Updated at: 03-06-2022 - By: Jane

Sweat, milk, and other bodily fluids can create ugly stains on our bedding, therefore they need to be treated with care. Your mattress isn’t doomed just because you threw up on it or peed on it.

You don’t have to worry about your bed being dirty or stinky at night because there are solutions to get rid of those pesky problems.

Your mattress is a substantial investment that you’ll want to protect as best you can.

Mysterious Yellow Stains

Illustration of Yellow Stains on a MattressIt’s not unusual to find yellow stains on a mattress. Even if you only sweat a little bit when you sleep, the moisture can accumulate and cause goods and pillows to yellow with time. The oils that our bodies create in addition to sweat leave behind marks that may not be visible at first but turn yellow over time. The smell of sweat and oil can build up, resulting in a noxious stench. Urine is a breeding ground for mold and mildew because of its high moisture content, which makes it difficult to remove stains and odors. These difficulties can, however, be addressed in a variety of ways so that your bed remains fresh.

Cleaning Supplies You Will Need

Natural

Vinegar

Sodium Bicarbonate of Potash

Water

Salt

Juice of Lemons

  • Aromatherapy Oils (optional)

 

Illustration of a Bottles of Essential Oils for SleepThese ordinary household items can be used to swiftly and effectively remove odors, stains, mold, and mildew from your home in less than a day, allowing you or your children to sleep soundly the following night.

Chemical

Bleach (H2O2)

Cleaner that uses enzymes to clean upholstery

It’s a Straightforward Answer

Vanish

OxiClean

Soap for washing dishes

  • Dishwashing liquid

 

How To Clean Mattress Stains? Steps By Steps

Step 1

Remove all sheets and blankets from the mattress to prepare it for stain removal. Dust and hair can collect in crevices around the piping, so be sure to use the crevice tool to remove them all while you’re vacuuming. Even if you don’t think dust and hair have anything to do with the stain you’re trying to remove, removing them will help reduce the number of dust mites in your home, which is especially essential if you have allergies.

How to Get Rid of Mattress Stains

Images courtesy of istockphoto.com.com

Step 2

Cleaning mattress stains depends on the specific type of stain. Use the correct cleaning method for each stain.

  • Body fluids like urine, sweat, and vomit are the most common causes of mattress spills. Unfortunately, you can’t soak a mattress as you would a piece of clothing; rather, you must use liquid sparingly, with a spray bottle, in order to avoid turning its slow-drying cushiness into the ideal damp conditions for mold and mildew growth (yuck!). To begin, lightly spritz the stained area with clean water. Then, in a spray bottle, combine one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Spray the stain with the solution, then use a soft scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently clean the area until the stain is removed. Finally, a fresh mist of water and an absorbent towel are all that’s needed to finish off the freshly cleaned area.
  • Body fluids like urine, sweat, and vomit are the most common causes of mattress spills. Unfortunately, you can’t soak a mattress as you would a piece of clothing; rather, you must use liquid sparingly, with a spray bottle, in order to avoid turning its slow-drying cushiness into the ideal damp conditions for mold and mildew growth (yuck!). To begin, lightly spritz the stained area with clean water. Then, in a spray bottle, combine one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Spray the stain with the solution, then use a soft scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently clean the area until the stain is removed. Finally, a fresh mist of water and an absorbent towel are all that’s needed to finish off the freshly cleaned area.
  • It is most likely that urine, perspiration, and vomit will cause mattress stains. Unfortunately, you can’t soak a mattress as you would a piece of clothes; rather, you must use liquid sparingly, with a spray bottle, in order to prevent turning its slow-drying cushiness into the optimum wet conditions for mold and mildew growth (yuck!). As a first step, lightly spritz the stain area with normal water. Next, in a spray bottle, combine 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and a couple drops of dishwashing detergent. You can use a delicate scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently remove the stain by misting the solution over the spot. Last but not least, spritz a fresh mist of water on the cleaned area and dab it dry with an absorbent towel.

Step 3

It is most likely that urine, perspiration, and vomit are to blame for mattress splatters and odors. While you may soak a garment in water, you can’t do the same with a mattress, therefore you must use a spray bottle and carefully to prevent turning the slow-drying cushiness into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Do not scrub the soiled area; simply spray it lightly with normal water. In a spray bottle, combine one cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. You can use a gentle scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently remove the stain by misting the solution on the spot. When you’re finished, re-wet the cleansed area and wipe it with an absorbent towel.

Make sure the mattress is allowed to sit for at least 24 hours so that it can properly dry (plan to sack out on the sofa or another bedroom that night). A fan or hairdryer set to cool could also be used to expedite the drying process.

Step 4

Once the mattress is dry, vacuum up the baking soda and put the bed together. Rest easy knowing your mattress is free of stains and smelling like a daisy!

How to Remove Different Stains Out of a Mattress

Sweat Stains

Illustration of a Young Man Having a Nightmare

Spray the mattress liberally with distilled white vinegar (or don’t; the scent will dissipate).

Wait a few minutes before blotting with paper towels any areas that appear to be excessively wet.

Baking soda can be added on top and allowed to set for however long is necessary

  • Baking soda may be vacuumed.

 

After a few repetitions, the stains should be gone. This procedure also works well on urine stains.

Breast Milk Stains

Saturate the stain with a strong detergent containing lipase or protease enzymes.

It’s best to let it sit for around 15 minutes or as long as the bottle recommends.

Blot and air dry after a quick dunk in cold water.

OxiClean and Clorox Oxi Magic are also good options.

Blood

One tablespoon of meat tenderizer and two tablespoons of cold water can be used to make a paste for tenderizing meats.

Apply the paste to the stained area with a brush or equivalent implement.

Vacuum or blot the residue when it has dried.

  • if necessary, repeat

 

Urine

Illustration of a Urine Stain on a Crib Mattress

With a dry cloth, blot up any remaining urine.

To get rid of unpleasant odors, use an enzyme-based cleanser or detergent and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

To “rinse” the product, dab it with cold water on a towel or rag.

  • Leave the bed to air dry until you can’t remove any more liquid with a dry towel.

 

Vomit

Remove any leftover debris from the surface using a scraper.

Towels or rags can be used to remove as much moisture as possible from the surface.

Allow the baking soda to remain on the mattress for 15 minutes to absorb odors and moisture.

The stuff should be vacuumed up.

Dish soap, vinegar, or an enzyme-based cleaning are all good options.

The surface should be allowed to air dry once any cleaning liquid has been blotted off.

  • if necessary, repeat

 

Wine

Use paper towels or cloths to soak up as much wine as possible.

To remove a stain, use cold water and a wet cloth.

Wait three minutes before sprinkling salt on the area.

Rub the stain lightly with cold water before blotting it dry.

  • If you need to, repeat.

 

Food and Coffee

Make use of clean towels to soak up or squeeze out as much liquid or food as you can

Using a chemical stain remover, such as oxygen bleach, completely cover the discoloration.

Wait around 15 minutes after applying the remover.

Remove any remaining coffee stains with a moist sponge, dab with clean cloths, rinse sponge, and repeat as necessary.

Repeat these processes as required if the color doesn’t give.

  • Blower dryers without heat are best for air-drying mattresses.

 

Protect Your Mattress

Illustration of a Parent Removing Wet Mattress Pad from Their Baby's Mattress

FAQs

How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?

Illustration of a Couple Replacing Their Old Mattress with a New One

How Often Should I Clean My Mattress?

With out a mattress cover, you’ll have to vacuum your mattress every month to remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and surface allergens from your mattress. Deep clean it twice a year and remove any stains then. You only need to let your mattress air out while you wash your mattress covering.

How Often Should I Flip or Rotate My Mattress?

Every three months, rotate or flip your mattress. You can rotate and flip your mattress if it is the same on both sides. Rotate your mattress every three months if it only has one side for sleeping. This practice will help you avoid sagging and bumps in your mattress, as well as extending its lifespan.

Can I Use a Carpet Shampooer or Steam Cleaner on My Mattress?

No. Steam cleaners use water to penetrate deep into your mattress, where air and light cannot reach. Basically, your mattress is a thick sponge. A few days with a damp sponge in a warm, dark place will give off an odor similar to that. Mold and mildew can grow in your mattress if there is a lot of moisture in it.

Can I Use Essential Oils to Freshen My Mattress?

No. Most mattress warranties are voided by the use of essential oils. The reason for this is that while essential oils have a pleasant scent, they remain oils. Dirt is drawn to the oil, and this can result in a stain that is difficult to remove. You won’t be able to smell the essential oil once you’ve vacuumed and covered your mattress. So what’s the use in wasting your time and energy?

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