How to Steam Clean a Mattress: 7 Steps to Ditching Bed Bugs

We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it makes sense that our mattresses eventually get a little funky. Between dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, and the occasional coffee spill, your bed can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left unchecked.

While vacuuming helps, it doesn’t do the heavy lifting. That is where steam cleaning comes in. It is the gold standard for deep cleaning because it sanitizes and deodorizes without drenching the fabric. Plus, it uses heat to kill nasty allergens instantly.

Steam Clean Your Mattress in 6 Steps

Steam cleaning is surprisingly easy, but you have to follow the order of operations to avoid making a muddy mess. Here is how to refresh your bed like a pro.

• Time: 45 minutes (plus 4+ hours drying time)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

What You’ll Need

• Vacuum (with upholstery attachment)
• Steam cleaner
• Distilled water
• Enzyme stain remover (optional)
• Microfiber cloths
• Circulating fan

1. Strip and Vacuum the Mattress

You cannot skip this step. If you apply steam to a dusty mattress, you essentially create mud. Strip the bed down to the bare mattress and grab your vacuum.

Use the upholstery attachment to go over the entire surface. Press down firmly to pull dust and dead skin from deep within the fibers. Pay special attention to the seams, crevices, and piping around the edges where dust mites love to hide.

2. Pre-Treat Visible Stains

Steam is great for sanitizing, but it isn’t always enough to lift dark stains like urine, blood, or wine. In fact, heat can actually set protein-based stains (like blood) if you aren’t careful.

Spot clean these areas with a mild detergent or an enzyme cleaner first. Dab the cleaner onto the spot with a microfiber cloth, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and blot it away. Do not soak the mattress foam.

3. Prepare Your Steam Cleaner

There are plenty of machines on the market, but the PureClean XL is a solid choice because it hits the high temperatures needed to sanitize effectively. Whether you buy one or rent a commercial unit, check the manual first.

Fill the reservoir with water. We strongly recommend using distilled water rather than tap water. Tap water contains minerals that build up inside the machine and can even spray out onto your clean bed ⁽¹⁾.

Allow the machine to heat up completely. You want the steam to reach between 212 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill bed bugs and bacteria.

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4. Steam the Top Surface

Hold the steamer nozzle about 6 inches above the fabric. You want the steam to penetrate the surface without drenching the foam underneath. Apply the steam in long, slow strokes, moving from the top of the bed down to the foot.

Work in small sections. If the mattress feels soaking wet to the touch, you are moving too slowly or holding the nozzle too close. It should feel warm and slightly damp, but not saturated.

5. Steam the Sides and Seams

Don’t forget the vertical sides of the mattress. This is often where we grip the mattress to move it, leaving oils from our hands. Run the steamer along the sides and give an extra pass over the seams.

The seams are the most common hideout for bed bugs and mites ⁽²⁾. If you have a double-sided mattress, wait until the top is 100% dry before flipping it to clean the bottom.

6. Dry the Mattress Completely

This is the most critical part of the process. You must let the mattress dry for at least 2 to 4 hours. If moisture gets trapped inside, you risk mold and mildew growth, which ruins the mattress ⁽³⁾.

To speed things up, set up a circulating fan pointed directly at the bed and open the windows to lower the humidity in the room. If it is a hot, sunny day, you can let the mattress dry outside in direct sunlight; UV rays are a natural sanitizer.

How to Deodorize a Mattress

Sometimes a mattress doesn’t need a full steam bath; it just needs to smell better. Sweat and body oils accumulate over time, creating a stale odor. Here is a quick fix using baking soda.

• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• Baking soda (lots of it)
• Vacuum
• Essential oils (optional)

1. Sprinkle Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer ⁽⁴⁾. Strip the bed and sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface. For a pleasant scent, you can mix a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil into the baking soda before sprinkling.

2. Let It Sit

Leave the powder alone for at least an hour. The longer it sits, the more moisture and odor it pulls from the fabric.

3. Vacuum It Up

Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove the powder. Go over it twice to ensure you get all the grit out. If your vacuum is bagless, empty the canister immediately after, as the fine powder can clog filters.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Mattress

You don’t want to steam clean every week, so maintenance is key. Here is how to keep your bed fresh between deep cleans:

• Use a protector: This is non-negotiable. A waterproof mattress protector stops sweat, spills, and skin flakes from entering the foam. Wash the protector monthly.
• Wash bedding weekly: Wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water every week to kill dust mites and bacteria.
• Let it breathe: When you change your sheets, leave the mattress bare for an hour before putting fresh linens on. This lets accumulated moisture from your sleep evaporate.
• No pets in bed: We know it is hard, but pets bring in dirt, pollen, and fleas. Keeping them off the bed significantly extends the life of your mattress.

Safety and Precautions

Steam cleaning is effective, but it involves boiling water and expensive furniture. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Check the label: Memory foam is sensitive to heat and moisture. Always check the care tag or manufacturer’s website to ensure steam cleaning is safe for your specific model.
• Burn risk: The steam is over 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep children and pets out of the room while you work, and never point the nozzle at your skin.
• Mold prevention: Never put sheets on a damp mattress. If you are unsure if it is dry, give it another hour with the fan running.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Steam Clean a Mattress?

DIY steam cleaning only costs the price of the machine (rentals run $30 to $50 per day) and the water. If you hire a professional service, expect to pay between $80 and $200 per mattress, depending on the size and location.

How Long Does It Take to Steam a Mattress?

The active cleaning process takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, the drying process takes much longer. Expect the mattress to be out of commission for 4 to 10 hours depending on humidity and airflow.

How Long Does a Mattress Take to Dry After Steam Cleaning?

On average, a mattress takes 2 to 4 hours to dry if you use fans and keep windows open. In humid environments or without airflow, it can take significantly longer.

What Kind of Steamer Kills Bed Bugs?

You need a steamer that produces “dry steam” and reaches temperatures of at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit at the nozzle tip. The heat must be sustained to kill both bugs and eggs on contact.

How Do You Get the Yellow Out of a Memory Foam Mattress?

Yellowing is often caused by oxidation or sweat buildup. Steam alone won’t remove it. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar (or a mild detergent), spray lightly, blot, do not rub, and let it dry.

Can You Steam Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

Yes, but proceed with caution. Memory foam acts like a sponge and retains water easily, which damages the material. Use a “dry steam” setting, keep the steamer moving constantly, and ensure the mattress dries completely to prevent mold.

Does Steam Cleaning Remove Urine Stains?

Steam sanitizes the area, but heat can permanently set the odor and stain of urine if not pre-treated. Always use an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine proteins first, let it dry, and then steam clean the area to sanitize it.