How to Clean and Maintain a Sofabed Mattress Properly

Do you know your sofa bed mattress might be hiding more than just a few forgotten coins? It might have dust mites, old food crumbs, body oils, and stains—maybe from that guest who stayed last year. We should avoid considering sofa beds as occasional seating and the need for proper cleaning. Your sofa bed requires the same care and cleaning as a regular mattress.

Let me tell you, ignoring that foldable mattress could mean sleeping on a cocktail of allergens and odors. The surprising part? You don’t need industrial cleaners or a call to the pros. A few easy, science-backed tricks are all it takes to keep things fresh. 

Are you ready to learn what works and what most people miss? Let’s jump right in.

Step 1: Understand Your Sofa Bed Mattress First

Before attempting to clean your sofa bed mattress, it’s essential to understand its material. Sofa bed mattresses typically come in three types: memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid, each requiring slightly different care. For instance, memory foam should never be saturated with water, as it can damage the material. 

According to a survey by The Sleep Doctor, memory foam has gained popularity among U.S. adults, with approximately 34.7% preferring it for its comfort and support. 

This is why it’s important to check the mattress tag. 

Cleaning directions are usually included on the care label, which is specific to the manufacturer. If you skip this, you could end up with damage you didn’t expect.  But yes, a sofabed mattress is thinner than a regular mattress and therefore has a greater tendency to wear down, sag, and absorb odors. This is why routine maintenance is not an option but a necessity.

Step 2: Spot Clean Like a Pro: Say Goodbye to Stains and Smells

Spot cleaning means more than just wiping a spill quickly; it needs a bit more care to remove stains properly. For example, you may have merely wiped up the top surface if you spilled coffee last week and quickly dabbed it.

The real stain (and odor) often sinks deeper into the layers. That’s why it’s important to use the right methods.

Here are five spot-cleaning approaches that go beyond the basics:

• For protein stains (blood, sweat), apply a combination of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and a drop of dish soap. Do not rub! Only dab.
• Combine baking soda and white vinegar in a three-to-one ratio to deodorize and control light mold. Let it bubble, then blot.
• Enzyme cleaners such as Rocco & Roxie are also great on pet/urine stains. You spray, wait ten minutes, and finally blot dry.
• Steam cleaning with a handheld steamer is acceptable, but do not over-saturate. This also helps to kill dust mites and bacteria.
• A few drops of tea tree oil added to your cleaner will give it natural antimicrobial properties. A couple of drops at most.

These techniques are not only effective, but they are also clever.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning Strategy (Without Ruining the Mattress)

The most recommended cleaning method for sofa mattresses is to deep clean and not soak. Begin by vacuuming both sides with a HEPA filter vacuum, particularly focusing on seams and creases that attract dust and mites.

Next, try this often-overlooked trick.  Apply cornstarch with baking soda over the area and wait one hour. Cornstarch is better for absorbing body oils than just baking soda. Then vacuum again thoroughly afterwards. To prepare scented powders, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a pinch of dried lavender.

Don’t Miss These Hidden Spots

When cleaning your sofa bed mattresses, be sure to check the bed frame, joints, and fabric hinges in addition to the mattress itself. These spaces accumulate dirt and have the potential to affect air quality. Use a small nozzle or a small handheld brush to go deep into cracks.

Time Your Cleaning Right

Do not clean at night. So, if you do this in the morning, your mattress should be dry by nightfall. Moisture can result in mildew even if the moisture is dry. Lean it upright and place it in a sunny, well-ventilated room for a few hours.

Step 4: Use Essential Tools

Do you know? You don’t require expensive machinery to clean your sofa bed. A vacuum and a cloth alone will not guarantee optimal results. In fact, this “cleaning up” is an important part of effective reduction of indoor pollutants, and, according to the American Lung Association, indoor air can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air, so having a few key tools makes the process easier, but it is also part of the equation.

Here is the list of tools you can use for cleaning and maintaining your mattresses:

• A HEPA vacuum: for dust mites and allergens.
• A microfiber cloth: for lifting stains gently without spreading.
• A UV sanitizer wand (yes, they’re real!): perfect for killing bacteria in 10 seconds flat.
• A soft-bristle upholstery brush: great for loosening dirt without damaging foam.
• Spray bottle with distilled water and essential oils: cleans and leaves a light scent.

Step 5: Quick Cleaning Tips Between Guests

When guests come over, the sofabed mattress suddenly becomes VIP. Here’s how to freshen it up in under 15 minutes:

First, do a surface vacuum. Then spritz with a homemade deodorizer: 1 cup distilled water + 1 tbsp vodka + 4 drops eucalyptus oil. Vodka evaporates fast and kills odor-causing bacteria—no joke!

If you have time, run a lint roller across the surface; it collects hair and dander more quickly than a vacuum. Make sure you leave the bed open for at least 10 minutes to air it out. And that’s it. Fast, clean, and ready for guests.

Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Sleep Is a Better Sleep

Cleaning your sofa bed mattress is a matter of wellness, not only hygiene. Armed with the proper tools, a few surprising cleaning hacks, and some regular routines, you will sleep better and can please every guests.

Are you ready to start treating your sofa bed like the VIP it deserves to be? If yes, then remember, small changes like spot cleaning spills right away or flipping the mattress quarterly make a huge difference. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert.