How to Clean a Bed with Baking Soda

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: April 28, 2021

Baking soda is a simple but versatile cleaning agent that can remove odors on furniture effectively. Sprinkling just a bit of baking soda on your bed can reduce any smells and keep it clean. Start by stripping the bed and then applying the baking soda. You can then vacuum up the baking soda once it has done its job so you are left with a clean, fresh smelling bed.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Bed

1
Remove the bedsheets and wash them in the washing machine. Start by stripping the bed of any sheets, blankets, or duvets. Put the bedding in the washing machine and clean them with detergent on the hottest water setting to kill germs.^{[1]
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- You should then dry them on the high heat setting to ensure there are no germs or bacteria on them.
2
Vacuum up any dirt, dust, or debris on the surface of the mattress. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum or a powerful handheld vacuum. Make sure the nozzle is clean, as you do not want to transfer any debris onto the mattress. Vacuum the crevices, seams, and folds in the mattress to remove any surface dirt or dust.^{[2]
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- Make sure you also vacuum the sides of the mattress, as dirt and dust can collect in this area as well.
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3
Apply spot cleaner on any stains on the mattress. Use upholstery cleaner or make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) mild dish detergent and 1 cup (240 ml) of water in a spray bottle. Apply the spot cleaner to any stains and dab the area with a wet cloth.^{[3]
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- Most stains that are protein-based, like sweat, urine, and blood, should come off with a regular spot cleaner. Stains like red wine or coffee may be more difficult to remove and require stronger spot cleaner.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Baking Soda

1
Sprinkle 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda on the mattress. Give the mattress a liberal dusting of baking soda, especially if it has not been cleaned in awhile or has a strong smell. Cover the entire surface of the mattress with an even layer of baking soda.^{[4]
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- If there is a particular area that has a strong smell, sprinkle more baking soda on it to neutralize it.
2
Put the mattress in direct sunlight. Moving the mattress next to a window that gets direct sunlight is ideal, as the heat from the sun can help the baking soda work more effectively.^{[5]
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- If you really want the baking soda to kick into high gear, you can place the mattress outside in direct sunlight. Make sure there is no rain the forecast so the mattress does not get wet overnight.
3
Let the baking soda sit for 24 hours. Give the baking soda time to settle in and do its job. Keep others away from the bed so it is not disturbed. Make arrangements to sleep elsewhere for the night so the baking soda can sit.^{[6]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Vacuuming up the Baking Soda

1
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. This attachment will be powerful enough to remove the baking soda without damaging the surface of the mattress.^{[7]
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- You can also use a handheld vacuum with a smaller attachment head.
2
Remove the baking soda with the vacuum. Make sure you run the vacuum over the seams and crevices in the mattress to ensure all the baking soda is removed.^{[8]
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3
Flip the mattress over and repeat the process. Once you’ve finished the top of your mattress, flip it upside-down and clean the other side. Sprinkle another 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda and let it sit in the sun for 24 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda when you’re finished your mattress is completely cleaned.
4
Clean the bed with baking soda 1-2 times a year. Get in the habit of cleaning your bed with baking soda so it stays fresh and odor-free. Do a clean with baking soda at the beginning and end of the year so dirt and dust does not build up on the surface of your bed.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I leave baking soda on my mattress?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

While it won't really hurt your mattress, you probably want to remove the baking soda so it doesn't get everywhere. Besides, after about 24 hours, the baking soda will have absorbed all of the odors it can. It's also super easy to remove. Take a vacuum cleaner and use an upholstery attachment to suck up the baking soda without damaging the mattress. You could also use a handheld vacuum if you have one. Make sure you run the vacuum over the seams and crevices in the mattress to ensure all the baking soda is removed.
Question

What happens when you pour baking soda on your bed?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Baking soda naturally absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. That makes it a great natural cleaner for your mattress. Take 1-3 cups (208-624 g) of baking soda and sprinkle it liberally over the entire surface of your mattress, especially if it hasn't been cleaned in a while or has a stong smell. Leave the baking soda to sit for a full 24 hours to work it's magic. While it sits, the baking soda will get rid of smells by drawing out dirt and moisture. You can then vacuum it up to leave your mattress clean and smelling fresh.
Question

How long do you leave baking soda on mattress?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

It depends on how bad the mattress smells or how long it's been since it was cleaned. Mattresses collect dust, dust mites, and odors easily, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Baking soda is a really simple and effective cleaning agent for mattresses. Sprinkle enough baking soda over your mattress to cover it in an even layer. For minor odors, leave the baking soda to sit for at least half an hour. However, the longer you leave it, the more it absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. In fact, you can leave it for a full 24 hours for the best results. Then, use an upholstery attachment or a handheld vacuum cleaner to vacuum up all of the baking soda, leaving your mattress clean and refreshed.