How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress:
Expert Tips for Keeping Your Bed Fresh

Table of Contents

Spills and stains are a reality, especially if you have kids or pets. Keeping your mattress and sleep accessories clean can help prevent bacteria growth, mildew, and even mold. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to refresh and clean your mattress when it gets stained. Many of our tips can be used on other bedding and accessories like pillows, mattress pads, sheets, and toppers, too. 

We’ll cover some of the most common types of stains, explain which cleaning solutions work best for each, and give step-by-step instructions on how to deal with them. We’ll also let you know what not to do, and share the best methods for preventing stains in the first place.

Different types of stains require different types of cleaning agents. Before pushing your sleeves up and getting to work, make sure to check your mattress’ care label to see if there are specific cleaning methods that the manufacturer recommends or discourages. 

In general, there are a few common items that work well to clean most mattresses and remove stains. 

• Water, either cold or warm depending on the type of stain
• Mild soap or detergent
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Vinegar
• Damp and dry cloths
• Spray bottle

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list and that you should use the appropriate cleaning agents for each type of stain.

Though exact methods vary depending on what caused the stain, you can follow the same general procedure to get minor stains out. 

1. Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb liquid from a fresh spill, or a damp cloth on a dry stain. Dab rather than rub.
2. Apply a bit of cleaning solution to the stain. Use dish soap or gentle laundry detergent for mild stains. Use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or enzyme cleaner for bodily fluids or tough stains.
3. Blot the area with a dry cloth to draw moisture away from the mattress.
4. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb any leftover liquids. Let it sit for a few hours.
5. Vacuum the baking soda. Apply again if necessary.
6. Dry the mattress fully before use to prevent discomfort and mildew.

For harder-to-clean stains like blood, wine, or coffee, you’ll want to follow more specific instructions to ensure the stains don’t become worse. 

Stains are bound to happen, but luckily, getting them out usually isn’t too difficult if you’re careful. Bodily fluids and drinks are often the culprits behind a stained mattress. The method for stain removal is a bit different for each of the most common types of stains.

Removing Urine Stains

As you would do with a minor stain, you’ll first want to remove excess moisture with either a clean cloth or towel. After blotting, spray the area with a solution made from half vinegar and half water. Use another dry cloth, then sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it dry, and vacuum it up. 

Clean urine stains as soon as you can. Once they start to dry, they’re tougher to get out. If a urine stain is already dry, swap the water and vinegar mixture for one made from 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and a bit of dish soap. For pet urine, use an enzyme cleaner made especially for the task.

Removing Blood Stains

Blood stains are notoriously tricky to get out of mattresses and fabric, but it’s not impossible. If the blood isn’t dried yet, use a cloth dampened with cold water and press into the stain, gently moving from the outside in. Warm or hot water can allow the stain to spread, so make sure to use cold. 

If the stain persists or the blood is dried, use an enzyme cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste to clean it. Apply either one to the stain after blotting the area using a cloth dampened with cold water. Allow it to sit for up to 20 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush or cleaning brush, if necessary. Remove the mixture by dabbing with a damp cloth. Allow the mattress to fully dry before use. 

Removing Coffee Stains

Coffee is notorious for causing stains in clothes and on teeth. Similarly, it can stain your mattress if there’s a mishap with your morning coffee in bed. Just as you do with other stains, carefully use a cloth to absorb liquid after a coffee spill. 

Next, use warm water to dampen the stain. Create a mixture containing 3 parts warm water, 1 part vinegar, and a strong dish detergent. Apply the solution to the stain from the outside to the inside to prevent it from bleeding. After five minutes or so, remove any excess liquid with a dry cloth. Wait until the mattress is dry before using it. 

Removing Vomit Stains

Unfortunately, vomit carries the one-two punch of stains and odors. Enzyme cleaner is an excellent option, as it’s formulated to tackle bodily fluids effectively. However, household cleaners may work well too. If you prefer not to use an enzyme cleaner, use equal parts vinegar and warm water along with a spoonful of dish soap on the stain. 

After you apply your cleaner of choice, spread baking soda on the stain and allow it to dry, then vacuum up the excess. Baking soda and vinegar both work well as household deodorizers, though you can purchase fabric deodorizers at affordable prices. 

Removing Wine Stains

When dealing with red wine stains, it’s important to use cold water rather than hot, because hot water can allow the stain to spread. Use a cloth dampened with cold water to dab at the stain, making sure not to rub or use abrasion. 

Table salt can help draw the wine away from the fabric. Sprinkle some salt onto the stain and allow it to work for a few minutes, then carefully remove the salt and repeat if needed. You can also mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and 1 part soap, then apply the solution to any lasting stains. 

You can take steps to help prevent stains in the first place by using barriers to safeguard your mattress. Some mattress protectors are made from treated fabric that’s designed to prevent liquid from absorbing into the protector, while others are polyurethane and totally water resistant. You can opt for protectors that work like a fitted sheet, or choose one that fully encases the mattress. 

Another option is to use a mattress topper or pad to create a buffer between you and your actual mattress. Though these can become stained too, mattress pads and toppers are less expensive and easier to replace than a mattress. When you purchase a mattress, check manufacturer details to learn the best way to care for your new bed.

About The Author

Garen Glazier

Staff Writer, Product Testing Team

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Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.

• POSITION: Side Sleeper
• TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
• CHRONOTYPE: Wolf

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