Some cleaning advice really sticks—like when someone said putting your mattress in the sun would "kill all the germs." Or that flipping it like a pancake every season was just what responsible adults do. But here's the thing: not all advice ages well.
Mattress care shouldn't feel like guesswork, and you definitely shouldn't need a video tutorial to know what works. The good news? Our experts at Hard Hat Furniture & Appliance are here to help you separate the helpful from the totally unnecessary so you can stop stressing and start sleeping better.
Myth #1: You Have to Air Out Your Mattress in the Sun
The Myth: Sunlight is a great natural disinfectant. If you place your mattress outside for a few hours, it'll lose that "slept-on" smell and kill any lingering germs.
The Reality: Not quite. While UV rays can help a little with odor and surface bacteria, putting your mattress outside can do more harm than good. Most mattresses aren't made for direct sun or outdoor elements—they can soak up moisture, warp, or pick up allergens (and the occasional bug).
What You Should Do Instead: Air it out indoors. Strip the bedding, crack a window, and turn on a fan to keep the air moving. It's easier, safer, and less awkward than dragging your bed into the backyard.
Myth #2: You Should Flip Your Mattress Every Few Months
The Myth: Flipping your mattress every few months helps it wear evenly and last longer. It's just basic mattress maintenance, right?
The Reality: Not anymore. Most modern mattresses are designed with specific layers that only work one way—comfort layers on top and support layers on the bottom. Flipping them can mess with the structure and leave you sleeping on the wrong side (literally).
What You Should Do Instead: Rotate your mattress head-to-foot every 3 to 6 months—if the manufacturer recommends it. This helps with even wear without throwing off the design. And if you're not sure whether to rotate or leave it alone, check the tag or the brand's website.
Myth #3: Vacuuming a Mattress Is Pointless
The Myth: Vacuuming doesn't do much. All the dirt, dust, and allergens are deep inside the mattress anyway—what's the point?
The Reality: Vacuuming makes a big difference. It removes dust, dead skin cells, pet hair, and allergens from the surface—stuff you definitely don't want to be sleeping on. Skipping it gives all that gunk more time to settle in.
What You Should Be Doing: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and quickly clean your mattress every month or two. Focus on seams and crevices where dust tends to build up. It's one of the easiest ways to keep your bed fresher longer.
Myth #4: Baking Soda Is the Best Mattress Cleaner
The Myth: Sprinkle on some baking soda, let it sit, vacuum it up, and boom—your mattress is clean and deodorized.
The Reality: Baking soda helps with surface odors, but it doesn't disinfect, remove stains, or deep-clean. It's more like a breath mint for your mattress—not a complete refresh.
What You Should Do Instead: Use baking soda for a quick freshen-up, but spot-treat stains with a mild detergent or enzyme cleaner for real cleaning. If spills or accidents happen, clean them up ASAP before they sink in. A washable mattress protector also helps you avoid anything setting in the first place.
Myth #5: Mattress Protectors Are Optional
The Myth: Mattress protectors are bulky, crinkly, and mostly unnecessary unless you have kids or pets. Your sheets should be enough, right?
The Reality: Not even close. A good mattress protector is one of the easiest ways to keep your bed clean. It helps block sweat, spills, dust mites, and everyday grime from getting into the mattress. And no, they don't all sound like a chip bag.
What You Should Do Instead: Invest in a high-quality, breathable mattress protector—preferably waterproof and machine washable. It will keep your mattress in better shape and make cleanup much easier if life (or wine) happens.
Mattress Cleaning: What To Do (and How Often To Do It)
Now that we've cleared up the myths, here's what mattress care should look like—not just old advice passed down from your grandma or something you saw once on a cleaning hack video. This routine is simple, low-effort, and actually works.
Every Month or Two:
- Vacuum the surface using an upholstery attachment—especially around the seams.
- Air it by stripping the bedding and letting it breathe for a few hours with good airflow.
Every 3 to 6 Months:
- Rotate the mattress head-to-foot to help it wear evenly (check your mattress tag first).
- Spot-clean any stains using a mild detergent or enzyme cleaner.
As Needed:
- Wash your mattress protector—most are machine-washable and should be cleaned every month or two.
- Deodorize with a light sprinkle of baking soda if it's smelling a little musty. Let it sit, then vacuum it up.
Every 8–10 Years:
Replace your mattress. Even with the best care, they don't last forever, so it's essential to regularly evaluate your mattress and sleep needs.
Let Dusty Advice Rest in Peace
Just because something has been done for years doesn't mean it's still worth doing. This goes for weird cleaning rituals, mattress-flipping traditions, and anything that involves dragging your bed into the backyard.
When in doubt, keep it simple—and if you're ever unsure, our experts at Hard Hat Furniture & Appliance are here to help you sort through the noise. Whether you've got questions, need honest advice, or want to upgrade your setup entirely, stop in and shop our selection. Your mattress (and your sleep) will thank you.