Best Mattress Cleaning Machines

Buying Guide

Even if you might cover your mattress with sheets or a mattress cover, you’ll still have times where you need to give your mattress a deep cleaning. Whether your mattress collects dust that irritates your allergies or you spill some food or drink while relaxing in bed, daily wear-and-tear along with mishaps can occur. While you can always dust off a few crumbs or use a towel and cleaner for a simple stain, finding the right mattress cleaner machine can help you give your whole mattress a quicker and more thorough cleaning.

One common type of mattress cleaner machine is a vacuum cleaner that works well for cleaning crumbs, dust and other dry debris off your mattress. While you could use a standard vacuum cleaner with a hose or other attachment for the job, vacuums designed specifically for furniture items like mattresses usually are more compact and easier to handle. They also often come with special attachments that can get into the seams and other small crevices where debris can easily hide.

When shopping for a mattress vacuum cleaner, you’ll find handheld models that run on battery power as well as those that use a standard cord. These units often are lightweight for comfortable use and come with several power modes. Cordless models will come with a charger so you can easily replenish the battery for your next cleaning. Handheld units in general usually have a smaller capacity than larger vacuums along with less power, but they usually still handle a mattress cleaning job well.

Depending on the model, some mattress vacuum cleaners come with extra features that can help destroy bacteria or treat problems like bed bugs. For example, some models will have an ultraviolet light to sanitize the mattress, while others will blow very hot air that can both dry any damp spots on the mattress as well as potentially kill bed bugs present.

The other type of mattress cleaner machine you’ll find allows for wet cleaning and is often called a spot cleaner or upholstery cleaner. This device works well to help remove stains and smells from a mattress since you’ll have a tank where you put water and some detergent. Some models heat the solution to allow you to tackle tough stains more easily, while others work without heat. The machines usually have a hose with a nozzle or brush attached to the end that can spray the solution and clean the mattress.

Although they tend to come in larger sizes than mattress vacuum cleaners, spot and upholstery cleaners are usually still portable and lightweight enough for comfortable use. The main difference is that you can expect to choose from corded rather than cordless models due to the power needed to run this device. You can find models with and without special attachments, and the standard attachment on the hose can usually handle cleaning a mattress.

Whether you decide on a vacuum, spot cleaner or both for cleaning your mattress, keep your intended use in mind when exploring your options. For example, if your bed is far away from a power outlet, opt for a model with a long cord or cordless option for your convenience. At the same time, you’ll also want to consider the capacity of the device carefully so that you don’t end up buying something you’ll need to empty and refill several times during your mattress cleaning. You also won’t want to get something too heavy if you have a large mattress to cover.

• For the best chance of getting rid of mattress stains, try to clean the stain with your machine as soon as possible rather than wait and give it time to set in more. It can also help to first spray some stain remover on the troublesome spot and blot it with a cloth before you start using the mattress cleaner machine. The spray and blot technique also works well if you notice any leftover spots after you do the all-over cleaning.
• If you have a problem with your mattress having an odor, try using some baking soda. You can sprinkle it all over the mattress, let it sit for around a day and then clean the powder off. You can then use your mattress cleaner machine again for the final cleaning.
• When using a mattress vacuum cleaner, make sure you don’t miss any of the crevices where dirt and other unwanted substances can hide. Your vacuum will often have a small attachment for this purpose, so take advantage of it.
• To cut down on the frequency you need to deep clean your mattress, consider getting a mattress protector to offer some extra protection. You can find mattress protects made from different materials including waterproof options that can keep spills and stains from getting through to your mattress. You can usually throw the protector in the washing machine for your convenience.
• When you’re cleaning your mattress with the vacuum or upholstery cleaner you buy, that’s a good time to also consider flipping your mattress, especially if you use a traditional innerspring one. Manufacturers usually recommend flipping the mattress every three to six months as it will help reduce the wear-and-tear on one side, so check their instructions to learn more.
• While the need to deep clean your mattress can depend on usage and mishaps that may occur, you can consider it a rule of thumb to try to clean the mattress twice per year.
• When using a spot cleaner machine that takes advantage of water and liquid cleaner, make sure that you use a cleaner compatible with the machine and the fabric your mattress uses.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your mattress cleaning machine after use. For a vacuum, you’ll usually just need to empty the container where the dirt gets collected and possibly wash it with some soapy water. Instructions for a spot cleaning device can vary as some of these gadgets have self-cleaning features that make the work easier. Otherwise, your work can include individually cleaning the nozzle, tank, brushes and other attachments.
• After cleaning your mattress cleaner machine, let it dry completely before you try to use it again or store it away. This will help prevent mold from building up.