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Truck and RV Mattress Cleaning Guide

SleepDog® RV and Truck mattresses are designed to last for over 10 years, but taking routine care of your mattress will help it last even longer. Over time, bacteria, mold, dead skin, and sweat can take a toll on your mattress, so it’s crucial to keep it clean.

Truck and RV mattresses tend to get dirtier more quickly than residential mattresses. Over time, bacteria, mold, dead skin, and sweat can build up in your mattress, but when you’re on the road so can mud, dirt, and insects. While SleepDog® mattresses are designed to last for over 10 years, taking routine care of your mattress will help it last even longer. Below are our best suggestions on how to thoroughly clean your memory foam truck or RV mattress.

Method 1: Use a Mattress Protector

First and foremost, the best way to keep your truck or RV mattress clean is to pair it with a mattress protector. In using a mattress protector, you are creating a breathable, washable barrier against dust mites, bacteria, and fluids, which helps protect the integrity of your mattress materials. While using mattress protectors minimizes the frequency with which a mattress needs deeper cleaning, it is still important to routinely clean your mattress following the methods below. Our Sleep Tite® Pr1me® Terry Protector comes highly recommended to protect your mattress from daily wear and tear.

Method 2: Gently Vacuum

Any dry dirt or crumbs on your mattress can be gently vacuumed as a first step. Be sure to remove all sheets and any allergen or protective covers underneath the sheets (and wash them while you’re at it) before you vacuum. Use a vacuum with a wide, clean nozzle and gently brush over the entire surface of your truck mattress or RV mattress. Don’t forget to vacuum the bottom surface as well! Before putting any bedding back on, allow your mattress to air out for several hours.

If you don’t have a vacuum on hand, many rest stops or gas stations offer vacuums. Alternatively, you could use a damp paper towel or rag to pick up any dirt on the mattress and then use a cleaning solution to spot clean.

Method 3: Spot Clean

Spot cleaning is a great way to clean anything that won’t lift with a vacuum. When spot cleaning, be careful not to soak your truck or RV mattress, as it could take hours to dry. If not dried properly your mattress can starting showing signs of mold. If you need to clean the entire mattress, you can spray your preferred cleaning solution evenly over the whole surface and let it set in for 2-3 minutes before dabbing until it’s mostly dry. For spot cleans only, spray gentle cleaners directly onto the stains and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, use a dry, clean cloth or towel to dab the area until it is mostly dry.

If you are not sure what type of cleaner to use, below is a list of some of the most popular cleaning solutions for truck and RV mattresses, many of which have the added benefit of deodorizing your mattress. You may recognize some of these as fabric cleaners, but they are in fact versatile solutions that can be used, in moderation, on mattresses, as well:

  • OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover
  • Resolve Liquid Mattress Cleaner & Spray
  • Resolve Upholstery Cleaner and Stain Remover
  • Kleen Logik Mattress Stain Spot Remover Cleaning Spray
  • Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Mattress Cleaner
  • General household cleaners such as Formula 409 or the Mr. Clean or Clorox surface cleaner

Method 4: DIY Cleaning Solutions

You may have some cleaning materials on your truck or RV without even knowing it. There are quite a few quintessential items, such as vinegar and laundry detergent, that can actually clean your mattress. Many of these products also provide a gentler cleaning method than store bought cleaners, which is better for both people and your mattress.

Formula #1: Laundry detergent + water

You can make this formula while on the road or at home before you head out. Simply mix equal parts laundry detergent and water in a spray bottle until it is well blended, then generously apply the mixture to any stains without saturating the surface. We recommend dabbing the stains or gently scrubbing in a circular motion.

Formula #2: Vinegar + water

For more stubborn stains, we suggest using a vinegar and water solution. Using equal parts white vinegar and water, mix the solution in a spray bottle. A light mist over the stained areas should suffice before you dab the stain with a clean towel.

Formula #3: Dish soap + water

Another easy-to-make formula, dish soap and water can handle moderately tough stains. Put the mixture directly onto a clean rag or towel, or pour it into a spray bottle for more accessible use.

Formula #4: Baking soda + essential oil

Baking soda and water is a strong solution that can beat even the toughest stains. However, this cleaning process is a bit more involved. First, use the vinegar and water mixture to spray any stains, then dust some baking soda over the affected areas. You can also combine baking soda with your favorite essential oil to add a pleasant odor. (We recommend lavender for its relaxing properties.) Allow the baking soda to sit for about 8 hours in order for it to absorb the stain. If there is residual baking soda, gently vacuum it.

Drying Your Truck or RV Mattress

While the cleaning process is important, allowing enough time for your mattress to dry is just as crucial. Ensure that your mattress is completely dry before redressing it. If possible, dry your mattress in an area with lots of sunlight or use a fan to help speed up the process. Above all, make sure it dries in a location where it won’t get dirty again.

Tips for Keeping Your SleepDog® Mattress Clean

SleepDog® mattresses are 100% American made with the finest quality memory foam and are built to last for about 10 years. However, they can only last with regular attention and care. Using the proper maintenance and cleaning techniques, your truck or RV mattress will stay supportive for years to come. Routine maintenance includes cleaning the bedding, mattress cover, and mattress itself to prevent problems such as mold, bed bugs, and dust mites. And while we never recommend flipping your SleepDog®, we do suggest rotating it every 6-12 months to maintain even wear.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is my truck or RV mattress washable?

We do not recommend washing your memory foam mattress with a lot of liquid, as the foam can absorb excess water, which can lead to mold growth and can impact the structural integrity of your mattress. When you are cleaning your mattress, we always suggest you spot clean with a solution of water mixed with either laundry detergent or vinegar. We recommend applying these solutions using a cloth or spray bottle, to avoid oversaturating your mattress with liquid. Your truck or RV mattresses should never be soaked or submerged.

What can I clean my RV or truck mattress with?

You can do anything from a light vacuum of your SleepDog® mattress, to a deeper clean using a diluted cleaning solution. Laundry detergent, dish soap, or vinegar are safe to mix with water to create an effective cleaning solution for your mattress and mattress cover.

How can I dry my truck or RV mattress?

The best way to dry your truck or RV mattress is to let it air dry, especially in a sunny location. You can also use fans to help speed up the process. If you are able to place your mattress outside to dry on a warm day, be sure to put it in a spot where it won’t get dirty again.

How often should I clean my RV or truck mattress?

Depending on how dirty your RV or truck mattress is, you can clean it as often as once a month or as little as once or twice a year. Since mattresses tend to get dirtier more quickly on the road, it is important to pay attention to stains, dirt, or general wear and tear that appears on your truck or RV mattress. Even if you don’t notice obvious dirt or stains, we recommend cleaning your bedding regularly and vacuuming your mattress every 6-12 months.

Should I use a mattress protector on my truck or RV mattress?

We highly recommend using a mattress protector on your truck or RV mattress, such as our Sleep Tite® Pr1me® Terry Protector or another similar cover. Mattress protectors are essential to promoting the longevity of your RV or truck mattress and keeping it clean.

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