To clean and deodorize a mattress, start by vacuuming it thoroughly, then sprinkle generously with baking soda (add essential oils for scent) and let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odors, and finally, vacuum it up completely; for stains and deeper cleaning, use a light mist of diluted white vinegar or a mild detergent, allowing everything to air dry fully before remaking the bed.
Baking soda is great for absorbing any remaining moisture or eliminating persistent odours. If you're out of baking soda, then you could substitute it with cornstarch, although it doesn't have the same deodorising properties. Leave the mattress for at least 30 minutes to allow the baking soda to take effect.
Use bicarbonate of soda: Once the mattress is dry, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda over the entire surface. You can leave it to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or longer if needed. We recommend this because baking soda helps neutralise odours.
White vinegar is an efficient solution for cleaning and deodorizing mattresses with stains or unpleasant odors.
Applying baking soda, followed by a good vacuum cleaning, is our number one way to deodorize a mattress quickly.
Then, mist the stained area with the solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and dab the stain with a clean towel. Step 3: If the stain persists, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on top of the stain and let it sit for about eight hours.
Comparison of Dry and Wet Cleaning for Mattresses
Wet cleaning, on the other hand, is more thorough and can be used to remove even the most stubborn stains, dirt and grime. Wet cleaning is also a good option for those who are looking for a deeper clean who haven't gotten a cleaning done in years.
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Spraying your mattress with an odour neutraliser like Febreze every month will ensure it stays smelling fresh and hygienic throughout its lifespan.
Common stains from spills, body oils, or other liquids can cause discoloration. Over time, sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids can seep into the mattress, leading to yellow or brownish stains. Plus, the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris can give the mattress a dingy appearance.
Vinegar method for pee removal
Jessica Samson, a cleaning expert at The Maids recommends mixing two parts water with one part vinegar. “Spray the stain until it is really wet with the solution,” she says. “Give the solution about 15 minutes to set and do its magic, and then blot the area and dry up the stain.”
Heat from your body during sleep creates moisture, while skin cells and sweat provide food for these unwanted guests. Even clean sheets can develop musty odors if they're stored in damp conditions or don't dry completely.
New mattress odors come from off-gassing, where VOCs and chemicals used in manufacturing are released. The smell is usually harmless but may irritate those with sensitivities. Most odors fade within 2-7 days, with memory foam off-gassing the longest.
The best way to get the sweat smell out of a mattress is by using a baking soda/cornstarch mixture. Baking soda is an odor-neutralizer, while cornstarch absorbs moisture. Together, they work to eliminate lingering odors by drying sweat, body oils, and stains.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!
Apply baking soda
Use a sieve to generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress. The sieve isn't necessary but will help create an even spread. The longer you let the soda sit, the better. At an absolute minimum it should be left for 30 minutes.
Baking soda neutralizes acids that harm surfaces inside the tank. This keeps the tank working well and lasting longer. It's simple but effective for mineral buildup and protecting parts inside the tank.
In addition to triggering allergies, the dust mites and other allergens in your mattress can bring about a gradual decline in your indoor air which can also lead to respiratory problems. Breathing in these particles over time can lead to chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Time Matters: Let the baking soda sit undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. For deeper cleaning, especially if the mattress is particularly odorous or hasn't been cleaned in a while, leave it on for several hours or even overnight.
Yellow mattress stains can be from sweat, oils, spills, and time-worn discoloration. You can get them out with a DIY or store-bought cleaning solution. Properly cleaning your mattress can help extend its lifespan while maintaining a healthy sleeping environment.
Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress
Start by sprinkling baking soda generously across the mattress surface. You then want to let it sit for a few hours. If you have a spare mattress, it's best to let the baking soda work overnight. Once you are done waiting, vacuum the mattress to remove all the baking soda.
If the accident is fresh, sprinkle baking soda over the area to draw out the urine. The baking soda should darken in color over time. Vacuum the baking soda off your mattress and sprinkle more on, to continue drawing it out. Repeat this process until the baking soda stays white.
To deep clean the mattress and get rid of germs and bad smells, we recommend trying this trick with bicarbonate of soda: pour it on top (but not too much) and leave it for an hour so it can soak in. Then, use a scrubbing brush to get it all off or use a vacuum cleaner to clear up the rest if needed.