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The best way to get stains off a mattress is to use as little liquid as possible, blot instead of scrub, and match the cleaner to the type of stain. Start with a mild solution, work from the outside of the stain toward the center, and let the mattress dry fully before making the bed.
Always check the mattress care instructions first. Some foam, latex, pillow-top, and adjustable-air mattresses may need special care.
What You Will Need
Gather a few basic supplies before you start:
- Clean white cloths or paper towels
- A spray bottle
- Mild dish soap or laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- Cool water
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- A soft brush
- Disposable gloves for body-fluid stains
White cloths are useful because colored towels may transfer dye to the mattress.
How to Remove a Fresh Mattress Stain
Fresh stains are usually easier to remove than dried ones.
1. Strip the bed
Remove the sheets, mattress pad, and protector. Wash them according to their care labels.
Do not put stained bedding in the dryer until the stain is gone. Dryer heat can make some stains harder to remove.
2. Blot up extra moisture
Press a clean, dry cloth onto the stain. Lift the cloth and move to a clean section as it absorbs moisture.
Do not rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the mattress.
3. Apply a small amount of cleaner
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or liquid laundry detergent with cool water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle or dip a cloth into it.
Lightly dampen the stained area. Do not soak it.
A mattress contains thick layers that can take a long time to dry. Too much moisture may leave an odor or damage some mattress materials.
4. Blot the stain
Use a clean cloth to blot from the outside edge toward the middle. This helps stop the stain from spreading.
Repeat with fresh sections of the cloth until little or no stain transfers.
5. Remove soap residue
Dampen another cloth with plain water. Blot the area to lift away leftover cleaner.
Keep the cloth only slightly damp.
6. Dry the mattress fully
Press the area with a dry towel. Then leave the mattress uncovered until it is completely dry.
Open a window, run a fan, or improve airflow in the room. Do not remake the bed while the mattress still feels damp.
How to Remove Common Mattress Stains
Different stains may need slightly different methods.
Urine Stains
For a fresh urine stain, blot up as much liquid as possible before applying any cleaner.
Use a small amount of cool water mixed with mild detergent. Blot the area, remove the soap with a slightly damp cloth, and dry it well.
After the area is mostly dry, sprinkle baking soda over it. Leave it in place for several hours, then vacuum it up.
For an older stain or strong odor, an enzyme cleaner made for upholstery may help break down organic residue. Check the product listing to make sure it is suitable for mattresses and safe for the mattress material. Follow the label and avoid oversaturating the bed.
Blood Stains
Use cool water for blood stains. Hot water can make the stain harder to remove.
Blot a fresh stain with a cloth dampened with cool water. Then use a small amount of mild detergent solution and continue blotting.
For a dried stain, let the damp detergent cloth rest on the spot for a few minutes before blotting again. Do not pour water directly onto the mattress.
Some stain removers may lighten mattress fabric. Test any product on a hidden area first.
Sweat and Yellow Stains
Sweat, skin oils, and body products can leave yellow or dull marks over time.
Vacuum the mattress first. Then lightly apply a mild detergent solution and blot the stained fabric.
You may need to repeat the process several times. Old yellow stains may fade without disappearing completely. Focus on removing residue and odor without soaking or damaging the mattress.
Vomit or Other Body-Fluid Stains
Wear disposable gloves and remove any solid material carefully.
Blot the area with cool water and mild detergent. An upholstery-safe enzyme cleaner may be useful for remaining odor or residue. Follow the product directions and check that it is suitable for your mattress.
Let the mattress dry completely before using it again.
Food and Drink Stains
Blot liquids right away. Pick up crumbs or solid pieces without pressing them into the mattress.
The best way to get stains off a mattress is to use as little liquid as possible, blot instead of scrub, and match the cleaner to the type of stain; review materials, fit, care, safety, cleaning, drying, and performance before deciding what suits your needs.
Use cool water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Blot gently, then remove the soap with a clean, damp cloth.
For sugary drinks, take extra care to remove the sticky residue. Leftover sugar can attract dirt and leave the fabric stiff.
Coffee and Tea Stains
Blot fresh coffee or tea with a dry cloth. Use cool water mixed with a few drops of mild detergent.
Work slowly and avoid spreading the liquid. If the drink contained milk or cream, an enzyme cleaner labeled for upholstery may help with the organic residue.
Pet Stains
Blot the stain and use a mattress-safe enzyme cleaner if the product label allows it. Pet stains may need more than one treatment.
Do not cover the spot with sheets while it is still damp or while the cleaner is still active. Follow the cleaner’s drying and ventilation instructions.
A washable waterproof mattress protector can make future cleanup easier in pet-friendly homes.
How to Treat an Old or Dried Mattress Stain
An old stain may take several rounds of gentle cleaning.
Start by vacuuming the area. Lightly dampen the stain with a mild detergent solution, then wait a few minutes. Blot with a clean cloth.
Repeat the process instead of using a large amount of cleaner at once.
A stain that has reached deep mattress layers may not disappear fully. Overcleaning can cause more trouble than the remaining mark, especially on foam mattresses.
Should You Use Baking Soda on a Mattress?
Baking soda can help absorb light odors and surface moisture. It is not a complete stain remover by itself.
After cleaning and drying the stained area, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the mattress. Leave it for several hours, then vacuum it up carefully.
Check your mattress manufacturer’s guidance before using powders. Fine particles may not be recommended for some mattress covers or adjustable-bed systems.
Cleaners to Use Carefully
Strong products are not always better for mattresses.
Use caution with:
- Bleach
- Large amounts of hydrogen peroxide
- Strong disinfectants
- Carpet-cleaning machines
- Steam cleaners
- Harsh brushes
- Undiluted detergent
- Scented sprays that only cover odors
Bleach and peroxide can discolor fabric or weaken some materials. Steam and carpet machines may force too much moisture into the mattress.
Do not mix cleaning products. Some combinations can create harmful fumes.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
Do not soak the mattress
A wet surface may feel dry while the deeper layers remain damp.
Do not scrub hard
Scrubbing can spread the stain, roughen the fabric, or damage quilted padding.
Do not use heat on a fresh protein stain
Blood, milk, and some body-fluid stains should be treated with cool water.
Do not remake the bed too soon
Wait until the mattress is fully dry. This may take several hours or longer, depending on the stain, room airflow, and mattress type.
Do not ignore the mattress instructions
Removable mattress covers are not always machine washable. A cover with a zipper may be part of the mattress construction rather than a washable cover.
How to Protect the Mattress After Cleaning
A mattress protector can reduce future staining. Choose one that fits the mattress depth and does not pull tightly at the corners.
A waterproof protector is useful for:
- Kids’ beds
- Guest rooms
- Dorm beds
- Pet-friendly homes
- Drinks in bed
- Nighttime accidents
Wash the protector according to its care label. Keeping a spare protector can make laundry day easier.
You can also rotate the mattress if the manufacturer recommends it. Rotation will not remove a stain, but it may help the mattress wear more evenly.
When a Mattress May Be Too Damaged to Clean
Home cleaning may not be enough when:
- The stain covers a large area
- Liquid has soaked deep into the mattress
- The mattress has stayed wet for a long time
- A strong odor returns after drying
- The mattress material is breaking down
- The manufacturer advises against spot cleaning
A professional upholstery cleaner may be able to help, but confirm that the service works with your specific mattress type. Some mattresses should not be steam cleaned or heavily wet cleaned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dish soap to clean a mattress stain?
Yes. Mix only a few drops of mild dish soap with cool water. Apply it with a damp cloth or a light spray, then blot the stain. Avoid soaking the mattress.
Can I use laundry detergent on a mattress?
A small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent diluted in water can work for many surface stains. Remove any soap residue with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
How long does a mattress take to dry after cleaning?
Drying may take several hours or longer. The time depends on how much liquid was used, the mattress material, room temperature, and airflow. Do not add sheets until the area is fully dry.
Will baking soda remove a mattress stain?
Baking soda may help with odor and surface moisture, but it usually will not remove a stain on its own. Clean the stain first, let the mattress dry, and then use baking soda if the manufacturer allows it.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
It is usually safer to avoid carpet-cleaning machines unless the mattress manufacturer specifically allows them. These machines can leave too much moisture inside the mattress.
How do I remove a stain without leaving a water ring?
Use very little liquid and blot from the outside of the stain toward the center. Feather the edges with a slightly damp cloth, then dry the area evenly with good airflow.
Can an old mattress stain be removed completely?
Some old stains can be faded, but not every mark will disappear. Repeat gentle treatments rather than soaking or scrubbing the mattress. A clean, dry mattress with a faint mark may be better than a damaged mattress caused by aggressive cleaning.
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