How to Clean Mattress Stains and Deodorize

Don’t Overlook This Essential Spring Cleaning Task: Find out how to clean mattress stains and deodorize for better sleep tonight. 

It happens like clockwork, as the temperature begins to stay above 50 and the sunlight lasts a little bit longer each day, I’m suddenly hit with an undeniable urge to spring clean all manner of things. The tile and grout beg to be scrubbed, the windows are itching to be flung open, and my head is swirling with ideas on how to clean mattress stains and get rid of anything icky lurking under the mattress pad. 

It’s no joke, mattresses are a catch-all for sweat, dust mites, dead skin cells, and even blood or urine. YUCK! 

Thankfully, I have made plenty of homemade cleaners over the years to keep our farmhouse tidy and welcoming with simple ingredients straight from our pantry. With the inevitable urge to spring clean captivating most of us, I can’t think of a better time to share my homemade mattress cleaner and ways to deep clean mattress stains.  

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What is the best way to clean a mattress?

Mattresses are without a doubt on the receiving end of filth. They can be home to many things I’d rather not sleep on…

Fortunately, it isn’t that difficult to deodorize and deep clean mattress stains. All it takes is a few basic ingredients to make a mattress cleaner, a bit of elbow grease, and clever cleaning tactics.  

In fact, I’ll show you how to make this spring cleaning task quite easy by breaking it down into steps you can tactfully complete in just one hour altogether. Use these steps to deep clean a mattress every 4 to 6 months to combat allergens and increase the life of your mattress.

I don’t think I’m alone when it comes to wanting to know how to clean mattress stains, dust, and all things icky. So, catch the full how-to below!

How to Clean Mattress Stains, Deodorize, and Refresh in Just 1 Hour

1. Remove and Disinfect Bed Linens

First things first, when it comes to mattress cleaning, start by removing bed linens until your mattress is bare. While bed sheets should be washed weekly, mattress pads, duvet covers, quilts, and other blankets need to be laundered once a month. 

• Wash in hot water to kill dust mites 
• Dry on medium heat with a few drops of lavender essential oil added to a set of wool dryer balls to soften, reduce wrinkles, and cut down static 

2. Wash Pillows

Never washed a pillow? All things that end up on your mattress end up in your pillow too! Therefore it’s ideal to wash pillows when you are cleaning your mattress. Check the label to be sure they are machine washable. (If you find they are not, it might be a good time to buy a new set that is, such as these premium down alternative pillows we love.) 

• Wash at least two pillows at once with an extra rinse cycle
• Dry on low heat with a drop of lavender essential oil added to each pillow

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3. Clean Mattress Stains

Now, that you’ve got several things going in the laundry it’s time to answer that burning question of how to clean mattress stains! Every mother knows stains can be stubborn. But with a few staples from your pantry, we can remove some of the worst spotting up your mattress. Here are a few stain removing tactics I’ve found to work well. 

• Mix a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of mild dish detergent and apply it to stains. Let stand for 2 to 3 mins and scrub clean. 
• Spray stains with laundry stain remover and allow to sit 3 to 5 mins. Scrub clean by dipping a brush in a bowl of warm water. 
• Test a small area with hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a toothbrush to stains to bleach stubborn spots.  

4. Deodorize Mattress 

Truth be told, odors are bound to accumulate in any mattress over time. And especially if you have kids or pets in your home. But a simple combination of baking soda and essential oils can quickly deodorize, kill dust mites, and eliminate moisture all in one spring cleaning task! 

• Add 20 drops of essential oil to ½ cup baking soda. Lavender, eucalyptus, sage, sandalwood, and jasmine are some of my favorites for making this mattress cleaner. Whisk together with a fork to work out any clumps.
• Sprinkle the baking soda mixture over the entire surface of your mattress. Use a brush to gently rub the mixture into the mattress for deep cleaning, paying close attention to the areas that have any concentrated smell (like the corner the dog sleeps in). Let it sit for 45 mins. 
• Use your vacuum cleaner with the upholstery attachment brush to remove the baking soda working from the top of the mattress down. As you vacuum the mixture will neutralize odors and help lift any lingering stains.  

5. Cover Mattress and Protect 

Now that you’ve deep cleaned your mattress it’s time to cover it and return your bed linens and pillows. If you don’t have a mattress pad, now is a great time to pick one up! They really make a difference in reducing stains, dust mites, and allergens. And I love that they can be washed often. 

Keep Your Mattress Clean with a Fabric Refresher Spray 

A homemade fabric refresher spray is a simple method for keeping your mattress clean in between deep cleanings. How do you make fabric refresher spray? It’s very easy to make with less than a handful of ingredients and can be applied directly to your mattress, pillows, bed linens and most other fabrics in your home.   

• Insert a sprig of lavender from your garden or from a bundle of dried lavender into an 8-ounce glass spray bottle.
• Using a funnel to pour 1/4 cup vodka into the bottle. Add one teaspoon of lavender essential oil to the vodka, allowing the oil to quickly emulsify before adding the other ingredients. 
• Next, pour ¾ cup lavender water (or filtered water if you don’t have it) into the bottle.
• Place the spray nozzle and cap on the bottle and shake well to combine. 

Pin these easy techniques on how to clean mattress stains and deodorize in one hour. Tag #farmhousechicliving on Instagram to share your farmhouse cleaning tips with us.