How to remove stains from mattress?

You can get stains in your mattress in all sorts of ways, which is of course extremely annoying. Fortunately, these days there are a lot of ways you can remove these dirty spots. We discuss 8 ways to remove stains from mattresses in this blog post: stain remover, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, steam cleaner, dish soap, vinegar and cornstarch. This will also get your mattress completely clean again.

When do you use which way to remove stains?

Method	When to use?
Stain remover	Depends on the product, often suitable for various stains
Baking soda and vinegar	General stains and odors
Lemon juice and salt	Light spots
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide	Stubborn stains, including blood and urine
Steam Cleaner	Stubborn stains and deep cleaning
Detergent and cold water	Light stains and grease spots
White vinegar and dish soap	General stains and bacteria
Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide	Grease Stains

1. Stain remover

If you want to get stains out of your mattress, you can buy a special product at the supermarket or drugstore. A stain remover therefore lives up to its name. Here, it is essential to buy a textile stain remover, as this type of cleaner usually works well on mattresses. Follow these steps:

1. Read the instructions of the stain remover.
2. Apply the stain remover to the stain.
3. Let the stain remover soak in.
4. Wipe the stain with a damp cloth.
5. Let the mattress dry.

2. Baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) could almost be called a miracle cure because you can use this product in so many ways. It’s also great for getting stains out of your mattress, especially if you clean the stain with vinegar first. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Mix in equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray this mixture on the stain.
3. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
4. Dab the stain with a clean cloth.
5. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it soak in for several hours.
6. Vacuum up the baking soda.

3. Lemon juice and salt

Lemon juice works a bit like bleach, but is less intense. If you combine it with salt, you can remove light stains from your mattress very well. Follow this step-by-step plan:

1. Squeeze a lemon over the stain.
2. Sprinkle salt over the lemon juice and gently rub it into the mattress.
3. Allow the mixture to soak in for at least half an hour.
4. Wipe it off with a damp cloth.
5. Let the stain dry in the sun.

4. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Here you combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains. This method works well if you want to get blood or urine out of your mattress. Follow these steps to get a clean mattress again:

1. Mix 240 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Mix the goodness by shaking the bottle.
3. Spray the mixture on the stain and leave it on for 10 minutes or longer.
4. Remove excess moisture from the stain with a clean cloth.
5. Allow the stain to dry completely.
6. Vacuum up the remaining residue.

5. Steam Cleaner

If your mattress is soiled with stubborn stains, using a steam cleaner is recommended. You will then penetrate deeper into the mattress. We list the steps for you:

1. Read the steam cleaner manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Fill the steam cleaner with water.
3. Slowly move the steam cleaner over the stain.
4. Soak up excess moisture with a clean cloth.
5. Let the mattress dry and use the steam cleaner again if necessary.

6. Dish soap and cold water

Are there only light stains on your mattress? A combination of dish soap and cold water will do the trick:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap with cold water.
2. Dip a clean cloth in this mixture.
3. Wring out the cloth and then dab the stain with it.
4. Use a dry cloth to dry the stain.
5. Allow the mattress to dry completely.

7. White vinegar and dish soap

Dish soap can also be used in combination with white vinegar to get stains out of your mattress. Follow these steps:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of white vinegar. Also add a cup of warm water.
2. Use a sponge to apply this mixture to the stain.
3. Remove excess moisture with a dry cloth.
4. Allow the mattress to dry completely.

8. Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide

If you suffer from grease stains in your mattress, this is the best method:

1. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.
2. Apply the mixture to the stain.
3. Let the mixture dry.
4. Brush away the paste once the stain has dried.
5. Remove any residue with a vacuum cleaner.

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How can you prevent stains in your mattress?

First, by using a good mattress protector under the fitted sheet. Both can be washed and rinsed regularly. Especially with small children or incontinence, it is recommended to use a waterproof mattress protector. Often these protectors are coated with a waterproof material or have a waterproof film layer. The coating is air permeable but keeps moisture out. Urine can bite into the foam layer of a mattress quite aggressively and that stain is almost impossible to remove.

Also pay adequate attention to airing your bed. When you wake up in the morning, open the windows fully and let the air change for at least half an hour. Place your bed textiles at the foot end during the day. This will allow all perspiration to dry properly.

Turn and flip your mattress regularly when you can. Do so at least every 3 months, but preferably more regularly.

Is your mattress cover washable? If so, definitely don’t overdo the washing – you use protectors for that. Washing once a year is often sufficient, best right after summer.

Frequently asked questions about how to remove stains from mattress

How to remove stains from mattress – Conclusion

As you have read in this blog, there are 8 ways you can get (yellow) stains out of your mattress. Which method is most suitable depends on the type of stain and how dirty it has made your mattress. Below you will find them in a handy overview:

Method	When to use?
Stain remover	Depends on the product, often suitable for various stains
Baking soda and vinegar	General stains and odors
Lemon juice and salt	Light spots
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide	Stubborn stains, including blood and urine
Steam Cleaner	Stubborn stains and deep cleaning
Detergent and cold water	Light stains and grease spots
White vinegar and dish soap	General stains and bacteria
Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide	Grease Stains