Mattresses are expensive, and nobody wants to see ugly stains on them, especially when it’s time to change the sheets. But life can be messy, especially with kids, pets, or elderly parents. If you’re dealing with mattress stains, don’t worry! We’ve got some tried-and-tested hacks for you. These tips will not only benefit parents but also adult children taking care of their immobile or elderly parents.
Expert Advice from a Mom
Image Credit: Katelyn Fagan | HCF
Katelyn Fagan is a loving mom and wife who runs a successful business offering cleaning advice and products to families. She knows the struggles of keeping a home clean and organized. Katelyn shared her DIY solution for removing mattress stains.
How to Remove Mattress Stains
Image Credit: Katelyn Fagan | HCF
Here’s what you’ll need:
- An Empty Spray Bottle
- 8 ounces of Hydrogen Peroxide
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- A drop of dish soap
- A few drops of essential oils (optional)
Mix the ingredients in the spray bottle and spray the mixture all over the mattress, paying extra attention to the stains. Let it dry, and then use a vacuum to remove any residue.
More Tips from the Sleep Foundation
While Katelyn’s advice is helpful, some stains may require a deeper understanding of their chemistry. The Sleep Foundation has shared different formulas for tackling difficult-to-remove mattress stains such as blood, vomit, urine, wine, and coffee.
For minor stains, start by dabbing any remaining liquid with a light-colored rag to prevent color bleeding. Use an enzyme cleaner, a store-bought stain remover, laundry detergent, or dish soap. Natural alternatives like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can also be effective. Apply the solution to the stained area, let it dry, and then vacuum away. Repeat the process if needed, and allow the mattress to fully dry before use to avoid mold or mildew growth.
Removing Blood and Urine Stains
Fresh blood stains can be removed by dabbing cold water on the spot. For fresh urine stains, use a mixture of distilled vinegar and baking soda. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar, dab the area to remove excess fluid, then add some baking soda. Let the mixture dry, and then vacuum any remaining residue.
Dealing with Set-In Stains
Set-in stains can be challenging to remove, but with the right cleaning power, it’s possible. For set urine stains, refer back to Katelyn’s suggestions, as the formulas and steps are the same.
To remove set blood stains, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for around 20 minutes. Then, use a cold wet cloth to blot away the solution. You can use a scrubbing brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the stain, starting from the outer part and moving inward to prevent spreading. Blot any remaining liquid or residue, and allow the mattress to dry before use.
Removing Beverage Stains
Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos | Pixabay
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¾ cup warm water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap (use a concentrated, grease-cutting one for best results)
- A clean, light-colored cloth
- Laundry Detergent (for reinforcement)
Beverage stains like coffee, tea, or wine can be tricky to remove, especially from a large mattress. For fresh stains, use cold water and a little dish soap. Dab the stain instead of rubbing it. This method should remove the stain before it sets.
For set-in stains, vinegar and dish soap work well to remove coffee or tea stains. Add some laundry detergent and warm water to the mix if there’s also cream or sugar in the stain.
Removing Red Wine Stains
Image Credit: Sponchia | Pixabay
Removing red wine stains from a mattress can be a challenge. Commercial stain removers are effective, but you can also try a mixture of salt, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Remember to use cold water.
After removing excess liquid, blot cold water onto the stain, then cover it with salt and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the salt with a light-colored cloth and cool water.
For tougher stains, make a solution of two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap. Wet a cloth with the mixture and dab the stain. Let it soak for 20-60 minutes, and then blot with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on colored materials.
The Epitome of Gross: Vomit Stains
Vomit stains are unpleasant and leave behind a lingering odor. The challenge lies in the various enzymes and acids present in vomit. Store-bought enzyme cleaners work well, but you can also make a homemade solution. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Spray Bottle
- 1 cup of Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Dish Soap
- 1 cup of Warm Water
- Baking Soda (for extra help)
Spray the area heavily and let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Blot away any residue and sprinkle baking soda over the area if the stain and smell are still noticeable. Let it set for at least 8 hours, and then vacuum. Remember to always blot or dab instead of rubbing or pushing the stain, as this prevents it from further setting.
With these helpful tips and tricks, you can effectively remove mattress stains and keep your bed fresh and clean. Don’t let stains ruin the comfort of your mattress!
Sources:
- “How To Effectively Remove Mattress Stains – Especially If You Have Young Kids!” by Lauren Kochanowski, Homemaking.com, July 17, 2019
- “How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress” by Jenna Tidd, Sleep Foundation, February 1, 2023
