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How to remove stains from mattress?

28 Aug, 2024
Johnno van den Brink

You can get stains in your mattress in all sorts of ways, which of course is 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, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, steam cleaner, dish soap, vinegar and cornstarch. Here’s how to get your mattress completely clean again, too.

When do you use which way to remove stains?

MethodWhen to use?
Stain removerDepends on the product, often suitable for various stains
Baking soda and vinegarGeneral stains and odors
Lemon juice and saltLight spots
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxideStubborn stains, including blood and urine
Steam CleanerStubborn stains and deep cleaning
Detergent and cold waterLight stains and grease spots
White vinegar and dish soapGeneral stains and bacteria
Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxideGreasy 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. Use 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 can almost be called a miracle cure, you can use this product in so many ways. It is also suitable 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. Let the goodness soak in 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 off the goodness with a damp cloth.
  5. Let the stain dry in the sun.

4. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

There’s baking soda again. This time you combine it with hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains. This method works well if you want to get blood or urine out of your mattress. Use 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, 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.
baking soda stain removal mattress

5. Steam Cleaner

If your mattress is soiled with stubborn stains, using a steam cleaner is recommended. You then penetrate deeper into the mattress, which you do using these steps:

  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 goodness.
  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 oily stains in your mattress, this is the best method to use:

  1. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little hydrogen peroxide. This will eventually form a paste.
  2. Apply with mixture to the stain.
  3. Let this spot dry.
  4. Brush away the paste once the stain has dried.
  5. Remove any residue with a vacuum cleaner.
Getting dirty mattress clean again

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 completely and let the air change for at least half an hour. Place your bed textiles at the foot end during the day, this way all perspiration can dry out 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? Then certainly don’t overdo it with 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?

Will I get yellow stains from the mattress?

If you want to get yellow stains out of the mattress then baking soda is recommended.
Spread this over the stains and brush it into the mattress.
Leave the baking soda for a few hours and then remove it with a vacuum cleaner.

How do I get my mattress clean again?

How do you get your mattress clean again?
Start by vacuuming the mattress dust.
Then sprinkle baking soda over it and brush it well into the mattress.
Let the baking soda soak in for a few hours and then vacuum your mattress again.

What does baking soda do on your mattress?

Baking soda is one of the best products you can use to get stains out of your mattress.
Yet it is not only suitable for cleaning the mattress.
In fact, baking soda also keeps your bed fresh because it neutralizes unwanted odors.
All in all, baking soda helps extend the life of your mattress.

How do brown stains get into mattress?

Due to perspiration, the mattress sometimes shows yellow or brown stains over time.
During sleep, excess heat is dissipated in the form of perspiration.
The stains that occur after the moisture evaporates are often yellow or brown on a white 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:

MethodWhen to use?
Stain removerDepends on the product, often suitable for various stains
Baking soda and vinegarGeneral stains and odors
Lemon juice and saltLight spots
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxideStubborn stains, including blood and urine
Steam CleanerStubborn stains and deep cleaning
Detergent and cold waterLight stains and grease spots
White vinegar and dish soapGeneral stains and bacteria
Cornstarch and hydrogen peroxideGreasy stains