The best way to deal with mattress stains is to not let them happen in the first place. However, with kids and pets running around the house, that’s easier said than done.

And while it may be tempting to call in professionals, in reality, most mattress stains can be removed with natural products you already have lying around at your home.

The best way to deal with mattress stains

To be a bit more concrete, you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • 3% Hydrogen peroxide
  • Clear washing up liquid
  • Liquid detergent
  • Essential oils (optional)

If you have read some of our previous articles on carpet stain removal, the above products are likely already familiar to you. Unsurprisingly, they also work on mattresses!

Important note: The compiled home remedies may not be effective on all mattress types. Consider getting in touch with the mattress manufacturer to ensure how best to clean your specific mattress before using any cleaning product on it.

Another important note: Remove the bedding from the mattress and put it in the washer. If you have a mattress topper, just get it out of the way for the time being. And be aware that your mattress may not be usable for the same night, as some of the cleaning procedures require for the products to stay on top of the mattress for a bit more than just a few minutes.

How to remove mattress stains

How to Effectively Remove Sweat Stains from a Mattress

Sweating during sleep is a natural process that everyone experiences. Over time, sweat can leave unsightly stains on your mattress. Learning how to remove these stains can help extend the life of your mattress and improve its appearance.

Why Old Sweat Stains are Harder to Remove

The longer sweat stains remain on your mattress, the more challenging they are to clean. Yellow stains indicate they have built up over time, making them tougher to eliminate. However, by following the steps below, you can significantly improve your mattress's appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Sweat Stains

  • Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl, then add a dash of washing-up liquid. Stir well and transfer the solution into a spray bottle for easy application.
  • Soak the Stains: Thoroughly spray the stained areas on your mattress with the solution. Don’t hesitate to saturate the marks, even if it requires covering the entire mattress surface.
  • Let the Solution Sit: Set a timer for 30 minutes to allow the solution to work. While you wait, take a break and relax!
  • Blot the Excess Liquid: Using a microfibre cloth, gently blot the area to absorb the excess moisture. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.

What to Do if the Stains Persist

If the stains haven't fully lifted after the first attempt, don’t worry. Simply repeat steps 2 through 4. Persistence can help make a difference, especially with older or more stubborn stains.

How to Use Baking Soda to Refresh Your Mattress

Once the stains are treated, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress. Leave it on for as long as possible, ideally 24 hours. Baking soda helps absorb any remaining moisture and neutralizes odors, leaving your mattress feeling fresh.

Final Step: Vacuum the Baking Soda

After letting the baking soda sit, vacuum the mattress to remove it. Enjoy the cleaner, fresher look and feel of your mattress, ready for a restful night’s sleep!

How to remove sweat stains from a mattress

How to Remove Urine Stains from Your Mattress Effectively

Accidents happen, and urine stains on a mattress can be a hassle to clean. Whether it's from a child or a pet, it’s essential to address urine stains immediately to prevent long-term damage and odors.

Why Quick Action is Key for Urine Stain Removal

Urine stains and odors are easier to remove than sweat stains, but only if addressed right away. Acting fast ensures better results, especially when the stain is fresh. Parents and pet owners can attest to this!

DIY Solution for Fresh Urine Stains on Mattresses

To remove fresh urine stains, follow these simple steps:

  1. Create a Cleaning Solution: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts lukewarm water and white vinegar.
  2. Apply the Solution: Spray the mixture generously over the stain until it’s visibly damp.
  3. Blot the Stain: Using a dry cloth, gently blot the area to absorb the moisture, avoiding any rubbing or scrubbing.
  4. Repeat if Necessary: Continue blotting and spraying until the stain is significantly reduced or completely gone.

Using Baking Soda to Neutralize Moisture and Odors

Once the stain is treated, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Let it sit for several hours, or overnight if possible. The baking soda will absorb any remaining moisture and neutralize odors.

Final Step: Vacuum the Mattress

After the baking soda has done its job, vacuum the mattress thoroughly. This will leave your mattress clean, fresh, and free of urine stains.

How to Tackle Old Urine Stains on a Mattress

If the urine stain has been there for a while, a more advanced cleaning method is needed:

Prepare a Stronger Solution: Mix 250ml of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, a few drops of washing-up liquid, and essential oil to neutralize odors.

  1. Spray the Solution: Apply the mixture to the stain and allow it to sit until fully dry.
  2. Remove the Dried Paste: Once the solution has dried and formed a paste, vacuum it up.
  3. Repeat if Necessary: If the stain or odor persists, repeat the process for better results.

How to remove blood stains from a mattress?

To remove blood stains, the use of cold rather than hot or warm water is absolutely vital. Reason being, hot water helps the blood bond with the mattress material, in other words completely sealing the stain. You obviously don’t want that to happen, so just follow the steps below:

  1. If the stain is fresh, grab some paper towels and absorb as much of it as you can with dabbing motions.
  2. Then, mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and soak the stained area.
  3. Use a clean cloth or paper towels to dap it, and re-apply the solution when needed.
  4. Repeat until the stain is removed or can no longer be improved.

How to Remove Coffee, Tea, and Wine Stains from Your Mattress

While bodily fluids are the most common mattress stains, spills from drinks like coffee, tea, and wine are a close second. Whether you're a fan of breakfast in bed or a late-night drink, accidents happen. Here’s how to deal with these pesky stains effectively.

First Steps for Fresh Drink Spills on Your Mattress

When a spill happens, the first thing to do is absorb as much liquid as possible using a cloth or paper towels. Remember to blot, not rub, to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the mattress. After blotting, re-dampen the stain and sprinkle a generous amount of salt or baking soda to absorb the liquid and color.

Gently Agitating the Stain for Better Results

Once the stain starts to dry, use a toothbrush to gently rub the salt or baking soda into the fabric. Afterward, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth and vacuum up any residue left behind for a cleaner finish.

Removing Dried Coffee, Tea, and Wine Stains

For older stains that have already dried, follow these steps:

  1. Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix one part white vinegar, one part liquid detergent, and ten parts water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray and Agitate: Lightly spray the stained area, being careful not to soak it. Gently brush the stain with an old toothbrush to work the solution into the fabric.
  3. Blot and Remove Excess Moisture: After waiting 10-15 minutes, blot the area with a damp towel to lift the stain. Follow up with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
  4. Repeat if Necessary: If the stain persists, repeat the process from step 2 until the stain is fully removed.
How to prevent mattress stains

How to prevent mattress stains?

The only way to not have to deal with mattress stains is to let them happen in the first place, as mentioned in the beginning of this article. While this can be obvious, many of us think about protecting something only after it gets damaged. So why go through all the hassle, when you can simply:

  • Get a mattress protector – a mattress protector, especially one, which is waterproof, is an ultimate lifesaver for parents and pet-owners. Not only would you be protecting your main mattress, but whichever liquids go onto the protector can easily be wiped without a stain settling.
  • Don’t allow pets on the bed – if the main reason for your mattress stains are your pets, you might need to consider setting new rules. An easy way to do this is to get them their separate beds. Another investment, which can definitely pay itself out in the long run.
  • Wash your bedding regularly – make a habit of washing your bedding every week, preferably with hot water. This will keep your mattress and the bedding itself clean, which in turn will help you sleep better.
  • Flip your mattress every 6 months – most mattresses are double-sided, and are intended to be used on both sides. If yours isn’t consider rotating it 180 degrees.

When is it time to have your mattress professionally cleaned?

If you haven’t yet had your mattress professionally cleaned, right now might be a good time to get that sorted, regardless of how stained it is. As an upholstered item, it gathers a great amount of dead skin cells, sweat, allergens and dirt. This can easily ruin the quality of your sleep, and the overall state of the mattress in the long term. And since professional mattress cleaning costs are not nearly as high as the cost of an actual mattress, it's really a no-brainer!