August 29, 2025, 2:28 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A chemical mattress cleaning not only removes stains but also deep-seated dirt, dust, and bacteria. Professionals need about an hour and a half for a double mattress. But is it worth the effort? Because the cleaning isn’t cheap. BOOKs author Saskia Schneider tried it out.
Admittedly, I only had my mattress cleaned because we were moving, and I was embarrassed by all the stains on it. Besides the pee stains from our dog, whom we naively let into the bed as a puppy, and my spilled tea when I was sick in bed, countless smaller stains from the cat’s vomit also adorned the fabric. And no matter how hard you try or what “miracle products” you use, you can’t really get rid of the stains. That’s why I opted for a chemical mattress cleaning.
120 Euros for a Double Mattress
Depending on the provider and size, a chemical cleaning costs between 70 and 150 euros. With only four days left until the move, I chose a service that connects various independent cleaners, one of whom then accepts and performs the job. This offers great flexibility in scheduling. For a double-sided cleaning of our 140-centimeter-wide double mattress, about 120 euros and a cleaning time of approximately an hour and a half were estimated.
After placing the order, I received a confirmation email shortly after. However, it didn’t include information on who exactly would come that day or how to reach them if no one showed up or if I needed to cancel. Fortunately, the cleaner arrived very punctually.
Chemical Mattress Cleaning Uses Minimal Moisture
The gentleman was approximately 50 years old, quite slender, and spoke hardly any German. However, he got started right away, putting covers over his shoes, taking his bucket of cleaning tools, and beginning the mattress inspection. I had completely stripped the mattress beforehand and made as much space as possible for him. All he needed was a bit of hot water from the bathroom.
The process uses special cleaning agents and chemicals that penetrate deep into the mattress to remove dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Only a small amount of moisture is used, so the mattress dries in a few hours, minimizing the risk of mold.
The entire procedure consists of six cleaning steps:
- Inspection and pretreatment of the mattress
- Vacuuming the mattress
- Application of the chemical cleaning agent
- Mechanical treatment and soaking
- Vacuuming and removal of chemicals
- Disinfection and odor neutralization
What Came Out of the Mattress Was Alarming
The first four steps are relatively quiet. The vacuuming of the chemicals is done with a special device that looks like a vacuum cleaner but is estimated to be twice as loud. This is something to keep in mind if you’re working from home or are sensitive to noise, as the process is repeated several times and takes about an hour.
What came out of the mattress was alarming—at least in my case. I suspected that after five years of use, it carried a lot of dirt, and the stains spoke for themselves. The first “load” of dirt looked like diluted coffee. Even the cleaner noted that the side we slept on for years was “very, very dirty.” After about an hour and a half, the mattress cleaning was complete, and I was asked to inspect the results.
I was impressed: The stains were no longer visible. Only a small discoloration in the fabric remained. Unfortunately, these couldn’t be removed, he explained. But that wasn’t my main concern. I wanted a reasonably presentable and clean mattress—and that’s what I got.
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Mattress Was Dry Again After Just Five Hours
Although various chemicals were used, there was never a strong cleaning odor. The bedroom only smelled like freshly washed laundry for about two hours. Afterward, the mattress needed to dry for a few more hours. According to the provider’s website, it should be usable again after four hours since only a small amount of liquid is used.
I was still skeptical, but indeed, our mattress was completely dry after this time. However, it was 86 degrees that day, and we lived in the attic. Still, I expected to spend the night on the sofa. But that wasn’t necessary.
Conclusion: I Would Do It Again!
For me, the chemical mattress cleaning was worth it, and I would indeed book it again. Especially if pets or children live in the household, this service is worthwhile in my opinion. Because where there is life, accidents happen, and it’s just good to know that you don’t have to worry if the cat throws up in bed for the fifth time in a week: One appointment—and the mattress is practically like new.