The Complete Guide to Cleaning Your Mattress, Sofa, Curtains & Carpets at Home

SG House Cleaning

Mattresses, sofas, curtains, and carpets are some of the most heavily used items in Singapore homes. They are in constant contact with our bodies, pets, food particles, and indoor air. Yet, they are often the most overlooked when it comes to regular deep cleaning. Over time, these soft furnishings trap dust, allergens, sweat, pet hair, stains, and odours that affect both comfort and indoor air quality.

In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, these problems develop faster than many homeowners expect. That is why many people search for terms like mattress cleaning Singapore, sofa cleaning Singapore, couch cleaning Singapore, or even upholstery cleaning Singapore. While professional services exist, understanding safe DIY cleaning methods helps homeowners maintain hygiene between deep cleans and avoid unnecessary damage.

This guide explains how to clean mattresses, sofas, curtains, and carpets properly at home. It also highlights when DIY methods are enough and when professional cleaning may be the safer option.

Mattress Cleaning Singapore: What Every Homeowner Should Know

A mattress absorbs sweat, skin cells, body oils, and moisture every night. Over time, this creates an ideal environment for dust mites and bacteria, especially in humid homes.

Step 1: Vacuuming for Dust Mite Control

Vacuuming is the foundation of effective mattress cleaning.

Use an upholstery attachment and vacuum:

• The top surface

• The side panels

• Seams and stitching

• The underside if accessible

Move slowly and apply steady pressure. Dust mites and fine debris often settle deep in seams and corners. Regular vacuuming reduces allergen buildup and improves sleep hygiene.

Many homeowners looking for deep clean mattress solutions overlook this simple step. Consistent vacuuming already delivers noticeable improvements.

Step 2: Mattress Stain Removal Without Damage

Stains should always be treated as soon as possible.

For light stains:

• Mix mild dish soap with warm water

• Dampen a clean cloth

• Blot gently instead of scrubbing

Avoid soaking the mattress. Excess moisture can seep into foam layers and lead to mould growth.

For tougher stains such as sweat or biological residue, enzyme-based cleaners are more effective. These break down organic matter without harsh chemicals.

When stains penetrate deep layers and reappear after drying, DIY methods may no longer be sufficient. This is when people start searching for mattress cleaning service Singapore or professional mattress cleaning options.

Step 3: Deodorising and Mattress Deep Cleaning Support

Odours are common in Singapore homes due to humidity.

Sprinkle baking soda evenly across the mattress surface.
Leave it for at least two to four hours.
Vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralises odours effectively. For additional freshness, expose the mattress to sunlight where possible and improve airflow in the room.

Searches such as mattress deep cleaning Singapore often stem from persistent odours rather than visible dirt. Ventilation and moisture control play a major role in prevention.

Step 4: Proper Drying and Maintenance

Always allow the mattress to dry fully before placing bedsheets back on. Trapped moisture encourages mould and mildew.

Rotate the mattress every six months. This prevents uneven wear and extends its lifespan.

Want to go deeper? Read our Top 7 Cleaning Mistakes Homeowners Make & How to Fix Them to avoid common mattress-cleaning errors.

Sofa Cleaning Singapore: Fabric, Leather & Couch Care

Sofas accumulate dust, crumbs, oils, sweat, and pet hair quickly. Many households search for sofa cleaning services Singapore or couch cleaning Singapore when stains or odours become noticeable. However, regular maintenance can prevent most issues.

Identify the Sofa Fabric Code First

Check the care label under cushions or on the frame.

Common codes include:

• W – Water-based cleaning

• S – Solvent-based cleaning

• WS – Either water or solvent

• X – Vacuum only

Ignoring this label risks permanent damage. Always match the cleaning method to the fabric type.

Deep Vacuuming for Upholstery Hygiene

Remove cushions and vacuum thoroughly:

• Seat base

• Backrest

• Armrests

• Seams and crevices

Use a crevice tool for tight spaces where dirt accumulates. Regular vacuuming reduces allergens and delays the need for deep cleaning.

This step alone addresses many concerns behind upholstery cleaning Singapore searches.

Fabric Sofa Cleaning at Home

For fabric sofas:

• Mix mild detergent with water

• Lightly dampen a cloth

• Blot stains gently

Always test on a hidden area first. Avoid over-wetting the fabric.

In Singapore’s humid climate, fabric sofas must dry completely to prevent musty smells. Fans and open windows help speed up drying.

Many people searching for fabric sofa cleaning Singapore underestimate how important drying time is.

Leather Sofa Cleaning Basics

Leather sofas require different care.

Use a leather-specific cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe gently and avoid excessive moisture. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking.

Never use strong detergents or soaking methods on leather surfaces.

Sofa Odour Control

For fabric sofas:

• Sprinkle baking soda lightly

• Leave for 15 to 30 minutes

• Vacuum thoroughly

Persistent odours may indicate moisture trapped inside the padding. In such cases, DIY solutions may not fully resolve the issue.

Related read: Why More Singapore Families Are Hiring Professional Cleaners — see why busy households outsource sofa & upholstery upkeep.

Curtain Cleaning for Singapore Homes

Curtains act as filters for dust, cooking fumes, and airborne pollutants. Over time, they contribute to indoor odours and allergies.

Curtains are often overlooked during move out cleaning, yet they hold significant dust that can affect inspection results and indoor air quality.

Dust Removal Without Taking Curtains Down

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Start from the top and work downward. This prevents dust from resettling.

Regular vacuuming extends the time between washes.

Washing Curtains Safely

Always check the care label.

Machine-washable curtains:

• Gentle cycle

• Cold water

• Mild detergent

Delicate fabrics:

• Hand wash

• Lukewarm water

Hang curtains back while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. Proper drying prevents mildew, especially in humid rooms.

Curtains are often overlooked during move-out or renovation cleaning, yet they hold significant dust.

Also read: 7 Hidden Spots for Move Out Cleaning — curtains and window tracks are often missed during handovers.

Carpet Cleaning & Deep Cleaning Singapore Homes

Carpets trap dirt deep within fibres and require consistent care.

After renovation work, fine dust often settles deep into carpets, curtains, and upholstery, which is why a proper post renovation cleaning service is recommended before resuming regular home maintenance.

Regular Vacuuming Techniques

Vacuum slowly using overlapping strokes. Empty the vacuum bag or canister regularly to maintain suction.

High-traffic areas need more frequent attention.

Treating Spills Immediately

Blot spills gently with a clean cloth. Never rub, as this pushes stains deeper into fibres.

Mild detergent or diluted vinegar works for many stains. Test first to avoid discolouration.

Deep Carpet Cleaning Every 6–12 Months

Steam cleaning removes embedded dirt and allergens. However, not all carpets tolerate heavy moisture.

After deep cleaning:

• Use fans

• Open windows

• Consider a dehumidifier

Proper drying prevents musty smells and mould growth.

Extra tip: See our Deep House Cleaning Guide for Singapore Residents for full-home DIY cleaning strategies.

DIY Cleaning vs Professional Mattress & Upholstery Cleaning

Many searches such as:

• mattress cleaning near me

• professional bed cleaner

• upholstery cleaning service

reflect uncertainty about what DIY cleaning can achieve.

DIY methods are effective for:

• Surface dirt

• Light stains

• Odour reduction

• Routine maintenance

They struggle with:

• Deep foam contamination

• Persistent mould

• Oil penetration

• Severe water damage

Understanding these limits prevents frustration and repeated cleaning failures.

Dust Mite Cleaning & Allergy Concerns

Dust mites thrive in humid environments. Mattresses, sofas, and carpets are their favourite habitats.

Regular vacuuming, baking soda deodorising, and proper ventilation reduce allergen levels significantly. Mattress protectors and washable covers also help.

Searches for dust mite cleaning services often stem from poor ventilation rather than cleaning frequency alone.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness

• Use mattress protectors

• Rotate cushions regularly

• Clean spills immediately

• Maintain indoor ventilation

• Control humidity levels

Singapore homes benefit greatly from dehumidifiers, especially in bedrooms.

When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense

DIY cleaning has limits. Professional help may be required when dealing with:

• Severe stains

• Persistent odours

• Mould growth

• Large carpeted areas

• Post-renovation dust

Many households combine routine DIY maintenance with scheduled deep cleaning for the rest of the home environment.

In many cases, households maintain hygiene between deep cleans by relying on one-time house cleaning services, which help manage routine dust, allergens, and upkeep without the need for frequent full-scale deep cleaning.

For more practical house cleaning tips covering different areas of the home, explore our full house cleaning blog where we share step-by-step guides and common cleaning mistakes to avoid.

FAQs

How often should I clean my mattress, sofa, curtains, and carpets?

Mattress: every 6 months; Sofa: every 3–6 months; Curtains: every 6–12 months; Carpets: every 6–12 months, with spot cleaning as needed.

Can I steam clean all upholstery?

Not all fabrics can handle steam cleaning. Always check care labels first, and test on a small area before cleaning the whole item.

What’s the safest DIY cleaning solution?

A mix of mild dish soap and water works for most fabrics. Baking soda is excellent for deodorising, and vinegar diluted with water can help remove certain stains — always test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Is baking soda safe for upholstery deodorising?

Yes, for fabric surfaces. Always vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Why do mattresses smell musty?

Humidity, sweat absorption, dust mite buildup, and poor ventilation are common causes.