So you spilled something on your Purple mattress. Or maybe it just smells like a gym bag. Either way, you’re probably wondering how to clean a Purple mattress without destroying the grid, voiding the warranty, or making it worse.
Most cleaning advice online is useless – or flat-out wrong. You don’t need vinegar hacks from TikTok or some overpriced enzyme spray. You need real steps, backed by what actually works on this type of mattress.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- What cleaning methods actually work on a Purple mattress
- What to avoid so you don’t destroy the hyper-elastic polymer grid
- How to handle stains, odors, bodily fluids, or full-on spills
- When it’s time to stop scrubbing and replace the damn thing
Let’s get into it – starting with what kind of mess you’re dealing with.
Quick Clean vs. Deep Clean: Know the Difference
Before you start scrubbing, figure out what kind of mess you’re dealing with:
- Quick spot clean? (Sweat stains, crumbs, minor spills): You’re good with a simple surface wipe.
- Bigger mess? (Urine, vomit, blood, large liquid spills): You’ll need a more serious deep-clean process.
The steps below walk through both – so you can handle whatever disaster hit your mattress.
Spot Cleaning a Purple Mattress
This is what you’ll use for mild issues – things like sweat stains, food crumbs, or the occasional mystery smell.
What You’ll Need:
- Mild liquid detergent (no bleach, no enzymes)
- Spray bottle filled with warm water
- Clean white towel or microfiber cloth
- Optional: Baking soda for odor
Instructions:
- Mix your cleaner: Add a few drops of detergent to a full spray bottle of warm water. Shake it gently to mix – you don’t need foam, just dilution.
- Lightly mist the stain: Don’t soak it. That hyper-elastic grid traps moisture like crazy, and it’ll never dry properly if you drench it.
- Blot, don’t rub: Press down with your cloth to absorb. Rubbing just pushes the stain deeper into the layers.
- Let it dry completely: Seriously. Do not put sheets back on or lay down until it’s fully dry. Use a fan if you need to speed it up.
- Optional deodorizing: Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the area. Let it sit for 8-12 hours, then vacuum it up.
This method handles 90% of basic spills and surface funk. But if you’re used to generic guides on how to clean a mattress safely, know that Purple requires a different approach.
Deep Cleaning a Purple Mattress (Urine, Vomit, Blood, etc.)
This is the part where most people screw up. Purple mattresses don’t handle saturation or harsh cleaners well – and that grid layer? It holds onto moisture like it’s got a grudge.
What You’ll Need:
- Enzyme-free upholstery cleaner or gentle baby-safe detergent
- Absorbent towels (microfiber or white cotton)
- Plastic scraper or old credit card
- Optional: Wet/dry vacuum on LOW suction
- Fan or open windows for airflow
Instructions:
- Move fast: The longer you wait, the deeper it sets. Act immediately.
- Blot up what you can: Press towels firmly on the area. Don’t rub, don’t scrub – just soak and lift. You want the liquid out, not pushed around.
- Spray a tiny bit of cleaner: Use a very light mist of upholstery-safe detergent. You’re dampening the area, not bathing it.
- Scrape off solids: If you’re dealing with vomit or anything chunky, use a plastic scraper. Don’t dig – just gently lift what you can without tearing into the grid.
- Keep blotting: Clean towel, fresh pressure. Swap towels as they get saturated. Keep going until the towel comes up clean.
- Let it air dry completely: Use a fan if you can, or leave it in a breezy room. No hair dryers, no heaters – heat warps the grid and voids your warranty.
- Deodorize afterward: When it’s dry, add baking soda over the area and let it sit overnight. Vacuum it up in the morning.
If there’s still a smell, repeat once. If it still lingers after two full cleanings, it might be time to think about replacing the cover – or the mattress.
What Cleaning Methods to Avoid
If you’re thinking of dragging out a steamer or dumping vinegar on your bed, stop right there. A Purple mattress isn’t built like a regular foam bed – and using the wrong method can wreck it fast.
Steam Cleaners
Steam might sound like a deep-clean miracle, but Purple’s hyper-elastic polymer grid isn’t designed for high heat or saturation. Steam can warp the grid, weaken the foam, and basically turn your mattress into a lumpy mess. Also: you’ll void your warranty.
Harsh Chemicals
Avoid bleach, ammonia, enzyme cleaners, and anything labeled “industrial strength.” These break down the foam, degrade the cover, and mess with the mattress materials. You’ll do more harm than good – and again, void the warranty.
Soaking or Spraying Too Much
Purple beds are not water-friendly. The comfort grid holds onto liquid like a sponge, but without the drying ability. If you saturate it, you’re risking mold, mildew, and a lingering smell that no amount of baking soda will fix.
Machine Washing the Cover
Even though the zippered cover is removable, Purple explicitly warns against throwing it in the washer. Doing so can damage the fabric and completely void your warranty. If it’s trashed, contact Purple directly – they sometimes offer replacement covers.
How to Remove Odors and Prevent Mold
Smells like a high school locker room? That’s usually a mix of sweat, body oils, and bacteria buildup in the top layers. If the mattress was exposed to serious moisture – like a spill, pet accident, or high humidity – you could also be looking at early mold or mildew.
Step 1: Let It Breathe
First, strip everything off – sheets, protector, cover. Get the mattress in a well-ventilated room. Open windows, aim a fan at it, and let airflow do its thing. Trapped moisture is what causes mold, so drying it out is non-negotiable (moisture can lead to mold).
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda
Sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda across the entire surface. Let it sit for 8–24 hours – the longer, the better. Baking soda helps absorb odors and pulls out residual moisture trapped in the top layer.
Step 3: Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove all the baking soda. Go slow, cover every inch. If you have a HEPA vacuum, even better – it’ll pick up the fine particles that cheaper vacs leave behind.
Step 4: Target Stubborn Spots
If it still smells funky, you can lightly mist the problem area with a 50/50 mix of warm water and white vinegar. Just a light mist – don’t soak it. Blot with a clean towel and let it air dry completely. Then reapply baking soda one more time and vacuum again.
Step 5: Mold Check
If the mattress smells musty even after cleaning, or if you see black, green, or gray spots under the cover, you’re likely dealing with mold. At that point, it’s not worth trying to salvage. Mold in a mattress = replace it. Period.
Pro Tip: Use a Breathable Mattress Protector
Preventing future odor and moisture buildup is way easier than removing it. Use a waterproof, breathable, stretchy protector that doesn’t trap heat or compress the comfort grid. That’ll block sweat, spills, and bacteria before it gets deep into the foam.
Mattress Protectors: Worth It or Just a Scam?
Here’s the truth: if you own a Purple mattress and you’re not using a protector, you’re playing with fire.
This isn’t about upsells – it’s about not ruining a mattress that costs hundreds of dollars because your dog decided to puke at 2am or your kid spilled juice during movie night.
Why You Actually Need One
- Protects against spills and stains: Purple’s hyper-elastic grid isn’t waterproof. Liquids sink fast, and once they’re in, they don’t come out easily.
- Keeps sweat and skin oils out: Even if you never spill anything, moisture builds up over time. That leads to odor, bacteria, and yellowing foam.
- Makes cleaning way easier: You can strip and wash a protector in minutes. Cleaning the mattress itself? That’s an ordeal.
- Preserves your warranty: Purple can deny coverage if your mattress is stained. A protector helps you avoid that headache.
What to Look For in a Protector
- Stretch fabric: The grid flexes when you move. A stiff or tight protector can mess with the feel and pressure relief.
- Waterproof – but breathable: You want it to block spills without turning your bed into a sweat trap. Look for breathable membranes, not plastic tarps.
- Machine washable: If it can’t go in the washer and dryer, skip it.
Do You Need Purple’s Brand Protector?
Nope. It’s decent, but any third-party protector that checks those boxes will work fine. Don’t overpay – just don’t cheap out, either.
Think of it like a phone case for your mattress. You may not love how it looks, but the first time it saves your ass, you’ll be glad it’s there.
When to Replace Your Purple Mattress
No mattress lasts forever – not even one with a futuristic gel grid. If your Purple mattress is past its prime, no amount of cleaning is going to bring it back from the dead.
Here’s when it’s time to stop scrubbing and start shopping:
- Permanent odors: If it still stinks after baking soda, vinegar, and airflow, the smell is likely embedded deep in the foam layers. That’s not coming out.
- Visible mold: Even a small patch of mold means it’s game over. Mold spreads inside the foam, and sleeping on it is a serious health risk.
- Sagging or loss of support: If your mattress dips in the middle or the grid feels warped, it’s not doing its job anymore – especially if you’re waking up with back pain.
- Rips, tears, or foam breakdown: Surface damage lets more moisture and bacteria in. It also usually voids the warranty.
- It’s 7–10 years old: That’s the typical lifespan for most mattresses, even premium ones. If yours is pushing a decade, don’t expect miracle performance.
If you’re seeing more than one of those signs? Stop fighting it. A new mattress will sleep better, smell better, and save your back.
SHOP PURPLE MATTRESS
Final Word
Cleaning a Purple mattress isn’t rocket science – but it’s not like cleaning a regular bed either. That grid layer is a different animal. Treat it wrong, and you’ll wreck the feel, trap moisture, or void the warranty.
Use the right cleaners, go easy with moisture, and always let it dry completely. That’s not just cleaning advice – it’s part of good sleep hygiene, according to Mayo Clinic.
Skip the steamers, toss the bleach, and stop Googling TikTok hacks.
And seriously – get a damn mattress protector. You’ll thank yourself later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you vacuum a Purple mattress?
Yes – as long as you’re using a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Just don’t press hard or use high suction near the grid. And skip the roller brush entirely – it can snag the fabric or warp the comfort layer.
What if my Purple mattress smells out of the box?
That “new mattress” smell is normal and should fade within a few hours to a couple of days. Let it air out in a ventilated room with the windows open. Don’t spray it with Febreze – that traps moisture and can irritate the materials.
Can I flip or rotate a Purple mattress?
Most Purple mattresses aren’t designed to be flipped – the comfort grid is only on the top layer. But you can rotate the mattress 180 degrees every few months to help it wear evenly, especially if you sleep on one side more than the other.
Is it safe to use essential oils or mattress sprays?
Nope. Most essential oils are too strong and can break down the foam or fabric over time. Stick to baking soda and airflow for odor control. If you’re using a spray, it better be water-based, gentle, and fully dried before putting sheets back on.
Will a mattress protector ruin the feel of a Purple bed?
Some will. Cheap plastic covers trap heat and flatten the grid. You want a stretchy, breathable protector that flexes with the mattress – like Purple’s own or any high-quality elastic version made for foam beds.
