Regular house cleaning can sometimes bring us face to face with a dreaded sight – a stained mattress. Whether it’s the aftermath of a sweaty night’s sleep or the unwelcome presence of mold, these stains can be a real headache. But fear not! In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of mattress stains and show you how to banish them from your sleep sanctuary. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to cleaning different types of mattress stains!
Important things to consider before starting
Pay attention to these points if you want to leave your mattress spotless!
Fresh vs. old stains
As fresh stains don’t have enough time to get deep into the fabric, they are easier to clean. On the other hand, old stains need rehydration and a little bit more elbow grease to get them out—be patient; old stains may take longer to erase than fresh ones.
Moisten instead of soaking
Using too much water to clean stains can cause them to spread and get deeper instead of removing them. This is especially true if you have a foam or hybrid mattress. Pay attention to how much water you use if you want to end up with a spotless mattress.
How to clean different types of stains
Because several things can stain a mattress, there are different methods that you can follow:
Sweat stains
You may have noticed yellowish stains with darker edges on mattresses before. These are the most common and are caused by long-dried sweat.
To remove these stains, mix white vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio with one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Then, dampen a rag with the solution and use it to dab the stained areas. Rinse your rag and repeat until all stains are gone. Let the mattress dry to finish.
Mold stains
As gross as it sounds, dark green stains (or blackish splattered-like spots) mean mold. These stains could require a longer time to remove them.
First, you’ll need to vacuum your mattress entirely (an upholstery attachment is recommended), even in areas with no visible stains. This will help you eliminate stray or deep mold spores on your mattress.
Next, dampen a cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the stained areas. 70% IPA has the right alcohol percentage to kill mold before evaporating. Then, remove stains with a clean cloth and soapy water. Finally, move the mattress into direct sunlight or use a fan to dry it.
Blood stains
Depending on the time passed, these stains can be bright scarlet or brown colored. Blood stains have proteins, so avoid using warm or hot water. Otherwise, you’ll cook the stain into the fabric.
Mix ½ a cup of cornstarch and ½ a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of salt to form a paste. Then, spread a thin layer over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. After time’s up, gently scrub the area with a soft toothbrush to lift the blood.
Next, dab the area with a cold-dampened cloth to rinse it. If necessary, repeat the procedure to remove the stain altogether. Let it air dry to finish.
Urine stains
Urine stains tend to stay yellowish even after drying—they can even discolor fabrics. To clean urine stains, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide, a squirt of liquid dish soap, and three tablespoons of baking soda (baking soda will help eliminate foul odors).
When ready, spray a cloth with the mix, dampen the stained area, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, use another clean cloth to blot the liquid. Rinse and wring your rag whenever necessary. Moisten the area with clean water to rinse it, then let it air dry.
Unknown stains
If you still can’t identify which stains your mattress has, don’t worry! You can still deal with them. Remember that this is a general method; some stains won’t come off fully.
Mix laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, and cold water and dampen a clean cloth with the solution. Then, dab the stained area and let the soapy water sit for five minutes. When time’s up, blot the liquid with a clean cloth and let the area air dry.
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