What are the signs that I need to hire a bed cleaner?
Common signs that it’s time to hire a bed cleaning service include:
Visible stains. If you have spills, sweat stains, or pet marks on your mattress that won’t come out with regular cleaning, a professional can often help.
Lingering odors. A musty or unpleasant smell that sticks around even with fresh sheets is a clear sign your mattress needs a deep cleaning.
Worsening allergies. Waking up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or other allergy symptoms can point to a buildup of dust mites and dander in your bed.
It’s been a while. It’s a good practice to have your mattress professionally cleaned every six to 12 months to maintain a hygienic sleep environment.
You want a full refresh. Sometimes you just want a deeper clean for your bedroom. Many pros who handle mattresses also offer upholstery and furniture cleaning for a complete room reset.
How can I save money on bed cleaning services?
Here are some cost-saving tips:
Perform regular light cleaning yourself, like vacuuming the surface and spot-treating minor stains. This can extend the time between professional deep cleans.
Ask about bundling services, as many companies offer a discount for cleaning multiple mattresses at once or combining the job with a general house cleaning.
Get quotes from at least three different cleaning professionals to compare prices and services and ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.
Inquire about off-peak discounts, as some companies may offer lower rates during their less busy seasons or on certain days of the week. A flexible schedule can sometimes lead to savings.
Choose a local company to minimize or eliminate travel fees. A pro who is already in your area won't need to charge extra for a long commute.
What questions should I ask before hiring a mattress cleaner?
Before hiring bed cleaners, be sure to ask these questions:
What cleaning methods and products do you use, and are they safe for kids and pets?
How long will my bed take to dry completely after the cleaning?
What’s your experience with removing tough stains like pet urine, blood, or wine?
Does the price include cleaning the box spring and bed frame, or just the mattress?
How do you determine the final cost for the service?
Are you insured, and do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Can you treat the mattress for allergens like dust mites or mold?
How much should you tip maids or cleaning services?
Tipping between 15 and 20 percent is considered an appropriate tip for maids and house cleaners — just as it would with a barber, food delivery driver or taxi operator. During the holidays, you might want to consider tipping a bit more.
It’s important to note that some housekeeping and maid services might include a tip within the service fee, which should be explained to you in the service contract. Talk to house cleaners in your area to find out what's included in their fees.
How long does it take to clean a bed?
Typically, it will take between 30 minutes and two hours for a professional to complete the job, but a few factors may impact how long it takes. For example:
The size of your mattress will affect the timeline, as a king bed takes longer to clean than a twin.
The cleaning method plays a big role, as deep steam cleaning takes more time than a basic surface treatment.
Heavily soiled mattresses or those with set-in stains will require extra time and specialized products for treatment.
The total scope of the job matters; cleaning a mattress, box spring, and headboard will take longer than just the mattress.
While the hands-on cleaning is relatively quick, you'll need to account for several hours of drying time before the bed is ready to use.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.
What steps should I take before my matress cleaner arrives?
Before your pro arrives for the job, take these steps to ensure a safe and efficient appointment:
Step 1: Strip the bed. Remove all sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress toppers so your pro has full access to the mattress surface.
Step 2: Clear the surrounding area. Creating a clear path and workspace is helpful for any service, from bed cleaning to a full house cleaning.
Step 3: Note any specific concerns. Be ready to point out any tough stains, odors, or problem spots you’d like your pro to focus on.
Step 4: Ventilate the room. Open a window or turn on a fan to help with air circulation and speed up drying time after the cleaning.
Step 5: Secure pets and children. For their safety and to avoid interruptions, keep pets and small children out of the room during the appointment.
What should I expect during my bed cleaning?
During your pro’s visit, they'll typically start by inspecting your mattress to identify the fabric type and any specific stains or problem areas. They will then use professional-grade equipment, such as steam cleaners or hot water extraction machines, to deep-clean the mattress and remove dirt, allergens, and odors. This deep-cleaning process is much more thorough than what's typically included in a standard house cleaning appointment. After treating any tough spots, your pro will advise you on the necessary drying time before your bed is ready for use.