How to Remove Odors From Mattress: Effective Tips and Tricks

Looking for ways to remove odor from your mattress? You're not alone. Mattresses can easily accumulate unpleasant smells from sweat, spills, and other sources. Getting an unpleasant smell out of a mattress can be more difficult than removing an offensive stench from clothes or furniture. Fortunately, you can use several effective methods to deodorize your mattress and make it smell fresh again.

Baking soda works well and is known to absorb odors. Using a clean upholstery attachment, vacuum up the baking soda after letting it sit for several hours (or even overnight). Your mattress' stubborn spots or stains can also be treated with a paste made from baking soda and water.

A vinegar solution, which has natural deodorizing properties, is another option. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and mist your mattress lightly with the solution. Allow the area to dry for a few minutes, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Vinegar has a strong smell, but it should dissipate once it dries.

Preparation

Before you start removing the odor from your mattress, it is essential to gather the necessary supplies. Here are the things you will need:

Gather Supplies

1. Baking soda
2. Dish soap
3. Spray bottle
4. Vacuum cleaner
5. Clean cloth or towel
6. Essential oils (optional)

Once you have gathered all the supplies, you can start preparing your mattress for cleaning.

First, remove all the bedding, including the sheets, pillowcases, and comforters. Wash them in hot water to kill any bacteria and dust mites that may have accumulated over time.

Next, vacuum your mattress thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. Pay close attention to the seams, edges, and corners, where dust mites and bacteria often hide.

After vacuuming, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the mattress's surface. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can absorb unpleasant smells from your mattress. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

In a spray bottle, mix dish soap with warm water and spray it on the stained areas of the mattress. Gently scrub the stains with a clean cloth or towel until they disappear.

Finally, vacuum the baking soda off your mattress, ensuring no residue is left behind. To add a pleasant scent to your mattress, sprinkle a few drops of essential oils on the surface before vacuuming.

Cleaning Solutions

A few cleaning solutions can be used when removing odor from a mattress. Two popular options are the baking soda solution and the vinegar solution.

Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda is a great natural odor absorber and can remove unpleasant smells from a mattress. To use this solution, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.
2. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes, preferably for a few hours.
3. Vacuum up the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.

The baking soda will absorb any odors in the mattress, smelling fresh and clean.

Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is another effective cleaning solution that can remove odors from a mattress. To use this solution, follow these steps:

1. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution over the entire surface of the mattress.
3. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes, preferably for a few hours.
4. Blot up any excess moisture using a clean towel.
5. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before using it again.

The vinegar will neutralize any odors in the mattress, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

Application

You can use a few effective methods when removing odors from a mattress. This section will explore two popular methods: Sprinkling Baking Soda and Spraying Vinegar Solution.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize odors. Here's how to use it:

1. Remove all bedding and pillows from the mattress.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress.
3. Use a clean brush or sponge to work the baking soda into the mattress's fabric gently.
4. Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours for more stubborn odors.
5. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda.

Spray Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can help eliminate odors from a mattress. Here's how to use it:

1. Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly spray the solution over the entire surface of the mattress.
3. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Use a clean cloth to blot up any excess moisture.
5. Open windows or use a fan to help the mattress dry completely.

When using either of these methods, it's important to test a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first to ensure that it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage. Additionally, repeating the process every few months is a good idea to keep your mattress smelling fresh and clean.

Drying

Air Dry

One of the easiest ways to dry a mattress is to air dry it. This method is ideal if the weather is sunny and warm. Here are the steps to air-dry your mattress:

1. Remove all bedding and pillows from the mattress.
2. Place the mattress in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
3. Allow the mattress to dry in the sun for a few hours, flipping it over every hour to ensure both sides dry evenly.
4. Once the mattress is completely dry, vacuum it to remove any remaining dust or debris.

Air drying your mattress is a great way to remove moisture and odors and kill bacteria and dust mites. However, this method may not be suitable for those who live in humid or rainy areas.

Use a Fan

Another way to dry your mattress is to use a fan. This method is ideal if you need to dry your mattress quickly and don't have access to sunlight. Here's how to do it:

1. Remove all bedding and pillows from the mattress.
2. Place the mattress in a well-ventilated area, preferably near a fan.
3. Turn on the fan and point it towards the mattress.
4. Allow the fan to run for a few hours, flipping the mattress every hour to ensure both sides dry evenly.
5. Once the mattress is completely dry, vacuum it to remove any remaining dust or debris.

Using a fan to dry your mattress is a great way to remove moisture and odors quickly. However, this method may not be suitable for those who live in humid or rainy areas, as it may take longer to dry the mattress.

Final Steps

Now that you've cleaned and deodorized your mattress, it's time for the final steps to ensure that it stays fresh and odor-free for as long as possible. These steps are simple and easy to follow but can make a big difference in the long run.

Vacuuming

The first step is to vacuum your mattress thoroughly. This will remove any remaining baking soda or cleaning solution and any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, which will be the most effective tool.

Start at the top of the mattress and work your way down, using slow, deliberate strokes. Pay special attention to the seams and edges, as these areas collect the most dirt and debris. Once you've vacuumed the entire surface, flip the mattress over and repeat the process on the other side.

Repeat if Necessary

If you still notice any lingering odors after vacuuming, don't be afraid to repeat the cleaning process. Sometimes, cleaning and deodorizing may take a few rounds to eliminate stubborn smells completely.

Follow the steps outlined in the previous sections using your preferred cleaning solution and deodorizer. Let the mattress dry completely before vacuuming, and repeat the process as needed until the odors are gone.