Yes, baking soda can effectively clean a mattress.
It's particularly good for deodorising and lightly cleaning the surface.
Here's how baking soda helps:
Odour absorption: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural odour absorber. It's effective in neutralising acidic odours and lessening the smell of various organic compounds. When sprinkled over the mattress, it can help in removing smells like sweat or urine.
Mild abrasive: Baking soda has a slightly abrasive texture, which can help in dislodging light stains and dirt from the surface of the mattress when rubbed gently.
Moisture absorption: It can also help in absorbing moisture. This is particularly useful in humid environments or if the mattress has been exposed to dampness.
For general cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress, leave it for a few hours to absorb odours and moisture, and then vacuum it off.
For stain removal, it can be used as a paste (mixed with a bit of water), applied to the stain, left to dry, and then scraped off or vacuumed.
However, it's important to note that while baking soda is effective for surface cleaning and deodorising, it's not a substitute for a thorough deep clean, especially for removing deep stains or addressing issues like dust mites or allergens.
For more intense cleaning, other methods or professional services might be required.