How to Clean Mattress Stains of All Types

When it comes to cleaning mattress stains, there isn't a one cleaner fits all methods. There are multiple stain types you might be looking at like urine, blood, food, coffee and sweat. Knowing how to clean them using natural and commercial cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, enzymatic cleaners, white vinegar and baking soda can save you time and money.

Supplies for Cleaning Mattress Stains

When it comes time to clean mattress stains of all types, there are several methods that you can use. But before you attack, you'll need to grab your tools. Depending on the method you use, this could include:

• White vinegar
• Enzymatic cleaners
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Paper towel
• Towels
• Scrub brush (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner with attachments
• Commercial steam cleaner

How to Remove Urine Stains From Mattress

Did your child have a bedwetting accident? Did your cat choose to pee on your bed? While the stain of pee can easily be removed, getting rid of the smell of cat urine is a challenge. Learn how to use pee smells from mattresses.

Dish Soap and Baking Soda Removes Stains and Odors

Try this simple recipe containing hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap to get rid of stains and odors.

1. Use a paper towel to blot up the urine first, removing as much as you can.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the area and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the pee. Then vacuum or brush off the baking soda before adding the mixture.
3. Mix in a spray bottle:
   • 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide
   • 1 teaspoon of Dawn
   • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
4. Generously coat the stain.
5. Let it sit until dry.
6. Vacuum up any residue left behind.

Enzymatic Cleaners

When it comes to urine stains, enzymatic cleaners like Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength cleaner can work to get that stain and odor out.

1. Follow the recommended dosages and wait times on the bottle.
2. Rinse and you are good to go.

Removing Blood Stains From Mattresses

There are several ways how to remove dried blood, but this can be different from cleaning up fresh blood. To get rid of fresh blood, you can try a couple of different methods.

Vindicate With Vinegar

White vinegar is acidic. If you attack the bloodstain right away, then this is a great method to try.

1. Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and water.
2. Wipe up as much of the blood as you can.
3. Spray the area with vinegar.
4. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
5. Blot the area with a clean white cloth.
6. Repeat until gone.

Peroxide For Bloodstains

Peroxide can work great on dried or fresh bloodstains. Plus, it's a great disinfectant.

1. Spray the area with a little hydrogen peroxide until the blood disappears.
2. Dab up any excess.

Baking Soda for the Win

Looking to get fresh blood up quickly? Don't reach any farther than the baking soda.

1. Sprinkle the area in baking soda and allow it to absorb the fresh blood.
2. Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove.

How to Remove Food and Drink Stains From Mattress

Whether it was a glass of wine, your morning coffee, or a little spill from your late-night ice cream, getting those stains out can be done with Dawn dish detergent or vinegar.

Getting Out Set Stains

When it comes to set stains, you'll need to either use an enzymatic cleaner or you can make your own using Dawn. To clean and deodorize, follow these steps:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn and 2 cups of water.
2. Spray the area generously.
3. Using a soft cloth, scrub the area until the stain is gone.

Wine or Coffee Stains

A bit of wine or morning coffee on your mattress will require a different approach. For stains and odors, you'll:

1. Blot the area with an absorbent paper towel to remove as much fluid as possible.
2. Soak the stain with distilled vinegar.
3. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes and dab the stain.
4. You may need to repeat this several times until the stain is gone.
5. Let the mattress air dry.

Removing Vomit Stains on a Mattress

Removing vomit from a mattress comes in steps. You will need paper towels, white rags, vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda. Get rid of stains and odors by doing the following:

1. Using a paper towel, remove any liquid or solids from the mattress.
2. Soak a rag in water, and blot the area generously to dilute the stain.
3. In a spray bottle, mix:
   • 1 cup water
   • ½ cup of vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon of dish soap
4. Spray onto the stain.
5. Using a clean towel or rag, gently scrub the area.
6. Spray the area with straight water and dab the area.
7. Repeat as necessary until the soap is removed.
8. Sprinkle the area with baking soda to remove any lingering smells.
9. Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours.
10. Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress.

How to Remove Sweat Stains From a Mattress

Do you live with a night sweater? In that case, sweat stains can be a big issue for your mattress. Get rid of those sweat stains using a deodorizing enzyme cleaner like Clorox Stain & Odor Remover. You can also try this natural method.

1. Mix in a spray bottle:
   • 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap
   • 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
   • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
   • 1 cup of water
2. Apply the mixture to the sweat stains.
3. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Blot and rub with a cloth.
5. Rinse and allow to dry.

Cleaning Bed Bug Stains on Mattress

Those dreaded bed bugs. Not only can they wreak havoc, but they can leave some nasty stains on your bed. When it comes time to get rid of those stains, grab some peroxide.

1. Vacuum the mattress.
2. Pour peroxide straight into a spray bottle.
3. Spray down all the stained areas.
4. Allow to sit for 20 or so minutes.
5. Blot the area with a cloth.
6. Sprinkle the entire mattress with baking soda (this will work to get rid of odors and remaining stains.)
7. Allow the baking soda to dry.
8. Vacuum off.
9. Repeat as needed.

How to Remove Old Stains From a Mattress

After flipping your mattress, you see an unknown stain. Maybe it is something your kids tried to hide or just something you forgot about.

Salt & Baking Soda

When it comes to old stains, you can try a few products from your cupboards like salt and baking soda. For this method, you'll:

1. Mix equal parts of salt, baking soda and water together in a bowl.
2. After you strip the mattress of all bedding, use the vacuum to clean all areas of the mattress, including the sides and bottom.
3. Dab the microfiber cloth into the baking soda paste mixture.
4. Gently dab and rub the area, lifting the stain.
5. Allow the mixture to sit on the area for about 30 minutes.
6. Using the vacuum, sweep up all the mixture.
7. Repeat on the other side of the mattress, if necessary.
8. To provide general deodorizing and cleaning of large stains, you can sprinkle the entire mattress with baking soda and allow it to sit for 30 minutes prior to sweeping it up.

Commercial Steam Cleaner

Sometimes that old stain requires professional cleaning. In that case, you might consider renting a commercial steam cleaner to remove stains from your mattress. Not only will this work to deodorize, but it will get rid of those old stains.

Cleaning Traditional Mattresses vs. Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattresses

When it comes to your memory foam or hybrid mattress, you'll need to use more care than you would with your traditional spring mattress. Most at-home cleaners using mild cleaners like Dawn, vinegar, baking soda and water are fine to use on a memory foam or hybrid mattress. However, you'll want to avoid cleaners like bleach, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These cleaners can deteriorate the foam and cause discoloration.

Getting Your Mattress Clean

Over time, mattresses just get dirty. Whether you are trying to do basic cleaning or getting rid of a coffee spill, there are different techniques you can use with materials you typically have on hand. Now, it's time to get cleaning!