You can’t prevent mattress stains at times, no matter how many precautions you take, especially if you have kids or pets in your home. If you don’t deal with the stains as soon as they occur, they can impact your sleep quality and get deep into the fibres of the mattress. Plus, you may have to replace them or hire the services of professional cleaners.
So, we suggest that you clean your mattress to avoid these problems. This comprehensive guide can help you address the most common types of stains, helping you clean your mattress. Now, let’s get started.
How to clean your dirty mattress
Since your mattress may get dirty due to different types of stains, we suggest that you opt for the right approach. Below is a description of various methods based on the type of stains.
Bloodstains
Bloodstains should be removed as soon as possible, or they will get deep into the fibres.
Cleaning supplies:
- A clean piece of rag
- Meat tenderizer powder
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Bicarbonate soda
- Salt
Cleaning Method:
- Soak the rag in water and use it to blot the bloodstains. Prepare a paste of soda and salt in a little bit of water, apply it to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping with the same rag you soaked in water.
- Prepare a mixture of one cup of hydrogen peroxide and one cup of dishwashing soap, apply it to the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it away with a clean rag.
- Mix some meat tenderizer powder in water to make a paste. Wet the stain and then cover it up with the paste for half an hour. Use a wet cloth to remove the residue.
The meat tenderizer contains enzymes that can break down the protein and set the amino acids apart in the blood. As a result, it will be easier for you to get rid of the stains.
Urine stains
Urine stains can leave yellowish marks on your mattress if not cleaned immediately.
Cleaning supplies:
- Upholstery cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- Paper towel
- A piece of clean rag
Cleaning Method:
- Use a paper towel to absorb the fresh liquid as soon as the stain occurs. Afterwards, spray a mixture of an equal amount of white vinegar and water on the area. Use a piece of clean rag to blot the area gently. You may repeat the procedure and use a clean piece of clothing to clean the area. Now, let it sit for a while to dry.
- If there are old stains, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and vacuum it the following day.
- You may also use an upholstery cleaner in place of soda and vinegar to get the same results. You need to wet the spot and follow the product label instructions.
Vomit stains
Cleaning supplies:
- Essential oil
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A clean piece of rag
Cleaning Method:
- Get a little bit of hydrogen peroxide and pour it over the stains. Make sure you don’t use too much liquid. After a few minutes, use a clean rag to blot it out.
- Mix a few drops of essential oil in baking soda, apply this paste to the stain and let it sit overnight. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the residue the following morning.
Sweat stains
Cleaning supplies:
- Water
- Washing detergent powder
- Borax
- Sponge
Cleaning Method:
- Pour some water on the stain and then sprinkle the area with Borax powder. Use a sponge to work the paste into the mattress and let it sit to dry. Afterwards, you can use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the residue.
- Get some water in a container and put some washing powder in it. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the area and rub in a circular motion until the stain seems to fade. Finally, let the mattress dry.
Water-rings
Cleaning supplies:
- A hairdryers
- Paper towel
- Wet cloth
Cleaning Method:
Use water to dampen the stain and cover it up with kitchen paper. Get something heavy, such as a book, and put it on the paper layers. Replace the paper towels a couple of times and then blow a hairdryer over the area to boost drying.
Smelly mattress
Sweat and microscopic organisms may cause the mattress to emit a stale whiff. You can use many ways to remove the stink from your mattress. In this method, we will use essential oil and baking soda.
Cleaning Method:
Prepare a mixture of baking soda and a little bit of essential oil and sprinkle it over the mattress. Now, wait for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming the surface, and the mixture will make the stink go away.
How to clean different types of mattresses
You may want to use the proper method based on the type of mattress. Now, let’s find out how you can:
Memory foam mattress
Cleaning supplies:
- Washing detergent powder
- Baking soda/borax
- Vacuum cleaner
Cleaning Method:
- Vacuum the mattress surface
- Sprinkle baking soda or borax to dry clean
- Spray some fabric cleaner on the surface
- Vacuum after 60 minutes to remove the residue
- Don’t use too much liquid, or the mattress will take ages to dry.
Latex mattress
You can’t use water or harsh chemicals to clean your latex mattress. Instead, you may opt for natural, DIY solutions to prevent damage.
Cleaning supplies:
- Vinegar
- Essential oil
- Baking soda/borax
- Vacuum
Cleaning Method:
- Vacuum the mattress thoroughly
- Mix a few drops of essential oil in bicarb soda and dust the surface for sanitization
- Use alcohol, vinegar or an enzyme cleaner to treat the stains based on the type of stain.
- Place a clean sheet after the mattress dries out.
Cleaning a mattress requires a lot of time and effort. If you don’t want to take the risk of damaging your expensive mattresses, we suggest that you hire a cleaning company.
You can also check out our previous blogs such as “Mattress Cleaning Tips on How to Remove Cigarette Odours“.
Seminar:
Recommended books for further reading:
- The Organised Mum Method: Transform your home in 30 minutes a day
- Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster, and Loving Your Home Every Day
- The Easy Life: Quick ways to clean and manage your home all year round
- How To Clean Your House: Easy tips and tricks to keep your home clean and tidy up your life
- The Organically Clean Home: 150 Everyday Organic Cleaning Products You Can Make Yourself―The Natural, Chemical-Free Way
