How to Remove Stains from a Mattress

A hand pressing a white cloth into a yellow stain on a white mattress

If you get the recommended eight hours of sleep every might, that means you spend one-third of your life in bed. With this much time lying on your mattress, it’s no wonder it gets stained every once in a while. As with all stains, it’s important to remove the mess as soon as possible for the best results. After all, fresh stains are much easier to get out than old ones.

Don’t get annoyed the next time you change the sheets—simply follow these tips on how to remove stains from a mattress to make it look like new again.

General Tips for Removing Mattress Stains

Follow these tips to successfully remove a majority of minor or unidentified stains from your mattress:

  • Absorb spills and messes as quickly as possible with a dry towel. Remember to blot the area, not scrub.
  • Add a mild cleaner. Follow the product recommendations for specific stains listed below.
  • “Rinse” the area with a towel dipped in cool water until all cleaning residue is gone. Then, blot with a dry towel until you can’t remove any more liquid from the mattress.
  • Air dry. Speed up the process by moving the mattress into the sun, if possible, or by setting up a fan to blow on it. It may take several hours for the area to dry completely.
  • Deodorize the mattress by sprinkling a bit of baking soda on the treated area once it has dried completely. This will absorb any lingering smells. After at least 15 minutes, vacuum up the baking soda with the crevice attachment.

How to Remove Urine Stains from a Mattress

Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, and a drop or two of dish soap. You can also use store-bought, enzyme-based cleaner designed for removing pet stains. Follow the general tips above, allowing the cleaner to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it.

How to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress

Pour a small amount of white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide on the blood stain. If you use vinegar, let it soak for 10 minutes, blot it dry, and repeat if necessary. If you use hydrogen peroxide, the blood stain will foam up on contact. Blot the foam away, and let the area sit for 15 minutes. After the allotted time, rinse, air dry, and deodorize as outlined in the general tips section.

How to Remove Vomit Stains from a Mattress

Remove as much of the solid and liquid components of the vomit as possible. Then, pour a generous amount of baking soda on the area to absorb odors and moisture. After 15 minutes, vacuum up the baking soda using the crevice attachment. (Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister thoroughly afterward.) Finally, apply an enzyme-based, pet-stain remover, and follow the general tips for rinsing, drying, and deodorizing the area.

Get More Help Cleaning from Molly Maid

Knowing your mattress is clean and fresh can help you get a better night’s sleep, but what about the rest of your house? Do you feel calm and peaceful at home, or does messiness in every room give you anxiety? If you don’t have time to complete all the chores yourself, get a helping hand from Molly Maid. Our insured, licensed, and routinely monitored team is here for you when life gets hectic!

To arrange house cleaning services near you, please contact your local Molly Maid or call us to request a free in-home estimate.