As an alternative to an enzyme-based cleaner, you can make your own DIY solution by mixing dish soap with water and applying just the resulting foam to the stain. You can also make a DIY solution of equal parts cold water and hydrogen peroxide, or use a vinegar-baking-soda solution to remove stains.

5. Sprinkle baking soda all over the entire mattress

If you can’t put your mattress out in the sun and fresh air, baking soda is the next best thing. Sprinkle a layer over the entire top of the mattress and leave for several hours (or better yet, apply before an overnight trip). Baking soda will break down acid and absorb any remaining moisture or odor. The longer you can leave baking soda on the mattress, the better it will work! As the mattress sits with the baking soda, open any windows in the room to let the light and sunshine in. The sun’s UV rays will actually help kill any mold or bacteria on the mattress.

6. Vacuum again

Once the baking soda has worked its magic, thoroughly vacuum it up. (If you have a fabric headboard, now’s a good time to vacuum that as well! Might as well get a fresh start with everything bed-related.) One optional step? “A handheld steam cleaner can help sanitize and remove deep-seated grime,” Balanzat says.

7. Flip the mattress

Now that side one is spotless, flip the mattress and repeat steps 1 through 5 so both sides are equally fresh and clean. Flipping, of course, should be done at regular intervals, whether you’re deep-cleaning the mattress or not. The conventional wisdom has been that people should flip their mattress every three to six months to prevent uneven wear, but that rule of thumb only applies to spring mattresses because they compress over time. As mattresses get more specialized, like with hybrid mattress designs, your best bet is to check with the model manufacturer. The foam Casper mattress, for instance, only needs to be rotated 180 degrees every few months, while only the top pad of Duxiana’s Dux mattress needs to be flipped and turned.

As a general rule of thumb, even the best mattresses should be flipped or rotated every three months—or more often if you start to notice any sagging. And for those who share a bed, a mattress for couples can really benefit from these regular adjustments to make sure both sides of the bed wear evenly and extend the overall lifespan of the mattress.

There are some mattress styles that don’t require the heavy lifting required to flip a mattress. Casper mattresses, for instance, only need to be rotated 180 degrees every few months—a.k.a., move the mattress around so your head goes where your feet were before.

8. Protect the mattress

Now that you know how to clean a mattress, it’s time to protect it. Once it’s fully dry, cover your fresh, clean mattress with a waterproof mattress protector, which will make cleaning easier in the future and protect from spills, dirt, allergens, and other unpleasantries (i.e. bed bugs).