How to Get Stains
Out of a Mattress

We know all about the unique cleaning challenges our customers face, and that’s one of the reasons we created our special cleaning service. And there’s one cleaning challenge we hear about repeatedly—how to get stains out of a mattress. What The Maids has noticed over the years is that too many of us don’t make regular mattress cleaning part of our housekeeping routine. That lack of cleaning leads to dust mites, buildup, odors, and long-hidden stains that can be stubborn to remove.

Think about that. We eat in our beds, we sweat while we’re sleeping, and let’s be honest, sometimes our kids pee in our beds. And where do we go when we’re sick? Our beds. All that means mattress stains from urine, blood, and even vomit are almost inevitable if you don’t use a waterproof mattress cover. If you don’t want to deep clean your mattress more often than you have to, learn how to clean mattress stains using this field-tested guide.

Read on to learn how to remove stains from a mattress using safe and effective natural cleaning supplies you probably have in your home already.

How to Remove Urine Stains From a Mattress

Most professional stain cleaning guides agree that the sooner you tackle a stain, the easier it will be to remove, and that’s especially true for urine stains. Urine stains can become permanent and cause a lingering odor if they aren’t treated right away, but there’s still hope even if you discover them a little late.

Here’s what you’ll need to remove urine stains on mattresses:

• Spray bottle
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish soap
• Essential oil/li>
• Water
• Microfiber cloths
• Toothbrush

Fresh Urine Stains

1. Blot up as much urine as you can with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
2. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle.
3. Saturate the stain with your cleaning solution, then sprinkle baking soda on it.
4. Let the stain remover sit overnight and vacuum up the dried baking soda along with the urine.
5. If the stain is still visible, use the dried urine stain method below.

Old Urine Stains

1. Mix eight ounces of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, three drops of liquid dish soap, and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle.
2. Spray your stain remover on and around the stained area until it’s thoroughly wet.
3. Vacuum up the residue once the stained area is dry.
4. If the stain is still visible, dip a toothbrush in undiluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub away the remainder gently.

How to Remove Blood Stains From a Mattress

Blood stains contain proteins, so you’ll want to use cold water when you’re cleaning up the stain to prevent it from setting. If you discover a fresh blood stain on your mattress, take action quickly for the best results. If you need to know how to remove old blood stains from a mattress, we’ve got a secret ingredient to help make the job easier.

Here’s what you need to remove blood stains from a mattress:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Meat tenderizer
• Toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths

Fresh Blood Stains

1. Blot up excess blood with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Then mix half water and half distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the blood stain thoroughly with your stain remover and blot up more of the blood as it dissolves.
4. Wait until the stain solution is almost dry, then scrub out the rest of the blood stain using a damp microfiber cloth.
5. Move on to the dried blood stain removal method below if still visible.

Dried Blood Stains

1. Mix one tablespoon of meat tenderizer with enough water to make a thick paste.
2. Spread the stain remover generously on and around the stain.
3. Massage the stained area with your fingers gently to help the meat tenderizer get into the fabric fibers.
4. Use a toothbrush to scrub the stain in the direction of the fabric weave.
5. Once the paste dries, vacuum up the residue.
6. Repeat the process until the stain is no longer visible.

How to Remove Vomit Stains From a Mattress

Unfortunately, when you’re learning how to get stains out of a mattress, you don’t get to pick and choose the ones you work on. Someone vomiting won’t slip past your radar, so if you need to know how to get a vomit stain out of a mattress, we assume it’s a fresh one!

Other than a strong stomach and potentially a facemask, below is what you’ll need to get a vomit stain out of a mattress and a list of cleaning steps:

• Liquid dish soap
• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths

1. Remove any solids and then blot the stain with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Fill a bowl halfway with warm water and mix in a few drops of liquid dish soap.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution and blot until you’ve removed most of the stain.
4. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the soapy residue.
5. Mix one part cold water and three parts white vinegar in another bowl.
6. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the vinegar solution and blot the stained area clean.
7. Allow the mattress to air dry. If you still smell the vomit or the vinegar odor is too powerful, sprinkle baking soda onto the stain, wait 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.

If you found our guide for how to get stains out of a mattress helpful, check out our other cleaning guides for carpet, clothes, and more. Whether you’re an avid DIY housekeeping guru or you choose one of our affordable residential cleaning services, we want your family to enjoy the cleanest home possible. Get your free estimate today and find out how to get more free time and a cleaner home more often.