Bed and mattress care guide

Found your perfect bed? Make sure it stays comfortable for longer by following our bed care and mattress care guidelines. You’ll find plenty of useful advice on prolonging the life of your bed and mattress and how to clean a mattress, plus the top ten signs that you might be due to replace your bed or mattress.

How to take care of your mattress and bed

To get the best from your mattress or bed, it’s important to keep them clean and in good condition – just as you would with any piece of furniture.

Mattress care and cleaning

Mattresses are designed and built for daily use and are intended to support all different sizes and shapes of bodies. Following the manufacturer's recommendations and our mattress maintenance guidelines can help ensure yours offers night after night of great sleep.

Air your mattress daily

Airing your mattress on a regular basis is one of the best ways to take care of it. Turn down or, preferably, completely remove your bedding every morning for at least 20 minutes to disperse any excess moisture that may have accumulated overnight.

Remove all bedding weekly

Because circulating air helps to remove mattress moisture and banish dust mites and allergens, we recommend that you remove your mattress protector and all bedding at least once a week for a few hours. This will allow air to flow freely through your mattress.

Wash sheets regularly

It may seem very obvious, but changing your sheets often can help keep your mattress clean. Put fresh sheets on your bed weekly, and wash dirty sheets on the highest recommended temperature indicated on the care label as hot water can kill dust mites and remove allergens.

Treat stains quickly

Be sure to treat stains and spills as soon as possible. Use mild soap and cold water and rub your mattress gently with a soft cloth. Avoid detergents and chemical cleaning agents, dry cleaning, and scrubbing with a hard brush. And be careful not to saturate your mattress with water.

Bed care and cleaning

Different bed frame manufacturers have different care and cleaning recommendations, and it’s important to refer to these before you decide to clean your bed frame. Take a look at our bed maintenance information for some general guidelines.

How to clean an upholstered bed frame

Regular cleaning: As dust and dirt can cause fabrics to wear or discolour, clean your upholstered bed frame regularly with a soft brush or vacuum it lightly using the curtain attachment.

Emergency cleaning: If there’s a spill, act quickly. Mop up liquid sills with a clean white absorbent cloth, and remove solid spills with a blunt knife – being careful not to spread the spill – and then dab to clean.

Professional cleaning: If the spill is oil-based or grease-based, we recommend using a specialist professional cleaning service.

Upholstered bed frame care: dos and don’ts

Do read the manufacturer’s bed care instructions.
Do test any special upholstery cleaning solution on an area of fabric that doesn't show.

Don’t rub the fabric.
Don’t soak the fabric in water or cleaning solutions.
Don’t use washing up liquid, detergents or bleach to remove stains.

How to clean a wooden bed frame

Regular cleaning: Wood is absorbent so it’s important to clean a wooden bed frame frequently to avoid a build-up of particles which can then become ingrained in the surface. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth and then dry with a soft lint-free duster.

Wood that has a waxed finish: Polish waxed wood in the direction of the grain with a good-quality beeswax and then buff with a soft duster.

Wooden bed frame care: dos and don’ts

Do read the manufacturer’s care instructions, especially if your wooden bed frame has an oiled finish.
Do regulate the temperature and humidity in your bedroom, as wood will expand in an environment that's too warm or too humid.
Do keep light levels low as wood can discolour in strong light – even sunlight.

Don’t use sprays or silicone wipes and polishes as these can leave a surface residue.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners.

How to clean a leather bed frame

Regular cleaning: Remove dust with a clean, soft white cloth, slightly dampened with pre-boiled water cooled to room temperature. Be careful not to soak.

Emergency cleaning: If there's a spill, blot the surface with a dry cloth or kitchen paper. Be careful not to rub the area as this could damage the finish or cause discolouration.

For coated leather: If your leather bed frame is upholstered in coated leather, dust it with a dry – not damp – cloth.

Leather bed frame care: dos and don’ts

Do read the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Do use only the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products.

Don’t use soaps, spray polish or detergents.

How to clean a metal bed frame

Regular cleaning: Simply wipe down your metal bed frame with a dry or damp cloth. If you use a damp cloth, finish with a dry cloth.

Deeper cleaning: Mix dishwashing liquid and hot water, and use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the bed frame. Be sure to completely remove any soap residue and dry thoroughly.

Metal bed frame care and cleaning: the dos and don’ts

Do check regularly for rust spots. If the manufacturer's instructions allow, these can be removed using a wire brush.

Don’t leave your bed frame wet or damp after cleaning as the metal may rust.