaned with liquid, wait until it is fully dry before sleeping on it, since damp foam can encourage mold.

How long does a latex mattress last?

Latex mattresses are often described as long-lasting, and some makers quote lifespans of well over a decade. The real figure depends on the quality of the latex, your body weight, the base, and how well it is cared for. Warranty periods are a rough guide, not a promise. Replace it if you see deep body impressions, crumbling foam, persistent odors or mold.

Keeping it clean

• Use a washable mattress protector.
• Use a base that supports the mattress and allows airflow, as the maker recommends.
• Check for dampness now and then, especially in humid climates or if you sweat a lot.
• Vacuum the surface from time to time.
• Rotate the mattress if the manufacturer advises it.

Related guides

If you are dealing with dust, see how to reduce dust mites in a mattress. If you have a mattress with a bamboo-fiber cover, see how to clean a bamboo mattress.