How to Clean a Kids Mattress

Whether it’s a bedtime accident, snack-time crumbs, or an art project gone wrong, children’s mattresses go through a lot. Keeping them clean isn’t just about tidiness, it’s essential for your child’s health, comfort, and sleep quality.

I’m Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science at Mattress Online, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through how to clean and protect your child’s mattress, so it stays fresh, hygienic, and supportive for as long as possible.

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Steps to clean a kids mattress

Kids are prone to the occasional accident or spill - especially during potty training or if they’re enjoying supper in bed. Acting quickly helps protect the mattress and keeps their sleep space hygienic.

1. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions

Before you start, always check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance. You’ll usually find it:

• On a sewn-in label
• Inside a care booklet
• Or via a QR code on a mattress label

2. Strip and wash the bedding

Strip off all bedding and put it in the washing machine straight away, especially if it’s been affected by an accident or spill.

3. Wash the removable mattress cover (if it has one)

Many kids' mattresses now come with a removable, washable cover - ideal for handling spills and stains.

• Unzip and remove the cover
• Wash according to the care label instructions
• Let it air dry fully before putting it back on

4. Spot clean the mattress

Act fast to minimise staining:

• Blot immediately - Use clean paper towels or a dry cloth to gently dab the area and absorb excess liquid
• Clean gently - Mix lukewarm water with a little laundry detergent. Dampen a cloth with the solution and dab at the stain
• Avoid soaking the mattress - Too much water or harsh chemicals can damage the comfort layers inside the mattress

5. Let the mattress dry fully

Damp mattresses can easily develop mould, which can trigger allergy symptoms - especially in children. Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can remain trapped inside the mattress. This can seep through when your child lies down, creating an uncomfortably damp sleeping environment.

To avoid this, you should:

• Open a window to air it out, if possible
• Avoid putting bedding back on until the mattress feels completely dry

Moisture trapped inside a mattress can lead to mould and bacteria - which isn’t healthy for your child.

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Ongoing care tips for your kids mattress

To keep your child’s mattress in good condition over time, here are some things you should do:

Let it breathe

After your child gets up in the morning, pull back the duvet for 20 minutes. This helps the mattress release moisture from sweat  - keeping their bed fresher and healthier.

Vacuum regularly

Little feet (and sometimes paws) can bring crumbs, pet hair, and dust onto the bed. Vacuuming the mattress regularly helps remove dirt and particles that may trigger allergies, including:

• Dust
• Crumbs
• Pet hair
  

Use the upholstery attachment and vacuum:

• The entire mattress (top, sides, and underside)
• The bed frame and headboard, paying attention to corners and joins

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How can I protect my child's mattress?

Accidents in the night are stressful enough - the last thing you want is a hard-to-clean mattress on top of that. That’s why shielding your mattress is key.

Use a mattress protector

The simplest and most effective way to keep your child’s mattress clean is with a mattress protector. Here’s why I always recommend them:

• They protect against spills and stains, helping prevent long-term damage
• Waterproof protectors are especially helpful during potty training or when your child is feeling unwell
• Elasticated skirts keep them snugly in place, so they won’t shift during sleep
• Many are machine washable, making it easy to keep their sleep space fresh and hygienic

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I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident tackling stains, spills, and everyday messes - and keeping your child’s mattress clean, comfortable, and supportive.

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