• Shop

    YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

    Laundry Wash
    Laundry Wash
    Dishwasher Soap
    Dishwasher Soap
    Everyday Cleaner
    Everyday Cleaner
    Bathroom Cleaner
    Bathroom Cleaner
  • Learn
Truly Free Home

How to Clean a Mattress Without Harsh Chemicals

Posted By: Tay Roberts

|

Posted On: 2/16/2026

Quick Summary: How to Clean a Mattress Without Harsh Chemicals

1. Clean your mattress every 3–6 months (every 3 if you have pets).

2. Freshen up odors with a non-toxic fabric refresher spray or powder.

3. Deep sanitize with a handheld steamer—high heat kills bacteria and dust mites without chemicals.

4. For everyday stains, spray on a plant-based enzyme cleaner and let it air dry.

5. For stubborn, deep-set stains, use a water-activated enzyme paste, let dry, and vacuum away.

6. Between cleans, vacuum regularly, rotate your mattress, and use a waterproof mattress protector.

Keep Your Family Safe with Non-Toxic Mattress Cleaning

You don’t need to expose your family to harsh chemicals to freshen up your mattress. Remove mattress stains, eliminate odors, and deep clean your mattress with these tried-and-true non-toxic methods.


1. Use a Non-Toxic Fabric Refresher

If your mattress has absorbed a few too many odors (hello, sweaty summer nights), fabric refresher non-toxic fabric refresher. Whether you opt for a spray or a powder formula, most conventional fabric refreshers contain toxic fragrances, phthalates (read: hormone disruptors), and other harsh ingredients you don’t want to breathe in—or sleep on. 

For odor-eliminator sprays, generously spritz the solution over your mattress, paying particular attention to funky areas. Wait until it is completely dry—typically 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how much is sprayed—before putting your sheets back on. 

For fabric refresher powders, lightly sprinkle the formula over the mattress, let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. 

No matter which type of fabric refresher you use, repeat as needed until odors are gone. And if you’re looking for safe, non-toxic options, Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator and Truly Free Home Carpet Freshener rely on plant-powered ingredients to get rid of odors safely and without harsh chemicals.

For more, read: What Is Carpet Freshener and Why You Need It in Your Home


2. Do a Deep Clean  

The high heat from a handheld steam cleaner kills bacteria, dust mites, and allergens while helping to loosen up those stubborn yellow stains from a mattress. Plus, it’s a great toxin-free way to sanitize a bed. First, vacuum your mattress. Once the steamer has warmed up, hold the steamer about 1-2 inches above the fabric and move it slowly over the mattress, paying particular attention to seams and edges. Let the mattress fully dry before putting on the sheets. 


3. Let the Sun Do the Work

If you can, strip your mattress and prop it outside on a sunny day or let it sit near an open window. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and helps eliminate musty odors—it’s old-school but effective.


Best Tips & Tricks for Keeping Your Mattress Clean

Even after a mattress deep clean, regular maintenance ensures it stays fresh for longer. Here are our tips and tricks for keeping your mattress clean. 

Vacuum mattress regularly. A quick vacuum every time you change the sheets will keep dust, dirt, and even dead skin cells at bay.

Flip & rotate mattress. Every few months, flip and rotate your mattress to prevent sagging and uneven wear. (Check care instructions for your particular mattress—some only need to be rotated.) 

Use a waterproof mattress cover. If you have little ones, pets, or a sneaky snack-in-bed culprit, a waterproof mattress protector will save your sanity and your bed from unnecessary spots and difficult-to-remove messes. The best part? When the inevitable spill happens, you can simply throw the mattress protector in the washing machine with a gentle, non-toxic detergent, and it’s good as new. 

For more, read: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets and Bedding?

The Best Non-Toxic Stain Removers to Clean Your Mattress

Sometimes, blotting a stain with cold water and a clean cloth is all you need. Other times, you need something more powerful to clean a mattress. That’s where Truly Free Home’s non-toxic stain removers come in.

Our formulas are made with plant-powered ingredients and natural salts, so you never have to worry about leftover toxins or sketchy chemicals sticking around and being absorbed by your skin.

Here’s which Truly Free Home stain removers to use to clean your mattress, depending on the situation:


Mattress Spot Treatment 

If you’re dealing with stinky stains (think potty-training accidents, milk spills, or sweat marks), Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator—which relies on naturally derived enzymes to digest stains and eliminate odors at the source—is the right product for the job. Here’s how to use it as a mattress spot treatment.

Step 1: Spray odor and stain eliminator directly on the mattress stain.

Step 2: Scrub lightly to work the product into the fabric.

Step 3: Let the stain air dry.

Repeat as needed. 


Mattress Stain Pre-treatment 

For extra-tough mattress stains that won’t budge, opt for Truly Free Home Stain Stick. It's designed to lift stains you thought were a lost cause, without damaging your bed’s soft cotton fibers. Here’s how to use it as a mattress pre-treatment.

Step 1: Wet the stain stick.

Step 2: Dampen the stain with water.

Step 3: Gently scrub until a lather appears. 

Truly Free Home Stain Stick is designed to be washed away afterwards, making it the perfect first step before giving your mattress a deeper clean.


Mattress Deep Clean 

If you want to do a deep clean beyond using a handheld steamer, you can go the extra step and use a handheld shampooer to get down into your mattress's layers. For that, a gentle, non-toxic detergent, like Truly Free Home Laundry Wash, is your best bet. However, always consult your shampooer’s use guidelines before adding any product. Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Pre-treat spots with the Stain Stick (see steps above).

Step 2: Follow the handheld’s directions and shampoo your mattress to lift out dirt and grime. (Be careful not to over-saturate—mattresses take a while to dry.)

Step 3: Let the mattress air dry before putting sheets back on.


Stubborn Mattress Stain Remover 

If you’re tackling deep-set stains like urine, reach for Truly Free Home Enzyme Stain Remover. This product is formulated with water-activated enzymes that break down organic materials with ease. Here’s how to use enzyme stain remover on tough stains.

Step 1: Make a stain-fighting paste by adding a small amount of water with a scoop or two of enzyme stain remover

Step 2: Lightly rub the paste over the stain.

Step 3: Once the paste is dry, vacuum it away. 

Repeat as needed. 


With a deep clean and regular maintenance, your bed will feel brand new—and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re not lying on old stains and hidden dust. So, the next time you strip the sheets and notice your mattress is a little dingy or stinky, don’t fret. Simply consult this guide for how to clean a mattress without harsh chemicals and refresh away. 

SHOP TRULY FREE HOME STAIN REMOVERS

Enjoy a Truly Free Home

Get exclusive deals on cleaning products, helpful how-tos, & non-toxic living tips.

Contact Us

Customer Support
[email protected]
231-944-1716
Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM EST

Truly Free Home, Inc
6261 US Highway 31 N
Williamsburg, MI 49690

Follow Us

Follow UsFollow UsFollow UsFollow UsFollow UsFollow Us

© 2026

Truly Free Home, Inc. All rights reserved. Made in the USA. All Rights Reserved.