Removing Stains from a Mattress: The Process Explained

Cleaning a mattress stain is one of the most tedious household chores you can do. As a main responsibility for a tidy bedroom, cleaning deep stains from mattresses can be difficult, especially if you are not doing it right. There are a few general rules when it comes to removing deep mattress stains, and sticking to them will significantly decrease the mess!

Recognizing that not all stains are equal and that some cleaning supplies provide better results than others is pivotal in removing them. Knowing the source of the stain and the period it has been there is also helpful in the cleanup process!

If you have pets or kids, you constantly face mysterious stains on every mattress in the home. Fortunately, this article will elaborate on how to get rid of pesky stains once and for all!

Read below to learn how to get stains out of mattress risk and hassle-free!

Different Types of Mattress Stains Explained

Mattress stains can come in various shapes, consistencies, and sizes. Although most are bodily fluids, some stains can be caused by food and beverages. Each stain has its own specific way of cleaning, with some people using commercial cleaners like hydrogen peroxide, while others opt for more homely appliances like baking soda and vinegar. Not every cleaning method applies to the type of stain, so knowing what to use is key to a swift and thorough cleanup.

The following are the most common types of stains you can encounter, plus a few tips on how to clean mattress stains of any kind yourself!

Blood

Blood is one of the most difficult bodily liquids to clean from a mattress. As a fluid that contains lots of proteins, blood easily stains and sticks to mattresses. Whether the source is a nosebleed, a small cut, or an unexpected woman’s cycle, a blood-stained mattress can resemble a scene from a horror film. Unlike other stains, blood stains are very persistent and can turn to allergy-causing mold or mildew buildup if left untreated.

To remove stains from mattress that result from blood, use home tools like baking soda, vinegar, meat tenderizer, cornstarch, and salt.

How To Remove Blood Stains on Mattress

Vinegar is very acidic, so cleaning fresh blood with vinegar is the best way to keep the mattress spotless. Here’s how:

Locate a spray bottle
Fill it with water and vinegar.
Spray the blood-stained area with vinegar.
Leave it to sit for 20 minutes.
Dab the affected area with a clean cloth.
Continue dabbing and repeat the process until the stain disappears.

Urine

If you own pets or have kids, urine stains are the most common ones you will find on your mattress. Although accidental, urine stains are not a pleasant sight, and they can manifest with a yellowish color and sharp odors. Urine stains are a breeding spot for all kinds of bacteria and can lead to mold growth. The best way to remove stain from mattress that results from urine is to use dish soap and baking soda.

How to Remove Urine Stains from Mattress

Here’s how to prevent urine stains and remaining stench.

Locate a towel and dab the urine from the mattress.
Cover the area with baking soda
Allow the soda to absorb the urine from the top of the affected area for about 30 minutes.
Clean the baking soda from the mattress using a vacuum or brush.
Create a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, in a spray bottle.
Generously coat the stain.
Use the vacuum to clean the residue.

Sweat

As the most underestimated stain on our list, sweat can easily turn from unnoticeable bright yellow marks to dark ones with a foul odor. The longer you leave it unclean, the dirtier the area will become.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Mattress

Make a mixture consisting of a cup of hydrogen peroxide, 2 drops of liquid soap, and three tablespoons of baking soda.
Blend the mixture until the baking soda dissolves.
Pour the mixture into a spraying bottle.
Spray the affected area until it becomes damp.
Let it dry for half an hour top.

Oily Stains

Although it’s cozy to eat on the couch, oil stains are the most difficult to remove. When spilling oily foods onto the mattress, they quickly submerge, leaving a big wet stain. You can use home appliances like baking soda to clean it, but cornstarch can also come in handy.

How to Remove Oil Stain on Mattress

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of oil stains:

Locate paper towels.
Use paper towels to blot the excess oil from the mattress.
Pour baking soda into the area to cover it completely.
Set the baking soda on the area and allow it to react for 15 minutes.
Brush up or use a vacuum to clean the baking soda.
Rub the area with a clean cloth.
Leave the area to dry.

Coffee and Wine

Apart from the oily stains, your mattress is often a victim of coffee and wine stains. Like bloodstains, wine stains are tough to remove once they dry up. Whether the stain results from coffee or a glass of wine, remove the stains with dishwashing detergent or vinegar.

How to Remove Coffee or Wine Stains from Mattress

Wine and coffee cleanups have a different approach:

Tap the area with paper towels to absorb and remove fluid.
Pour distilled vinegar on the stain.
Leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Dab the stain to see if it removes.
Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
Leave the mattress to air-dry.

Cleaning a Mattress Stain: The Best Time to Do It

When it comes to mattress stains, the best time to act is immediately. The faster you act, the lesser the chance the stain will remain persistent. If you do not notice a stain until very late on, it’s best to clean it the moment you notice it and not postpone it for later.

It is recommended to clean your mattress entirely every six months. However, the process must be performed more often if stains are involved. The first thing to do for a thoroughly clean mattress is to replace the bedding and tackle the stains directly on the mattress.

If you clean the stain at the right moment, you prevent it from setting into your mattress. To avoid stains and all kinds of dirt accumulating on your mattress, try using a mattress protector and quality stain-resistant sheets.

How to Get Stains Out of Mattress: Detailed Guide

Untreated mattress stains easily become permanent traces on your bed. Besides playing as an ugly reminder, the stains deteriorate the fibers in your mattress and become an attraction for dust mites, bed bugs, mold, etc.

Here are 5 generally accepted ways how to remove stains from mattress and experience splendid results.

Step 1: Remove Fabric from The Bed

You cannot clean a mattress stain without stripping the bed, which involves removing bedding, blankets, pillows, etc. Place these in your washing machine at the hottest temperature to remove any leftover microbes and bacteria.

Step 2: Collect and Sprinkle Baking Soda

Using baking soda is very helpful in diminishing mattress stains. You need to pour some baking soda directly onto the mattress and rub it with a cloth or your hand. The rubs should be gentle enough not to rip the mattress, and repeat the process for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Leave the Baking Soda to Settle and Vacuum It

After leaving the baking soda on top of the stained area for 10-20 minutes, check the stain and vacuum the residue. Use the vacuum on both sides and the top of your mattress.

Step 4: Apply an Appropriate Concoction for the Type of Stain

Below is a list of the substances that you can use on each stain to remove it:

For blood stains use vinegar
For urine use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
For sweat use dish soap
For oily stains use cornstarch
For food and beverage stains use liquid soap or distilled vinegar

Step 5: Repeat the process if necessary

After completing the 4 steps, make sure the stain fades completely. If not, try repeating the process until it disappears. Try using a dryer instead of letting the mattress air dry to save time.

Concluding Remarks on Cleaning Mattress Stains

It takes a lot of energy to remove stubborn stains, but we hope this guide was helpful in giving you a clearer perspective on how to get stains out of a mattress the right way! Whether it’s blood or coffee, stains have a higher chance of disappearing when taken care of immediately. Keep the baking soda and vinegar by your side, and you won’t have any stain troubles in the future!

If you are no match for the stains on your mattress, you can always contact professionals. Searching for an affordable cleaning service you can trust your home with? Then reach out to Certified Clean Care now! Their services offer everything from vinyl and tile cleaning to disinfecting, to carpet cleaning to stain and pet odor removal! Hurry up and hire Certified Clean Care for a safe and spotless home!

FAQ

How do you make a dirty mattress white again?

Cleaning your dirty mattress with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can make it white again.

Are mattress stains permanent?

If not cleaned for a longer period, mattress stains can become permanent.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove mattress stains?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning mattress stains.

Will bleach ruin a mattress?

Yes. Don’t use bleach to clean mattress stains because it is too harsh for the mattress material and will spread the stain.

Request Appointment