How to clean an upholstered base? A comprehensive guide

Although it is often overlooked, cleaning your mattress base is important for keeping your bed in good condition and ensuring better hygiene in the bedroom.

In the case of upholstered bases, cleaning them is very quick and easy, so it doesn’t take too long, but it’s worth knowing how to do it properly and which products to use.

That’s why, in this post, we’ll show you how to clean an upholstered bed base step by step, explaining how to tackle stubborn stains and giving you maintenance tips to help your bed base last longer.

Why is it important to clean bed bases?

Keeping your bed base clean is one of the habits that has the greatest impact on the durability of your mattress, as well as helping to ensure a healthier night’s sleep. With regular use, it is normal for dust, fabric particles and, in some cases, moisture to build up in the area where the mattress rests.

A thorough clean not only improves the appearance and creates a tidier environment, but also helps preserve the materials of the bed base. However, it is worth noting that bed bases are easier to clean than slatted bed bases, as their surface is continuous, which is a factor that tips the balance when choosing between a slatted bed base or an upholstered bed base.

Furthermore, a clean bed base helps reduce the presence of dust mites and other agents that can affect the air quality in the bedroom, which is particularly important for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. It also extends the lifespan of the mattress, as the build-up of dirt and moisture can accelerate wear and tear.

What products can you use to clean your upholstered bed base?

Before we tell you how to clean a bed base, let’s go through the products you’ll need. Some are for routine cleaning, whilst others are useful for removing stubborn stains:

• Damp cloth: used to remove dust and surface stains without damaging the fabric.
• Handheld vacuum cleaner: the ideal tool for removing dust, dust mites and accumulated dirt, especially in corners and hard-to-reach areas.
• Water and mild soap: used to remove stains or give the bed base a deeper clean, although you should always check the label first to confirm the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Specialised upholstery cleaner: recommended for stubborn stains, as it is formulated to clean fabrics without damaging them.
• Bicarbonate of soda: helps neutralise odours and absorb moisture.
• White vinegar: diluted in water, it can be used to remove and disinfect certain stains, always with caution.
• Soft-bristled brush: allows you to work on stubborn dirt to apply the products mentioned.

How to clean an upholstered mattress base step by step?

Before you start cleaning, remember to check the label for the manufacturer’s instructions, as these may restrict the use of certain products. Once you’ve done that, you can generally follow these steps:

1. Prepare the base: remove the mattress and any objects on the upholstered base, ensuring you can access the entire surface easily. If possible, air the room to help with drying later and to work in a cleaner environment.
2. Vacuum the base: use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust and dirt, paying particular attention to the edges, corners and areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth: use a microfibre cloth dampened with warm water to remove any remaining dust and surface dirt, taking care not to apply too much pressure. Make sure to wring out the cloth thoroughly before use so that it is not too wet.
4. Use soap on the dirtiest areas: if there are stains or areas with more dirt, you can apply a mixture of water and mild detergent with a cloth, using circular movements without soaking the surface. Afterwards, you should remove any soap residue, again with a damp cloth.
5. Apply stain remover if necessary: if there are stubborn stains, use a specific upholstery cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions, applying it only to the affected area.
6. Leave to dry: leave the upholstered base in a well-ventilated area until it is completely dry before placing the mattress back on top, to prevent damp or unpleasant odours.

How to remove stubborn stains?

If you need to remove a particularly stubborn stain, there are several solutions you can try, as detailed below. However, please remember to check the label to ensure that certain products are suitable for use.

• Water and mild soap: this is a gentle solution that helps remove stains that have not disappeared after an initial clean. We recommend using a well-wrung cloth and working the area with gentle movements; you may use a soft-bristled brush to remove embedded dirt.
• Specific stain removers: these are an effective option, provided the manufacturer’s instructions allow their use. You should apply them only to the affected area, taking care not to soak the fabric so as not to damage the upholstery.
• Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar: if you prefer home remedies, a fail-safe alternative is the combination of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, which is useful for stubborn stains and unpleasant odours. Bicarbonate of soda helps absorb dirt, whilst white vinegar, diluted in water, helps to disinfect. However, it should be used sparingly and tested first on an inconspicuous area to ensure the fabric is not damaged.

How do you remove mould from an upholstered bed base?

Sometimes, due to a lack of ventilation, moisture can build up in the upholstered bed base and eventually lead to mould growth. In such cases, it is important to act as soon as possible to prevent the problem from spreading further:

1. Ventilate the area thoroughly and prepare it: remove the mattress and place the bed base in a well-ventilated space, making cleaning easier and helping to remove the mould.
2. Remove surface mould: use the brush attachment on your handheld vacuum cleaner to remove debris and spores, without rubbing so as not to spread the mould across the upholstery.
3. Apply a cleaning solution: for superficial cases, a mixture of water and mild soap may be sufficient to clean the mould-affected base, whilst if the mould is more widespread, it is advisable to use specific products to remove it, always wearing protective gear and carefully following the instructions.
4. Leave to dry: keep the windows open and leave the base in a well-ventilated area until it is completely dry. If necessary, repeat the process on the most affected areas to ensure the cleaning is effective.

Maintenance tips for looking after your upholstered bed base

Now that you know how to clean an upholstered bed base, we’ll finish by giving you a few tips on how to keep it in good condition, thereby reducing the frequency of cleaning and extending its lifespan:

• Air it out daily: keeping the room well-ventilated helps reduce moisture build-up in both the mattress and the bed base, which helps preserve the materials better and prevents unpleasant odours.
• Vacuum regularly: using a handheld vacuum cleaner frequently helps remove accumulated dust and dirt, especially in less visible areas.
• Clean stains as soon as possible: if the base gets stained, clean it quickly to prevent dirt from sticking to the fabric and becoming harder to remove.
• Avoid excess moisture: when cleaning the upholstered base, it is important not to soak the cloth, as this can damage or over-moisten the fabric.
• Bear in mind the type of fabric: some finishes require specific care, so always check the label before applying any product.
• Do not rub excessively: when cleaning the surface, it is best to use gentle circular movements so as not to damage the upholstery or alter the finish.