Mattresses, like any furniture, can accumulate dust so it would be good to clean it once every six months.

The first thing you need to do to clean your mattress is to strip the sheets and cover off so they could go to the laundry. Flip the mattress and thoroughly vacuum all the dust off of it.

Check for stains and spot clean if you must. You can use a paste made of half a cup of corn starch and a teaspoon of water for blood stains. Just rub the paste and allow to dry. Brush off and vacuum.

Other fluid stains can be taken care of by baking soda. Just work a tablespoon of it on each spot and brush with an old toothbrush. Wipe off with a clean damp cloth. If stain is stubborn, you can try commercial upholstery cleaner, but do follow the directions carefully so as not to ruin the mattress.

Set your mattress aside. Vacuum or wipe away the dust from your bed frame or box spring. Replace the sheets and mattress pad once they’re freshly washed and dried.