How To Clean a Futon Mattress In 4 Easy Steps

May 25, 2022

Want to know how to clean a futon mattress simply and efficiently? Follow these easy steps (Click on each one to learn more): 

You also might be interested in the following additional cleaning tips sections.

If you are looking for the highest-quality and extremely affordable Canadian-made futons, contact us.

Learn how to clean a futon mattress

How to Clean a Futon Mattress


1. Remove and clean your futon cover.


If your futon has a futon cover on it, you can do the following steps:


Step 1: Move your futon into the flattened, sleeping position so it is easier to work with. If you prefer, and if you have enough space, you can pull your mattress onto the floor for easier access.


Step 2: Carefully remove the futon cover and check for any cleaning instruction tags. If there are no tags on the cover, you might want to contact your manufacturer to find out if it can be machine washed or not.


Step 3: Follow the cleaning instructions. If it says "dry clean only", then don't be tempted to throw it in the machine or to hand wash it. You will probably ruin it and will have to purchase another cover.


Step 4: It is probably best to wash the cover on the gentle cycle and in cold water, using a mild detergent, so that they colours do not run. You can pre-treat any stains by rubbing a small amount of detergent or stain remover on the spot and letting it sit for a few minutes before putting it into the washer. It is also a good idea to wash it by itself so that it doesn't get damaged or pulled by zippers or other objects in the machine. 


Step 5: If possible, you can hang your futon cover outside on a line to dry or if it is dryer-safe, then put it in the dryer on a low setting so it doesn't shrink.


How to clean a futon mattress: Start by removing and cleaning the cover.

2. Vacuum or brush any dust, crumbs, hair, lint, and other debris from the mattress.


Step 1: Using your vacuum, slowly move the brush back and forth over all the surfaces of your futon mattress. You may want to ask someone to help you flip your mattress over to do the other side.


Step 2: Use a corner or upholstery attachment on your vacuum to get any debris that is stuck in the corners or creases that your first pass with the vacuum didn't pick up.


Step 3: If you have pets, you might need to use a lint brush to pick up any hair that is stuck to the surface that the vacuum can't suck up.


How to clean a futon mattress: Use a corner attachment on your vacuum to get debris stuck in the creases - Image: Clean My Space

3. Use baking soda to get rid of any odours.


Step 1: Mattresses can develop odours over time. One of the best and least expensive ways to remove odours is with baking soda. If you prefer, you can also buy a commercial odour removing product like Febreeze or Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Powder. You can also use corn starch as it is a natural and effective way to absorb body oil and sweat.


Step 2: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda or corn starch over the surface of your mattress. You can use a fine metal strainer to remove any lumps and to help you get an even covering. If you are using a commercial odour removing product, follow the instruction on the label.


Step 3: Wait for about 1 hour to allow the baking soda or corn starch to soak up the odours.


Step 4: Use your vacuum to suck up the powder on the surface.


How to clean a futon mattress: Use a fine metal strainer to give you an even coverage - Image: Clean My Space

4. Remove any stains on your mattress.


Step 1: Check your mattress for any stains. Mix up a solution of mild detergent and water.


Step 2: Dip a soft cloth (a microfiber one works well) into the solution and ring out the excess water.


Step 3: If your futon does not have a removable cover then first test a small hidden area to make sure that you don't damage or discolour the material.


Step 4: Gently rub the stain until it is removed. Once the stain is removed, wipe it with a clean cloth that is dampened with water to remove any excess detergent.


Step 5: Blot the damp area with a dry towel to remove any excess moisture. You can also use a blow dryer to further dry the spot.


How to clean a futon mattress: Carefully remove any stains

How to clean urine from your futon mattress


If you have pets or if small children have slept on your futon, then you may need to remove urine stains from it. This can be a difficult task. If you catch the stain in time and it is still wet, take the following steps:


Step 1: Blot up the excess urine with toilet paper or paper towel and dispose of it.


Step 2: Next, cover the spot with baking sods to help remove both the stain and the smell.


Step 3: Using a spray bottle, spray vinegar over the baking soda and let it soak in for about 5 minutes.


Step 4: Blot up the excess liquid with paper towel. Try to get it as dry as possible.


Step 5: Sprinkle more baking soda over the area and let it sit for a day. You can point a fan on the area to try and dry it faster or you can take it outside to dry in the sun.


Step 6: Once the spot is completely dry, vacuum up the excess baking soda. If the stain was dry when you found it, you will have to use a stronger, hydrogen peroxide solution to remove it or a commercial product.

How to clean a futon mattress that has urine on it: It is easier to clean if you catch it when it is still wet.

How to Clean a Futon Mattress Frame


It is a good idea to clean your futon frame before you put the mattress back on it. 


Metal frames: Dust off any dirt or debris with a soft cloth or a duster. You can then wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth. You can dry it with a soft towel to give it a nice shine and to remove any streaks.


Wooden frames: Dust off any dirt or debris with a soft cloth or a duster. You don't want to get the wood too wet when you are cleaning it. You can use a slightly damp cloth but make sure you thoroughly wring out your cloth and dry the surface when you are done. You can also use lemon oil. Pour a small amount on a clean cloth and work it into the wood. You want to wipe with the grain and buff it until it shines.

You can use lemon oil on your wooden frame

Looking for the Best Quality and the Best Price for a Futon?


If you are looking for the best quality futons at the best price, contact The Futon Shop. At the Futon Shop we know how amazing our futons are because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer! Since 1984 we have been manufacturing our own line of high-quality futons in a wide variety of styles and sizes. If you prefer, we can also make a custom size to meet your exact requirements. 


All of our futons are crafted right here in Canada at our Burlington Ontario location, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last. We are the largest futon manufacture in Canada and we even build our own line of high quality futon mattresses. You can come see our incredible lineup at our Burlington location or you can shop for all of our products online. We ship all across Canada. 

Shop Now

"I shopped at The Futon Shop in Burlington in person today and I am very happy with my purchase. Brian was super helpful and just a pleasure to deal with.  He made sure that my futon package was exactly what I needed. The futon is very good quality and the matress is very comfortable. I was able to assemble with almost no difficulties. I would recommend the Futon Shop in Burlington to anyone looking for futon."

- Sanah Laird


Read more reviews


The Futon Shop - Burlington Showroom

5205 Harvester Rd, Burlington, L7L, ON, Canada

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