Some makers advise: follow the care label, remove surface dust, and blot small spills rather than soaking the fabric. Most mattresses should be vacuumed every 3 to 6 months, with spot cleaning only when needed. Some makers warn: avoid soaking; soaking can make drying difficult, excess moisture may affect the spring system, and oversaturation can allow mildew inside.
Sealy recommends following the mattress label; Vax advises checking the maker’s care label and testing a cleaning solution on a hidden area before treating visible stains.
For a removable cover, wash it only if the label says it is washable and follow its washing instructions; Morfeus advises limiting washing to necessary hygiene cases, and says fixed mattress fabric must not be wet.
Choose a surface-dust method your mattress maker recommends, because advice differs on vacuuming.
Sealy recommends regular surface vacuuming to remove dust and debris; this may freshen fabric, especially if you have pets, and may help alleviate asthma or allergy symptoms.
Use a low-power vacuum where advised
Morfeus advises low-power vacuuming or gentle brushing, and warns against high-powered vacuums and carpet beaters.
Vax recommends slowly vacuuming the whole mattress, with extra attention to seams, piping, and edges where dust and allergens collect.
Clorox recommends using a crevice tool around trim, seams, and quilting.
Brush delicate fibers gently
Vispring does not recommend vacuuming its mattresses because it may disturb delicate fibers and fillings.
For Vispring mattresses, a soft-bristled upholstery brush helps remove dust and debris while preserving the natural breathability of the materials.
Blot fresh spills promptly; Vax says quick treatment gives the best chance of complete removal.
Sealy advises gentle blotting, using a clean, dry towel to absorb liquid from a fresh spill or a clean white cloth dampened with warm water for a small spill or stain.
Vispring advises spot-cleaning spills or stains with mild detergent and cold water, then air-drying the mattress completely.
Clorox says to blot the mattress surface with a cotton washcloth dampened with clean water.
For a small stain, Sealy recommends gentle blotting with a clean white cloth dampened with warm water; avoid scrubbing, soaking, or detergents, bleach, and dry-cleaning chemicals unless care instructions permit them.
Vax advises testing a cleaning solution on a hidden area before treating a visible stain.
Vispring recommends mild detergent and cold water for spot-cleaning its mattresses.
Clorox warns that mattresses must not get too wet, so avoid saturating them with cleaner or rinse water.
Sealy says excess moisture can affect internal mattress parts, including the spring system, and soaking can make drying difficult.
Morfeus warns that excess heat and humidity can compromise mattress fibers and materials.
Clorox says oversaturation lengthens drying time and allows the inside to mildew; it also says mattress cleaning reaches the surface, not the inside.
Serta warns that liquids applied directly to the mattress may stain fabric and could potentially make a soiled area worse; moisture or chemicals applied directly can cause premature foam breakdown and product damage.
Sealy says to let a spot-cleaned mattress dry fully before replacing the protector or sheets; trapped moisture can contribute to odors, mold, or mildew, especially in humid Australian climates, and Vispring also advises complete air-drying after spot-cleaning.
For a washable removable cover, Morfeus recommends natural drying and prohibits drying machines.
Morfeus advises not using an iron or hairdryer on its mattress fabric.
A portable dehumidifier can speed surface drying, Clorox says.
Sealy recommends a mattress protector as a washable barrier that reduces exposure to moisture, stains, sweat, dust, spills, body oils, pet dander, and everyday debris.
Serta recommends a mattress protector to protect against stains and spills.
Clorox suggests considering a mattress pad to protect the surface from stains.
Vax says a musty or stale smell could point to moisture, bacteria, or trapped dirt; Clorox says a mattress saturated with flood water must be discarded.
For an organic stain, Morfeus advises changing the mattress or its cover for hygiene reasons.
Clorox says oversaturation lengthens drying and allows the inside to mildew; the mattress interior cannot be deep-cleaned.
Sealy suggests vacuuming most mattresses every 3 to 6 months, while Clorox recommends at least every 3 to 4 months when rotating or flipping a mattress.
Check the care label before using a carpet cleaner; Vax says some mattresses have specific cleaning recommendations and should never be saturated with water. Sealy does not recommend steam cleaning many mattresses because it introduces heat and moisture; Clorox says the surface can be cleaned, but the inside cannot be deep-cleaned.
How often should I clean a pocket spring mattress?
Vax says stains should be handled as quickly as possible and recommends cleaning a mattress every 6 months alongside regular vacuuming and bedding washing. For routine care, Sealy recommends vacuuming most mattresses every 3 to 6 months and spot-cleaning only when needed; Clorox recommends at least every 3 to 4 months when rotating or flipping a mattress.
We read 6 published pages from 6 sites (sealy.com.au, clorox.com, vax.co.uk, morfeus.it and 2 more), checked in October 2026. Every sentence in the answers above cites one of them; the offer card at the end names its own source. This page reports published sources only; we did not test mattresses in person.