That coffee spill. The baby spit-up incident. The mystery stain that magically appeared overnight. Mattress stains happen to all of us at some point. And getting them out can be a real challenge. Unlike clothing, you can’t just throw your mattress in the wash to get it clean.
Take heart! Mattress stain removal is possible with the right techniques and a little elbow grease. Before hiring a cleaning service, by acting quickly and using suitable cleaning methods, you can bust those pesky spots and restore your mattress to its original fresh state. Discover how to tackle all kinds of common mattress stains below.
Removing Mattress Food and Drink Stains
Food and beverages are some of the most likely substances to end up on a mattress, especially in homes with kids and pets. Sugary sodas, greasy pizza sauce, chocolate, coffee, and other foods can really stain if not dealt with promptly. Here’s how to handle them:
Step 1: As soon as the spill happens, blot the excess liquid immediately with clean towels. Don’t scrub or you may drive the stain deeper.
Step 2: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stain. This will begin lifting and absorbing the spill.
Step 3: Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons dish soap with 2 cups warm water. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and gently dab the stain. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Step 4: If any stain remains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Carefully dab the paste onto the stain with a soft cloth or sponge. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with clear water.
Step 5: Blot the area with dry towels until completely dry. Repeat stain treatment if needed for stubborn spots.
Step 6: Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress. This will help absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum off after 24 hours.
According to cleaning experts at Good Housekeeping, blotting up liquid spills right away is crucial for preventing stains from setting on mattresses.
Mattress Oils and Grease Stains Removal
Oily foods, lotions, cosmetics, and other greasy substances can seep into mattress fibers and prove difficult to extract. For best results:
Step 1: Immediately blot away any excess oil or grease from the surface using paper towels or a clean rag. Don’t smear it around.
Step 2: Generously sprinkle cornstarch over the stained area. Allow it to sit overnight to absorb as much oil as possible.
Step 3: In the morning, vacuum up the corn starch.
Step 4: Mix dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the stain and allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth dampened with vinegar. The vinegar will help cut through the grease.
Step 6: Repeat spritzing and blotting until the stain is completely removed. Avoid harsh scrubbing motions.
Step 7: Allow the spot to fully air dry. Verify stain is gone once dry.
Mattress Perspiration and Urine Stains Solution
Sweat and urine mishaps can really sink into a mattress and smell terrible too. To banish them:
Step 1: Blot any excess liquid immediately with towels. Avoid rubbing it deeper into the mattress.
Step 2: Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the stain to begin absorbing urine and reducing odors.
Step 3: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Lightly mist the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Use a soft brush or towel to gently blot the stain. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Step 5: Rinse the area with clean cold water and blot dry with towels.
Step 6: Repeat applications of vinegar solution and blotting until no stain remains.
Step 7: Sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress to freshen overnight before vacuuming.
Step 8: Use an enzymatic cleaner made for pet stains if the odor still lingers. This will break down bacteria in the urine.
Eliminating Blood Stains
Nose bleeds, cuts, and other bloody accidents can happen unexpectedly. Blood stains need quick action.
Step 1: Gently blot excess blood immediately with cold water and paper towels.
Step 2: Make a paste of meat tenderizer and cold water. Carefully dab it onto the blood stain.
Step 3: Let the paste sit for 30 minutes before blotting and rinsing with cold water. Meat tenderizer contains enzymes that break down blood proteins.
Step 4: If any faint stain remains, dab with hydrogen peroxide. This will bubble away the remaining blood residue.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with towels.
Step 6: Sprinkle on baking soda to deodorize before vacuuming up.
Tackling Mold and Mildew
Dampness can cause ugly mold and mildew to grow on mattress surfaces. Stop it with:
Step 1: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray moldy patches to disinfect and inhibit growth.
Step 2: Allow the vinegar solution to soak for 10 minutes. Use a soft brush to gently loosen mold on fabric surfaces.
Step 3: Blot-treated areas with clean towels. Repeat the spray and blot steps until the mold is removed.
Step 4: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and leave overnight to absorb residual moisture and prevent re-growth.
Step 5: Vacuum baking soda once fully dry. Consider using a dehumidifier or moisture absorber to keep the mattress dry.
Banishing Dust Mites & Allergens
Microscopic dust mites thrive in mattresses, causing allergies. To decimate them:
Step 1: Vacuum mattress thoroughly including crevices and seams where dust mites nest. Use a hose attachment and a HEPA filter bag.
Step 2: Mix 2 cups water with 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant and dust mite killer. Spray over the mattress surface.
Step 3: Allow to dry completely. Tea tree oil should not stain most mattress fabrics, but test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Step 4: Cover the mattress with an allergen-proof encasement for ongoing protection. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
With some spot-cleaning finesse and patience, you can get even the trickiest stains out of mattresses. Act quickly, never scrub harshly, allow thorough drying and you’ll preserve your mattress and your peace of mind. Sweet dreams on your fresh, clean bed!
Professional Mattress Cleaning Services
For old, extensive stains or ones that have seeped deep into your mattress, the cleaning experts at Stanley Steemer recommend calling in professional mattress cleaning services. These services have commercial equipment and cleaners that can effectively sanitize and de-stain mattresses.
Professional mattress cleaning involves truck-mounted hot water extraction to deep clean stains and odors from bedding. The pressurized hot water spray penetrates deep while vacuum suction removes water and debris immediately so mattresses dry quickly. Professionals may also use steam cleaners, sanitizing solutions, and odor neutralizers formulated specifically for bedding.
Mattress cleaning costs vary based on mattress size and the extent of cleaning needed. Expect to pay $80 and up. Calling in the pros can extend the life of a mattress and restore it to a fresh, hygienic state. Just be sure to verify they are reputable, licensed, and insured.
Bottomline
Mattress stains can be intimidating, but with the right cleaning methods, they don’t have to spell disaster for your mattress. No matter what got spilled, spilled, or otherwise deposited onto your bed, you can get it clean again. Just remember to always blot, never scrub harshly, and allow plenty of time for thorough drying after stain removal. With some strategic cleaning and care, you can keep your mattress fresh and clean for many years of restful sleep.
