Over time, mattress stains can accumulate, so understanding how to remove them is crucial. In addition to the accumulation of dead skin cells and body oils from night to night, these stains are caused by common spills and mishaps. But how can these stains be removed from a mattress without causing any harm to it?
We’ll lead you through the process of cleaning your mattress without causing damage in this tutorial, along with tips for removing the most typical stains. Our best recommendation? Before using any of our cleaning techniques, make sure to always read the care instructions label on your mattress.
Take a look at our top picks for this year’s finest mattresses for all sleepers and price ranges if, after reading this, you decide that your mattress needs to be upgraded rather than given a thorough cleaning. Thanks to this year’s Labor Day mattress sales and offers, several of them are also on sale.
Why you need to remove stains from your mattress
For your bedroom to be both healthy and comfortable, stains on your mattress must be removed. Stains can include bacteria and allergens that cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and unpleasant odors. This is especially true of stains that are caused by perspiration, sebum, and other body fluids.
If they are not removed quickly, they may provide a humid, moist atmosphere that is ideal for the development of mold and mildew. Understanding how to identify and promptly address mattress mold is crucial in order to prevent severe health consequences. Furthermore, it may draw pests like bed bugs or dust mites, which could further deteriorate your mattress and create an uneasy, allergy-producing environment.
Not only can stains potentially harm your health, but they can also deteriorate the fabric and structure of your mattress. Liquids weaken the fibers in the mattress, causing tearing, fraying, and a general deterioration of the material. When that occurs, your mattress will not only appear ugly but also lumpy, uneven, and extremely unpleasant. It may even cause you to experience headaches, aches, and pains every morning.
It need not be hard to keep stains off of your mattress. To ensure that your bed is clean and hygienic for as long as you own it, all it takes is routine sheet change and an investment in one of the best mattress protectors.
1. Over wetting
It’s not a good idea to use excessive liquid on your mattress. Given that memory foam and latex mattresses are highly permeable and should never be wet, this is particularly crucial. When too much liquid—water or cleaner—is used, the mattress may not dry out properly, which can result in the growth of mildew, bad smells, and weakened mattress fibers.
2. Using harsh chemicals
When cleaning your mattress, you should always try to avoid using harsh chemicals. In addition to weakening the materials and discoloring the clothes, these may emit noxious chemicals that you might breathe in as you sleep.
Additionally, since many mattress manufactures have a specific clause that precludes damage caused by the use of chemicals, you run the danger of having your warranty voided. Always use mild detergents intended specifically for fabrics and mattresses, or homemade, all-natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda.
3. Scrubbing at the stains
Although it may seem alluring, cleaning will not benefit you in the long run. Scrubbing stains on your mattress may cause the surface to rip and become weaker. It may also encourage the stains to spread, giving you an even worse problem than you had before. Blot the area lightly rather than scraping; you may always repeat the process if necessary.
4. Not letting your mattress dry out
Prior to starting any mattress cleaning process, make sure you have enough time to do the job. This is due to the fact that you should always make sure your mattress is completely dry before putting on your sheets and going to bed. A moist mattress may serve as a haven for microorganisms, aggravating allergies and skin irritations. However, sleeping on a wet mattress is also very uncomfortable, and the scent will get bad very soon.
5. Using the wrong method for the bed or stain
Before beginning any cleaning task, always read the care label connected to your mattress, since each one will have unique instructions. For instance, getting wet damages memory foam mattresses, therefore if you own one of the greatest, you should never get it wet. Even though we’ve taken care to include advice below that works with all kinds of mattresses, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
Different stains require different methods of removal. The stain may set or become worse by spreading if the incorrect technique is applied. When working with blood, for instance, you must use cold water since heat can permanently set in a blood stain. To ensure you’re using the proper products in the right method for removing difficult stains, always refer to cleaning guides.
Beds are used for more than simply sleeping; they are also used for casual activities like eating breakfast in bed, unwinding, and getting dressed in the morning. However, day-to-day living might leave your mattress more vulnerable to common mishaps like drink and food spills and makeup stains. Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of these common spills.
What you’ll need:
⦁ Clean cloths
⦁ Cold water
⦁ Mild laundry detergent
⦁ White vinegar
⦁ Baking soda
⦁ A clean spray bottle
⦁ Vacuum cleaner
1. Blot the stain
To ensure that there is no surplus moisture present, dab the stain with paper towels or a fresh, dry cloth. Refrain from rubbing the area because doing so could cause the stain to seep farther into the mattress. Until the paper towel is totally dry, blot the area.
2. Mix a cleaning solution
This creative DIY method will effectively remove common stains from your mattress. Combine equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a clean spray container, along with a few drops dish soap or mild laundry detergent. To combine the components, give the bottle a gentle shake.
3. Vacuum the surface
Dust mites are likely to be hiding out in the sides and seams of your mattress, so be sure to give those areas extra attention when vacuuming. By vacuuming your mattress, you may get rid of all the dirt and debris that could have gathered on it as well as perspiration, dead skin cells, and other impurities, all of which could stain the mattress more.
4. Apply the cleaning solution
Spritz the area that is discolored with the solution. It is imperative to avoid oversaturating the surface; rather, you should mist it lightly. Remember that this is a gradual procedure because you can repeat these processes.
After letting your cleaning solution sit for at least ten minutes, blot the soiled area with a fresh, absorbent cloth. Until the stain is removed, you can apply the cleaning solution again as necessary.
5. Sprinkle some baking soda on the surface
Baking soda is a great tool for helping to remove stains and eliminate odors. At this stage, there’s no need to wait for your mattress to dry; simply cover the surface with a thick layer of baking soda and let it work for at least four hours. This will effectively eliminate any surplus moisture that may have remained on your mattress.
6. Vacuum again
After your baking soda has had some time to settle—the longer the better—vacuum the surface once again to get rid of any remaining baking soda. To be sure you’ve gotten everything, you might want to run the vacuum over the surface a few times.
7. Leave your mattress to dry
Before you replace wet bedding and turn in, let your mattress air dry fully. To speed up this process, you can open all the windows, use a fan, or use a dehumidifier; however, try to stay away from direct heat as this could cause harm to your mattress.
What you’ll need:
⦁ Baking soda
⦁ Paper towels or clean cloths
⦁ Cold water
1. Absorb as much as possible
You must remove any excess that may still be visible on the surface before attempting to treat the blood stain. Before moving on to the following procedure, dab at the surface to remove as much blood as possible.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the blood stain
Add a thick layer of baking soda over the blood stain and let it sit for a couple of hours. Baking soda is a great way of absorbing any moisture and it will also loosen the fibers of the fabric so that the stain doesn’t set in.
3. Remove the baking soda and rinse with cold water
After the baking soda has settled to the top, remove any remaining powder by vacuuming it. Next, work at the stain with a damp towel until it is entirely removed. It is imperative to remember that whatever water you use when handling blood must be cool. The blood will clot when heated, and it will cling firmly to the fabric’s fibers.