How to Remove Mattress Stains
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsFrom fresh accidents to set-in yellowing, mattress stains happen. Here's how to tackle every type of stain without damaging your mattress or voiding warranties.
Mattress Cleaning Basics
Before tackling any stain, understand these fundamental rules that apply to all mattress cleaning:
The Golden Rules
- Act fast: Fresh stains are dramatically easier to remove than set-in ones
- Blot, never rub: Rubbing pushes stains deeper and damages fabric
- Less is more: Use minimal liquid—mattresses are hard to dry
- Work outside in: Prevents spreading the stain to clean areas
- Dry completely: Moisture trapped inside causes mold and mildew
Basic Supplies to Have Ready
- White cloths or paper towels (colored cloths can transfer dye)
- Spray bottle
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap (clear, unscented)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Enzyme cleaner (for biological stains)
Urine Stains
Whether from kids, pets, or adults, urine stains are the most common mattress issue. Speed is critical—the longer urine sits, the harder it is to fully remove odor.
- Strip bedding immediately and blot mattress with dry towels
- Press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible (stand on towels if needed)
- Mix: 1 cup hydrogen peroxide + 3 tbsp baking soda + few drops dish soap
- Spray solution onto stain—don't soak, just dampen
- Let sit 15-20 minutes
- Blot dry with clean towels
- Sprinkle baking soda over area, let sit 8+ hours (overnight best)
- Vacuum up baking soda thoroughly
- Apply enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, etc.) liberally
- Cover with plastic wrap to keep moist for 8-24 hours
- Remove plastic, blot excess moisture
- If odor persists, repeat enzyme treatment
- Once dry, sprinkle with baking soda overnight
- Vacuum thoroughly
Blood Stains
Blood contains proteins that bind to fabric fibers. The key: always use cold water—heat sets blood stains permanently.
- Blot excess blood with cold, damp cloth
- Mix: 1 tbsp dish soap + 2 cups cold water
- Apply solution with cloth, blot repeatedly
- Rinse by blotting with clean cold water
- Repeat until stain is gone
- Blot dry, then air dry completely
- Make paste: 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide + 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp salt
- Apply paste to stain, gently work in with soft brush
- Let sit 30 minutes
- Scrape off paste, blot with cold damp cloth
- Repeat if needed
- For stubborn stains, try enzyme cleaner overnight
Sweat & Yellow Stains
Yellow discoloration from body oils and sweat develops over time. These stains are stubborn but treatable.
- Mix: 1 cup hydrogen peroxide + 3 tbsp baking soda + 1 tsp dish soap
- Spray or dab onto yellowed areas
- Let sit 20-30 minutes (don't let it dry)
- Blot with clean damp cloth
- For stubborn yellowing, make a paste with baking soda and peroxide, apply for 1 hour
- Blot clean, let dry completely
- Finish with baking soda sprinkle overnight, then vacuum
For Overall Mattress Freshening
- Strip all bedding and vacuum entire mattress surface
- Sprinkle entire surface with baking soda (can add few drops essential oil if desired)
- Let sit 4-8 hours (longer is better)
- Vacuum thoroughly with upholstery attachment
- Flip or rotate mattress
- Repeat on other side if needed
Other Common Stains
Vomit
- Remove solids carefully (scrape toward center)
- Blot excess liquid
- Apply enzyme cleaner and let sit 15 minutes
- Blot, then spray with vinegar solution (1:1 water and vinegar)
- Blot dry, baking soda overnight, vacuum
Coffee or Tea
- Blot immediately
- Mix: 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp vinegar + 2 cups warm water
- Apply with cloth, blot repeatedly
- Rinse with clean water, blot dry
Red Wine
- Blot excess immediately
- Apply salt to absorb remaining wine (5-10 minutes)
- Vacuum salt
- Mix: 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp vinegar + 2 cups cold water
- Apply, blot, repeat until stain lifts
- Stubborn stains: Apply hydrogen peroxide, blot after 10 minutes
Prevention & Protection
A quality mattress protector is the single best investment for mattress longevity:
- Waterproof protectors: Block all liquids from reaching mattress
- Encasements: Cover all six sides, also protect against allergens and bed bugs
- Replace when damaged: Small tears compromise protection
We Know Stains
Our cleaning teams are trained in stain treatment for mattresses, upholstery, and carpets. We bring the right products and techniques to tackle stubborn stains safely.
Serving: Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · +40 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner on my mattress?
Steam cleaners can work but introduce significant moisture that's hard to fully dry. Carpet cleaning machines usually use too much water. If you steam clean, do it on a dry, sunny day and allow 24+ hours drying time with good airflow. Never use on memory foam—heat damages the material.
How long does a mattress need to dry after cleaning?
At minimum 6-8 hours, ideally 24 hours. Speed drying with fans, open windows, and low humidity. Never put bedding back on a damp mattress—moisture trapped inside causes mold and mildew that's worse than the original stain.
Will cleaning void my mattress warranty?
Possibly. Many warranties exclude stain damage and some specify only manufacturer-approved cleaning methods. Check your warranty before treating stains. That said, a stained mattress may already be warranty-voided, so cleaning is often worth trying.
Can old, set-in stains be fully removed?
Sometimes. Old stains may lighten significantly even if they don't disappear completely. Multiple treatments often help. For heavily stained mattresses, professional cleaning may be worth considering, though cost may approach mattress replacement.
Is it worth professional mattress cleaning?
Professional cleaning typically costs $75-200 and is worthwhile for expensive mattresses with significant staining or odor. For older mattresses or minor stains, DIY methods are usually sufficient. If allergies are a concern, professional deep cleaning can significantly reduce dust mites.
Related Guides