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Pets on the Bed

How to get fleas out of a mattress and topper

By Matthew Brunken · Updated October 24, 2026 · 2 min read · Editorial standards

Short answer

Follow the CDC's process. Treat every pet and the home at the same time, wash all bedding in hot, soapy water, and vacuum the mattress and topper thoroughly and often, emptying the vacuum outside. The EPA calls daily vacuuming the best method for initial control. A professional clean with HEPA vacuuming and dry vapor steam covers the mattress itself.

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Regular price $249, Fall 2026 promotion price $199first mattress, any size · Fall 2026 promotion

HEPA vacuuming, enzyme treatment for organic odor, dry vapor steam and UV-C. We recommend cleaning twice a year.

Step 1: Strip and wash

Wash sheets, pillowcases, the protector and any blanket the pet uses. The EPA advises washing pet bedding and "family bedding on which pets lie in hot, soapy water" (EPA). Bag items on the way to the washer.

Step 2: Vacuum the mattress and topper

The EPA says to "vacuum every day to remove eggs, larvae and adults; this is the best method for initial control of a flea infestation." Go slowly over the top, seams, border and underside. The CDC adds: "Be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside when finished" (CDC).

Step 3: Treat the pets and the home together

The CDC says every pet in the home must be treated, and home treatment should start at the same time "to disrupt the flea life cycle." Talk to your veterinarian about flea control for your pet (CDC).

Step 4: Keep going

The CDC says vacuuming and sanitation "should be ongoing" through follow-up to pick up remaining eggs and juvenile fleas.

Toppers

A washable topper cover goes in the hot wash. Foam and fiber toppers get the same vacuuming as the mattress, and we clean toppers with the same process (toppers: wash, sanitize or replace).

Where we come in

We handle the mattress part of the sanitation step: HEPA vacuuming of every panel, dry vapor steam, UV-C and underside treatment on request. See does steam kill fleas in a mattress?.

Where to read next

How we clean a bed you share with a pet

This section is our view. Every Sleep Sanitation visit starts with a nose-and-eyes inspection, then HEPA vacuuming to lift hair, dander and debris, enzyme treatment on organic odor, low-moisture dry vapor steam from our Italian-made Vapor Clean machines, UV-C light treatment and a moisture check before we leave. Pet odor treatment is included in the mattress price, along with normal stains and ordinary urine accidents. The first mattress is $199 Fall 2026 special (regularly $249), any size, and underside treatment is +$50–$75. We recommend cleaning every mattress twice a year, and more often is fine when a pet shares the bed. Take the 60-second mattress quiz or schedule your cleaning. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com.

Changelog

  • 24 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.

Sources

  1. Controlling Fleas and Ticks Around Your Home · US EPA
  2. Getting Rid of Fleas · CDC
  3. Preventing Fleas · CDC

Last reviewed October 24, 2026. Manufacturer specifications and care instructions change; check the current version for your exact model. This page is general information, not medical advice. How we source and check pages: editorial standards.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get fleas out of a mattress?+

Vacuum it thoroughly and often, wash all bedding hot, and treat every pet and the home at the same time, as the CDC advises.

Should I vacuum my mattress every day for fleas?+

The EPA recommends vacuuming every day during an infestation as the best method for initial control.

Can you clean a mattress topper with fleas?+

Yes. Wash any removable cover hot, vacuum the topper, and we can clean it with the mattress.

Do you treat my pet or home for fleas?+

No. We clean the mattress. The CDC advises a veterinarian for pets and, if needed, a licensed pest control applicator for the home.

Want it done for you?

Sleep Sanitation cleans mattresses only, in homes across the Omaha and Lincoln metros, using low-moisture dry vapor steam. Call or text to book.

First mattress $199 Fall 2026 special (regularly $249), any size. See the pricing page for the full price list.

Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm. Missed a call? We return calls and texts on Saturday and Sunday too.

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