Baking soda on mattress and pillows: How to use it to remove bad odours and keep your bedding fresh

Baking soda is a common household ingredient that is often used for cleaning and deodorising. It can also be used as part of a mattress-cleaning routine to help deal with unpleasant odours caused by sweat, moisture and everyday use.

Rather than masking smells with a fragrance, baking soda can help “absorb and neutralize the odors” trapped in fabric surfaces. It can be particularly useful when freshening up a mattress between deeper cleans.

How Does Baking Soda Help Freshen a Mattress?

Mattresses are exposed to sweat, body oils, moisture and dust over time. These can contribute to an unpleasant smell, particularly if the mattress is not cleaned regularly.


A light layer of baking soda spread over the mattress surface can help absorb some of the odour. After allowing it to sit for several hours, the powder can be vacuumed away along with loose dust and debris.

How to Use Baking Soda on a Mattress

1. Remove the Bedding

Take off the bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets and other bedding before starting. Wash the bedding separately according to its care instructions.

2. Vacuum the Mattress

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, hair, lint and visible debris from the mattress surface. Pay extra attention to seams and edges where dirt can collect.

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda

Spread a thin, even layer of baking soda across the mattress surface. There is no need to use a large quantity; a light coating is enough for this deodorising method.

4. Leave It for a Few Hours

Allow the baking soda to remain on the mattress for several hours. During this time, it can help absorb some unwanted odours from the surface.

5. Vacuum Thoroughly

Once the baking soda has had enough time to sit, vacuum the entire mattress carefully. Make sure no visible powder remains, particularly around seams and edges.

6. Air Out the Mattress

If possible, allow the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room before putting the clean bedding back on. Avoid soaking the mattress with water or other cleaning solutions.

Can You Use Baking Soda on Pillows?

Baking soda may also be used to freshen some pillows, but the material and manufacturer's cleaning instructions should be checked first. Different pillows, including memory foam, latex and feather-filled varieties, have different care requirements.

For pillows that should not be exposed to loose powders or moisture, it is better to follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning method.

How Often Can You Use This Mattress Cleaning Hack?

There is no fixed schedule for using baking soda. It can be considered as an occasional deodorising step between deeper mattress cleanings, particularly when the mattress develops a noticeable smell.

Regularly washing bedding, keeping the bedroom ventilated and allowing moisture to dry can also help keep the sleeping area fresher.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Use only a light layer of baking soda rather than covering the mattress with a thick amount.
• Vacuum the powder thoroughly before using the mattress again.
• Check the mattress manufacturer's care instructions before applying baking soda.
• Keep the mattress as dry as possible and avoid soaking it.
• Baking soda can help with odours, but it does not replace professional cleaning when dealing with serious stains, mould or pest infestations.
• Test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area if you are unsure how the material will react.