How to Remove Minor Stains from Your Mattress

30 Jul How to Remove Minor Stains from Your Mattress

There are many home areas where we never want to deal with stains, and the mattress is a great example. Luckily, most types of minor stains can be easily enough removed from a mattress with the right basic steps and knowledge.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, as the top mattress store around Salt Lake City, Provo and American Fork, we’re here to offer a huge range of mattresses and adjustable bed frame products – plus basic tips and expertise on care for any of our products, cleaning included. Here’s a primer on what can be defined as a “minor” stain on your mattress, plus some simple steps that are typically effective for removing them.

Defining “Minor” Mattress Stains

Before we go any further, let’s lay out what we consider “minor” stains. These are defined by a few basic qualities:

• Easily identifiable: Minor mattress stains often have an obvious source or cause, such as a spill from food or drink, sweat marks, or even pet accidents.
• Limited in size: Generally speaking, minor stains won’t cover large areas of the mattress – they’ll be smaller and more localized.
• Limited penetration: In terms of liquids or other substances, minor stains usually don’t penetrate deep into the mattress layers. They may soak through some of the top layer, but they won’t reach all the way through.
• No severe odors: While even minor stains can create some odor, it’s typically not strong enough to linger for long periods.

So for instance, any form of blood will definitely not qualify as a minor stain – this is a major one that will require more trained and specialized care. Let’s move on to some basic steps for removing minor stains from your mattress.

Step 1: Blot, Don’t Rub

The first thing to note here is the correct technique for cleaning up mattress stains. No matter the type of fabric or material involved in your spill, rubbing it will only make things worse – it will push the substance further into the fabric and potentially cause damage.

Instead, use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot at the stain gently. This should help remove any excess liquid without causing spreading or damage.

Step 2: Targeted Cleaning

Once you’ve blotted up any excess liquid, it’s time to move on to a cleaning agent. We recommend using a simple solution of warm water and gentle dish soap – mix about one tablespoon of soap into a cup or so of warm water, then gently stir until the soap is dissolved.

From here, you can use either a clean cloth or an old toothbrush (with soft bristles) to dip in the solution and apply to the stain. Gently scrub at the area in circular motions, being careful not to oversaturate or damage the mattress fabric.

As you’re doing this, be sure to periodically rinse your cloth or toothbrush and reapply the solution as needed.

Step 3: Re-Blotting

For most stains, especially minor ones, the warm water and soap solution will be enough to remove the stain entirely. However, for tougher stains or older ones that have set in more deeply, you may need to repeat step 2 a few times.

After each round of scrubbing, be sure to re-blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towels to absorb any excess liquid.

Step 4: Baking Soda

In the case of liquid stains, particularly those that have any sort of minor odor, baking soda can be a great additional tool. After you’ve completed the above steps and the stain is mostly gone, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the damp area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer).

This will help absorb any remaining moisture, plus neutralize any lingering odors.

Step 5: Vacuum and Air Out

Once the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly clean the area. This should remove any remaining residue and leave your mattress looking clean and fresh.

Afterward, consider propping up the mattress in a well-ventilated area to air out for a few hours. This will help remove any remaining odors and ensure that your mattress is completely dry before replacing bedding, which will also reduce any mold or mildew concerns.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to easily remove most minor stains from your mattress. However, if you find yourself dealing with a more stubborn or major stain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or contact 2 Brothers Mattress for advice. We’re dedicated to helping you keep your mattresses and other products in top condition for years to come. Contact us for help with this or any mattress need around SLC, Provo, American Fork or nearby areas.