Cleaning your mattress is a particularly important cleaning task if you live in a humid environment since yours is likely to retain sweat and moisture even after you get out of bed. Also, if you have pets or small children, chances are your mattress has some stains you don’t even know are there.

I know what you’re thinking: “Thanks, Katie, now I’ll never be able to sleep!” but you don’t have to take a siesta from your snoozing. Just follow this guide, and you’ll know how to clean a mattress, so the only thing that will keep you up at night are the forgotten to-do’s that pop into your head the instant you turn the light off. (Or is that just me?)

Before you start cleaning your mattress, strip the bed and launder your linens. Wash and dry your mattress pad first, then the sheets, and finally your bedspread/comforter/duvet. Check the manufacturer’s labels first and use the hottest water and dryer heat setting allowed since heat will kill dust mites in your bedding. While the washer and dryer are doing their thing, turn your attention to the mattress.