When you consider the amount of time people spend in their beds, it’s not surprising that mattresses often end up with various stains. These stains not only make your mattress look
dirty but can also lead to the growth of bacteria and odors if they are not cleaned properly. Knowing how to clean a mattress stain can help you keep your mattress looking and smelling fresh.
Do You Know What’s in
Your Mattress?
Most mattresses are made up of some type of foam. This foam is often made from polyurethane, even in memory foam mattresses. Foam gets dirty over time through regular usage which can cause the buildup of odors, bacteria, mold, or mildew. Some mattresses may also contain certain types of chemicals that are used to treat the mattress. These may includes flame retardants and petroleum-based chemicals. It’s important to be aware of the materials that comprise your mattress when you’re preparing to clean it as some fabrics require specific cleaning processes.
Possible Causes of
Stains in Mattresses
Dust
Your mattress can become stained simply from the buildup of dust and dirt. When left for extended periods of time dust can get into the fibers of the mattress leaving it looking dingy and aged.
Urine and Sweat
Body fluids like urine and sweat are some of the most common stains found on mattresses. These fluids can go through your sheets to the mattress where they stain leave yellow looking stains and can also lead to the growth of bacteria and odors.
Blood and Vomit
Also common stains found on mattresses, blood and vomit can be some of the hardest to remove. Because you spend so much time in bed when you’re sick or injured, especially when it comes to children, it’s easy to see why blood and vomit frequently soil and stain many mattresses causing them to look bad and smell even worse.
Mold and Mildew
You can often get stains from mold and mildew on your mattress if it isn’t properly cared for. Mold and mildew most often occur on mattresses when they aren’t cleaned and dried properly and the liquid is left to sink down into the mattress itself.
How to Clean a
Mattress
Air Your Mattress
Outside
One way to remove odors from your mattress is to air it outdoors on a warm sunny day. The sun can actually act as a way to lighten some stains as well. When airing your mattress outdoors be sure to choose a clean and dry surface to lay the mattress on. You should turn it over mid-day to get both sides smelling fresh. Air drying the mattress outdoors is also a great way to prevent the growth of mold and mildew after you’ve cleaned the stains on your mattress.
Clean Biological
Stains with Enzyme Cleaners
Bodily fluids and other biological stains are best cleaned with enzymatic cleaners. This type of cleaner contains enzymes that are able break down complex waste particles so they can be easily removed from the surface. When deciding how to clean a mattress stain, you should first read the cleaning instructions for your particular mattress.
Some mattress manufacturers may recommend a particular cleaning product that will be effective for the materials your mattress is made from. There are several different enzyme cleaners that work well on mattresses to remove stains. These are available online or in many stores.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
to Remove Odors
Baking soda is a cheap way to remove many common odors from your mattress. While baking soda isn’t ideal for cleaning a mattress stain, it can go a long way in removing odors. Baking soda actually absorbs the odor and leaves the mattress smelling fresh.
Vacuum the Mattress
Once you use the baking soda to remove odors, you should vacuum your mattress to remove all traces of the baking soda. This process can actually be repeated several times for tough odors. Just sprinkle baking soda and vacuum again. For tough odors you can leave the baking soda on for several hours before vacuuming.
Vinegar Can Be an Amazing
Cleaning Agent
When deciding how to clean a mattress stain, consider white vinegar. Not only is it affordable, but it can also be great for removing many types of stains. Vinegar can be left on tough stains for hours or overnight for maximum stain removal ability. You can also use baking soda on top of the vinegar for foaming action that can remove stains and odors at the same time.
Spot Clean to Remove
Sweat and Other Stains
Once you notice a stain on your mattress it’s important to spot clean it immediately. When you’re figuring out how to clean a mattress stain, especially a sweat stain or other body-related stain, you should be careful to treat the stained area without letting the stain spread.
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How to Make Your
Mattress Smell Amazing and Fresh
Sleeping on a stinky mattress is very unpleasant. Even if your mattress is doesn’t have visible stains it can still benefit from odor removal. Baking soda can work wonders for removing odors and making your mattress smell fresh. White vinegar can also be helpful when removing odors from your mattress. Regularly vacuuming your mattress can also help with keeping it smelling fresh as this can remove odor causing dirt and dust. There are also deodorizing sprays that can help remove many common odors from your mattress so you can choose a scent that you like.
Mattress Maintenance
Tips
Cover and Protect It
One of the best ways to maintain your mattress is to purchase a mattress cover. These are available in several styles so you can choose one that best meets your needs. Some are made of waterproof materials which can actually help protect your mattress from any spills.
Regularly Air It Out
It can be helpful to air your mattress out regularly. When you remove your sheets you can let your mattress air out for a few hours inside your home. If you have nice weather and space outdoors, it can also be helpful to put your mattress outside for a few hours.
Tips for Choosing the
Right Mattress
When it comes to choosing a mattress, it’s important to be aware of the materials the mattress is made from. It can be helpful to find a mattress that’s easy to clean and comes with cleaning instructions. Some even have removable covers that make it easy to remove stains and dirt. You also want to choose a mattress that will provide you with the support you need for sleeping comfortably.
Mattresses come in different firmness levels from soft to very firm. Memory mattresses work well for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface while traditional coil mattresses often offer more support which can be ideal if you have back problems.
Conclusion
Cleaning a mattress stain the right way is essential to removing the stain and ensuring that your mattress doesn’t grow mold or mildew. By having knowledge on how to clean a mattress stain, you can ensure that your mattress stays clean and smells fresh for many years so you have a safe and comfortable sleeping surface.