A mattress is awkward to clean, because you can’t put it in the washing machine and liquid soaks in fast. The good news is that most stains can be improved with a few simple supplies, especially if you act quickly.
Below is the method that works for most stains, followed by what to do for each type. It’s based on guidance from Consumer Reports and the Sleep Foundation.
⚡ At a glance
Before You Start
⏱️ Act fast
Stains set over time, so treat them as soon as you can.
🧊 Use cold water
Hot water can set blood stains.
🤏 Use very little liquid
Apply cleaner to a cloth, never straight onto the mattress.
🛏️ Check your mattress type
Memory foam isn’t designed to get wet, so use as little liquid as possible.
What You’ll Need
- Clean cloths or paper towels
- Cold water
- Enzyme cleaner, or a little dish soap or mild laundry detergent
- Baking soda
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
The Basic Method
Strip the Bed
Deal with the bedding first
Remove your sheets and covers straight away, and treat and wash them. Only remove a mattress cover if the manufacturer says it’s designed to come off.
Blot the Stain
Don’t rub
Press a clean cloth or paper towel onto the stain to lift as much as you can. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper.
Dab On Your Cleaner
Enzyme cleaner works best for biological stains
Dampen a clean cloth with enzyme cleaner, then dab the stain. Follow the bottle’s directions, then blot with a second dry cloth. A dab of liquid detergent works for everyday stains.
Why this works: Enzyme cleaners break down the substances in urine, sweat and blood, rather than just covering the smell.
Let It Dry Completely
This can take hours
The surface can feel dry while the inside is still damp. Open a window if you can, and leave the bed unmade. Check the result, and repeat if the stain is still visible.
Add Baking Soda
This helps absorb what’s left
Spread baking soda over the area and leave it for at least a few hours. For urine smells, the Sleep Foundation suggests a thick layer for 8 hours or more.
Pro tip: Start in the morning, so the mattress has all day before you need it.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Finish the job
Use an upholstery attachment, and go over the seams too. If it still smells or looks stained, repeat the last few steps.
What to Use for Each Stain
| Stain | What to do |
|---|---|
| Urine | Blot, then dab with enzyme cleaner. Consumer Reports recommends this. The Sleep Foundation also offers a homemade spray: equal parts water and white vinegar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of laundry detergent. Leave for 15 minutes, blot, then cover with baking soda. |
| Pet urine | Use enzyme cleaner. The Sleep Foundation says the smell of vinegar may encourage pets to mark again. |
| Fresh blood | Dab with a cloth and cold water. Then try a little salt or a tiny amount of laundry detergent, or dab with enzyme cleaner. |
| Dried blood | Cover with baking soda for 15 minutes, vacuum, then apply enzyme cleaner. Dried blood may not come out completely. |
| Vomit | Remove solids, sprinkle baking soda, wait 10 minutes and vacuum. Then dab with enzyme cleaner. |
| Red wine | Blot with cold water. If that fails, Consumer Reports suggests 1 part dish soap to 2 parts hydrogen peroxide on a damp cloth. Test first. |
| Mud | Wipe if wet or vacuum if dry. Blot with a damp cloth, apply enzyme cleaner, then blot dry. |
💡 Hydrogen peroxide is the ingredient to be careful with. The Sleep Foundation warns it can damage foam and latex and can stain some fabrics. If your mattress is foam or latex, use enzyme cleaner instead.
Prevent Stains Next Time
- Use a waterproof mattress protector. Consumer Reports and the Sleep Foundation both recommend one.
- Wash your sheets weekly.
- Avoid eating and drinking in bed.
- Clean your mattress about every 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach on a mattress?
No. The Sleep Foundation says bleach and harsh cleaners can harm people and pets and damage the mattress.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe on a mattress?
Be careful. It can damage foam and latex and can discolor fabric. Test a small hidden area first.
How long does a mattress take to dry?
Usually hours. After a heavy vinegar treatment on a large stain, it can take from several hours to several days.
Do I clean memory foam differently?
The process is the same, but use as little liquid as possible, because memory foam isn’t designed to get wet.
Will old stains come out?
Sometimes, but not always. The Sleep Foundation says no method is foolproof for dried blood, and older stains may take several rounds.
Did your stain come out?
Vote above and tell us what kind of stain it was.