Simple Way to Clean Stains on a Mattress

Your mattress takes more wear and tear than you might think — from sweat and spills to pet accidents and dust buildup. Luckily, you don’t need fancy equipment or harsh chemicals to make it fresh again. With simple household ingredients and a few easy steps, you can restore your mattress to clean, comfy perfection.

Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning stains, refreshing your mattress, and keeping it fresh year-round — all on a budget.

Step 1: Strip and Vacuum the Mattress

Start by removing all bedding — sheets, protectors, and blankets — and toss them in the wash. Then use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to clean the entire mattress surface.
Pay extra attention to seams and edges where dust and hair collect.
This prevents dirt from grinding into the fabric when you treat stains later.

Step 2: Spot-Treat Stains Based on Type

Every stain has its own solution — the trick is knowing what to use and how much.

1. Sweat or Yellow Stains

Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide + 3 tbsp baking soda + a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray the stained area (don’t soak it), let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a dry towel.
It brightens fabric and kills odor-causing bacteria naturally.

2. Blood Stains

Use cold water only — hot water sets the stain.
Blot with a damp cloth, then apply a baking soda paste (baking soda + water).
Let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping away.
Repeat gently if needed — blood stains may take two rounds.

3. Urine or Odor Stains (Kids or Pets)

Mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water and spray over the spot.
Blot dry with a clean towel, then sprinkle baking soda on top.
Leave overnight if possible, then vacuum.
This removes both stains and stubborn smells.

4. Food or Drink Stains

Combine 1 cup warm water + 1 tsp dish soap, dip a cloth, and blot the area.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
For darker stains (like coffee or wine), add 1 tsp vinegar to boost cleaning power.

Step 3: Deodorize the Mattress

Once spot cleaning is done, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda across the entire surface.
Leave it for 1–2 hours to absorb lingering odors and moisture.
Then vacuum thoroughly to lift all residue.
Instant freshness — no artificial scents needed.

Step 4: Let It Air Dry Completely

Let your mattress air out for a few hours before remaking the bed.
If possible, open windows or set up a fan for faster drying.
Sunlight adds a natural disinfecting effect, killing bacteria and freshening fabric fibers.

Step 5: Protect for the Future

Add a waterproof mattress protector once clean and dry.
It prevents new stains, makes weekly cleaning easy, and extends your mattress lifespan.
Try to vacuum every few months to keep dust and allergens away.

Simple Tricks to Clean Mattress Stains — No Harsh Cleaners Needed!

Always blot instead of rub — rubbing pushes stains deeper.
Use cold water for protein stains like blood and sweat.
Test solutions first on a small area to avoid discoloration.
Avoid soaking — moisture can damage foam or coils.
Repeat light cleaning instead of using too much liquid.

Deep Clean Routine for Monthly Mattress Care

Want your mattress to stay fresh all year? A simple monthly deep-clean does the trick.

Strip and Air Out: Remove sheets and open windows for 30 minutes to release trapped odors.
Baking Soda Refresh: Sprinkle baking soda with a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus). Leave for an hour.
Vacuum Thoroughly: Use your upholstery tool to remove all powder.
Spot Check: Treat any new stains before they set.
Flip or Rotate: Helps prevent sagging and uneven wear.
Clean Bedding Weekly: Fresh sheets keep your mattress cleaner longer.

A monthly refresh like this keeps your bed smelling clean, feeling plush, and lasting years longer.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Mattress Cleaning

Cleaning Option	Average Cost	What You Get	Best For
DIY Cleaning (Home Method)	$5–$15	Uses household products like baking soda, vinegar, and peroxide. Great for routine maintenance and light stains.	Regular upkeep and odor control
Professional Steam Cleaning	$80–$150 per mattress	Deep extraction cleaning, removes embedded dirt and dust mites.	Deep cleaning once or twice a year
Full-Service Mattress Sanitation	$150–$300	Includes steam cleaning, UV sanitizing, deodorizing, and stain removal.	Allergy sufferers or heavy staining

If your mattress just needs light stain or odor removal, DIY cleaning saves over 90% of the cost — and you can do it anytime.
Professional services are best reserved for major spills, severe odors, or yearly deep sanitizing.

Quick Grab Mattress Cleaning Kit

☐ Baking soda
☐ White vinegar
☐ Hydrogen peroxide
☐ Mild dish soap
☐ Spray bottle
☐ Microfiber cloths
☐ Vacuum with upholstery tool

Final Thought: A Cleaner Bed, a Better Sleep

A clean mattress doesn’t just look better — it helps you breathe easier and sleep deeper.
With these simple, budget-friendly cleaning tricks, you can keep your bed spotless, fresh, and comfortable for years without spending a fortune.