6 best remedies: how to clean a mattress at home from any stains and mold

A dirty mattress is not only unpleasant, but also harmful to health. Find out how to clean a simple or orthopedic mattress at home so that it lasts as long as possible and does not cause various ailments. Sometimes a product gets so dirty that it seems easier to throw it away. Read to the end to learn how to remove stains using traditional methods. For a more detailed course on caring for simple, orthopedic or foam products, see the photos and videos.

Important : before using most household and folk remedies, you should protect your skin and mucous membranes with thick rubber gloves, a respirator and goggles.

How to properly care for a mattress

With good and careful treatment, as well as proper care, the mattress will last you from 5 to 20 years, depending on the type (with or without springs). There are several simple rules, if you follow them, the product will please you for a long time, and you won’t have to think about buying a new one.

Correct location. The mattress must be laid so that no bends or creases are formed. It must fit exactly the size of a specific bed. It is best to place the product on wooden slats to ensure ventilation and even distribution of the load.

Change of position. From time to time (usually, seasonally - every 3 months), the mattress should be turned up and down, and the “legs” and “head” should be swapped.

Ventilation. Periodically, at least once a year, you should take the mattress out onto the balcony or into a well-ventilated room for 4-6 hours. The place for this procedure should be dry, clean, hidden from direct sunlight. If it is not possible to take the product out, you just need to completely empty it of bedding, linen and covers and create a draft in the room.

Tip : it is best to ventilate the mattress outdoors during daylight hours, since with the onset of dawn or dusk there is increased humidity in the air, which the product can absorb.

Mattress cover or cover. Purchasing and using products that protect the mattress from mechanical damage and stains will preserve its newness for a long time. They are also much easier to clean than the bulky item itself.

Keep in mind that many materials from which modern mattresses are made easily absorb odors. Therefore, if the apartment is undergoing renovation or other sources of strong “odors” appear, they must be isolated.

You should not forget about maintaining the integrity of the product. Therefore, you should not exceed the weight limits for which the mattress is designed. It is also prohibited to jump, walk on it, or place foreign objects underneath. Careful attitude will increase the service life of the item for a long time.

How to dry after cleaning and why is it important?

After cleaning, the mattress must be completely dried. If moisture remains in it, then in the near future dampness will form inside, which will be difficult to cope with. Its appearance is indicated by an unpleasant odor. If the mold grows too much, you will have to get rid of the mattress.

Recommendations for drying the mattress:

1. It must be on a flat surface. It needs to be turned over periodically.
2. Do not place the mattress in the sun or dry it near open flames.
3. The filler should be distributed evenly.
4. Do not try to speed up the drying process with a hair dryer or iron.

You cannot cover a wet mattress; it must dry completely. You can speed up this process by taking it out into the fresh air.

How often should you clean your mattress?

The most correct option would be to thoroughly wet clean the mattress once every six months. It is advisable to have this done by a dry cleaner. At home, this procedure should be carried out only as stains appear; you should try to wash them immediately, and very carefully and carefully.

General cleaning is required once a year. It is quite difficult to remove old stains on your own, so you will have to use the services of professionals again.

You need to vacuum the surface of the mattress monthly to get rid of excess dust.

Advice : you should also not forget about the cover or mattress pad - it is removed and washed at least once every three months, ideally monthly.

What should you not do?

To avoid damaging your mattress, you should not make the following mistakes:

1. 
   Do not wet the product too much. Mattresses take a long time to dry, and poor quality drying can irreversibly damage the product.

   Read also:  How to properly wash microfiber products: the fabric has its own secrets
2. There is no need to immediately use aggressive or expensive chemicals. To begin with, you can try treating the mattress with improvised means.
3. Do not smear the stain onto the mattress. You need to move from the edge towards the center so as not to stain clean areas.
4. Do not scrub the mattress with a hard brush to avoid damaging its surface.

How to get rid of mold

Mold on a mattress is an extremely unpleasant and dangerous thing that needs to be gotten rid of immediately, but if you notice the problem in a timely manner and take action, the product can be used for a long time with absolutely no threat to human health and life.

We immediately take the “victim” out into the open air - onto the balcony or into the yard. We treat all dark spots with one of the following products:

• bleach (ordinary “Whiteness” will do, take 1 cap per liter of water) - apply with a sponge and distribute from the edges to the center, after 10-15 minutes wipe with water;
• table vinegar (9%) - pour into a spray bottle and apply to dirt, after an hour clean with a brush;
• with a mixture of ammonia and water in a 1:1 ratio - wipe, leave for several hours, then carefully rinse;
• borax solution (a glass of 2.5 liters of water) - apply to areas with mold, no need to rinse off;
• hydrogen peroxide 3% , or mixed with vinegar - spray on stains, leave for 1 hour, clean with a stiff brush or washcloth;
• Soda solution (a teaspoon per liter of water) - spray with a spray bottle and wash off after a few hours. You can also sprinkle dry soda on the stains, leave for 2-4 hours and vacuum the mattress.

When processing, it is very important not to miss a single spot of mold, because it can become a new source of bacterial growth. After all procedures, the product must be thoroughly dried and the musty smell must be ventilated.

In addition to “folk” methods of getting rid of mold on a mattress, there are also household chemicals. From the large assortment presented in stores, you can always choose the one that suits your case.

Important : at home, mold can be completely removed from a mattress only at the initial stage of its appearance. In “advanced” cases, you need to contact specialists who will clean the product with hot steam and using professional chemicals.

Of course, the first step is to eliminate the source of the mold. Most often it occurs in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Also move the bed if it is located against a cold and damp wall.

Useful tips

It is known that any pollution is easier to prevent than to eliminate. Therefore, when using the mattress, you should follow simple care rules:

• when changing bed linen, you need to spend a little time and vacuum the mattress, then turn it over to the other side and wipe the bottom of the bed with a damp cloth;
• if there are traces of mold on the surface, they must be removed with vinegar or alcohol, and the product itself must be well ventilated and dried;
• bed linen must be washed in hot water and ironed well, so the owners will reduce the likelihood of dust mites to a minimum;
• bedding from a smoker's bed needs to be changed more often than usual;
• To save time and money, use a mattress pad, it is much easier to care for.
• Now you know that if the bed linen does not protect the mattress from dirt, you should not rush to the store for a new one. After all, there are many simple ways to effectively remove stains of various natures.

How to clean a mattress at home from stains of vomit, blood, urine

A wide variety of situations happen that lead to the appearance of stains, and no one is immune from them; the only thing that remains is to eliminate this trouble correctly and in a timely manner. Cleaning a mattress at home is done with various means that most housewives always have on hand.

Let's take a closer look at the most complex and common types of contamination:

• Consumed blood. A mixture of 100 grams of corn starch, 1 tablespoon of salt and 50 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide is excellent in the fight against old blood stains. Mix these components to a paste consistency and apply to the problem area, leave to dry, then just vacuum it. This cleaning is carried out several times until the stains completely disappear.
• Fresh blood. Pour sparkling water over the stain and sprinkle with salt and allow to dry completely for several hours. Then wipe thoroughly. A mixture of citric acid and salt will also help, which should be diluted with water to a paste-like consistency and applied to the stain for half an hour to an hour, then thoroughly clean the residue.

• Vomit. The first step is to remove the bulk of the dirt and blot the area with a napkin or rag to get rid of excess moisture. Sprinkle the stain with starch or baking soda - they will absorb all the remaining liquid and remove the unpleasant odor, leave for 8 hours or overnight, then vacuum the area. Next, wipe the stain with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water, and repeat until it completely disappears.
• Urine. Our main “savior” will be a mixture of lemon juice and salt, which should be applied to the stains and left there for an hour, then wiped with a damp cloth or sponge. You can also dilute a teaspoon of citric acid in a glass of water and treat the surface in the same way, then dry.

These are ways to remove dried urine stains. If the contamination is fresh, it must be treated with vinegar and water (1:3) to eliminate the odor, then cover the area with baking soda. After 10-15 minutes, pour hydrogen peroxide solution (1:2) on top. Foam will form, leave it for two hours. After this time, blot the area with a napkin and vacuum.

Important ! When learning how to wash a mattress, pay attention to the composition of the product and the nature of the contamination.

Should I take it to the dry cleaner?

Many people wonder: is it possible to wash an orthopedic mattress if it gets dirty? Manufacturers only allow covers to be cleaned. And only in dry cleaning! If you wash it in an ordinary home washing machine, it will “sit” and will not fit back onto the mattress.

Removable mattress cover Magniflex Stretching 10

In addition, there are other restrictions that will prevent you from washing the cover in a regular machine:

• Expensive mattress models have quilted covers with a large amount of filling under the fabric. Such a cover will not fit into the drum of the machine, even if you want to. Especially when it comes to a double model.
• Not every mattress has a cover that can be removed. Some manufacturers limit themselves to a viewing zipper so that the buyer can see the fillers. An impressive number of models do not have a removable cover, even for an additional fee.

Dry cleaning remains the easiest and most effective method to clean a removable mattress cover. Among the disadvantages of this method are the high cost (especially if regular cleaning is required) and the inability to clean the non-removable cover.

Although manufacturers do not recommend washing mattress covers, you can spot clean small stains without removing the cover. You can wash it effectively without major expenses at home.

How to properly wash at home

Many mattresses cannot be completely wet, especially cotton and orthopedic mattresses, because they do not dry well, and a humid environment can promote the formation of fungus, so you only need to wash them spot-by-point to remove fresh dirt. Dealing with small stains of various origins is quite simple - they can be removed with almost any detergent or folk method, which you can choose after reading this article.

You can also, at your own risk, try to wash the mattress with soapy water, applying foam to the entire surface of the product with a stiff brush, and then removing it with a napkin or rag. After this procedure, thorough drying is necessary.

The children's mattress requires more frequent cleaning. Many modern products consist of a foam base, which can be easily washed and dried, as well as two layers of coconut flakes; it is advisable to protect them from moisture.

Important : if you see that the mattress needs general cleaning, it is better to contact cleaning specialists who will carry out professional washing.

How to remove with special preparations?

You can get rid of stains on the mattress using store-bought products. They are suitable for any surface and remove various contaminants equally effectively. Top 3 best products:

Stain remover Vanish Gold

You need to choose a product designed for caring for carpets and upholstery in the form of a spray, which does an excellent job of removing stains on the mattress and does not require rinsing.

The product is applied using a sprayer and works in a minute. To combat complex stains, the exposure time can be increased. Price – 370 rubles. Read reviews here and here.

Dr. Beckmann Spray

This is a concentrated universal composition based on oxygen bleach. It does not contain fragrances, phosphates and chlorine , so it can be safely used to clean your sleeping area. Price – 260 rubles per package. Read reviews here and here.

Attitude

Universal stain remover. The composition is available in the form of a spray; it can be used to treat difficult stains. The product is suitable for treating cotton and synthetic mattress upholstery. It is environmentally friendly, odorless and consists of 100% natural ingredients. Price – 900 rubles.

The best mattress cleaning products: table

There are many ways to get rid of dirt - both by using improvised substances available in any medicine cabinet or kitchen, and a variety of household chemicals, for example, stain removers such as Vanish and others. Trying to choose the best product to clean your favorite sleeping accessory, you can accidentally damage the product or ruin it irrevocably. If you are going to use any method for the first time, then you need to try it on a small and inconspicuous area of ​​the coating. This way you will choose the ideal option for your mattress.

Mechanical methods

Mechanical methods include cleaning with a steam generator and a washing vacuum cleaner. Hot steam dissolves any dirt well, cleans greasy areas, and simultaneously removes colonies of mold, bacteria, and saprophytic mites.

Clean the mattress with a steam cleaner

Hot steam with a temperature over 100 degrees:

• dissolves dirt;
• copes with worn-out, greasy places;
• disinfects against dust mites, bacteria, eliminates unpleasant odors caused by their development.

A steam cleaner is an equipment with a reservoir for filtered water, which is heated by an electric heating element. Steam is supplied to the nozzle of the replaceable nozzle. There are several of them in the set. They are designed to perform different jobs.

How to clean a mattress with a washing vacuum cleaner

An extractor or washing vacuum cleaner is a machine with two reservoirs - with a washing solution, which is supplied through a hose with a nozzle to the surface being treated, and for collecting dirty water. The washing vacuum cleaner injects the solution under pressure and then sucks it up. The more powerful the equipment, the better it draws in the waste solution along with dissolved dirt, the lower the residual moisture in the mattress. According to GOST, it should be no more than 7-10%.

Do-it-yourself mattress cleaning

If you have an extractor or steam cleaner in your home, you can dry-clean your mattress at home yourself. Read the instructions for the equipment in detail. It describes in detail the algorithm for using the unit in various works. Follow the equipment manufacturers' instructions regarding:

• preparation for operation;
• amount of water and shampoo poured;
• surface processing algorithm;
• maintenance of the unit after completion of work.

Folk remedies

If you are not a fan of aggressive household chemicals, then try using “folk” cleaning methods.

First, you should thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress to get rid of dust and dirt. Further actions depend solely on what kind of stain you need to deal with. Salt, citric acid, soda or vinegar solution, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia help remove most stains.

Dry cleaning with starch or baking soda with a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender) is also effective to get rid of bad odors. The powder should be evenly scattered over the surface, left for 30 minutes to several hours, then vacuumed and ventilated the product.

Important: you should remember that dirty bedding can harbor dangerous parasites - bedbugs. And to the question of what to do if they are already infested at home and how to poison bedbugs, find out in our other article.

In some cases, the best option would be to contact a specialist who has professional chemistry and cleaning equipment. This way you will not only save time and nerves, but also return your mattress to its original appearance.

Always remember that the main conditions for preserving the long “life” of any product are the prevention of contamination, their timely removal and regular proper care. Otherwise, this accessory will become unusable in just a couple of years, and you will need to buy a new product, which can sometimes be significant for the family budget. Now you know how to wash a mattress from any stains.

Cleaning features depending on the material

Today there is a large selection of mattresses on the market. Manufacturers have long gone beyond the usual cotton products and offer customers orthopedic models with various fillers.

In stores you can find orthopedic mattresses with a variety of fillings.

To clean a coconut mattress from dust, you need to wrap it in a damp cloth and beat it thoroughly. It is also possible to remove stains using a brush or a slightly damp sponge, since coconut products are sensitive to moisture.

The situation will be similar with products with polyurethane foam filler. Dry cleaning is the best way to clean these mattresses. It is also not recommended to wash spring products, because moisture can cause rust.

Interestingly, to clean an air mattress you can use the same methods that are used to remove dirt from a regular one. The main thing is not to use chemically active substances and abrasives, such as powders.

We invite you to watch a video on how to remove stains from a child’s mattress using special chemicals and a washing vacuum cleaner:

Types of mattresses

Illiterate cleaning of a mattress on your own often leads to a hopelessly damaged product and wasted money. Therefore, when starting to remove stains and dirt from it, you should carefully study the label, take into account the features of care and its type.

• Cotton. Consists of natural cotton material, cover made of calico, teak, polycotton or polyester. One of the most budget-friendly mattress options, it takes up little space in the house. However, this type of product requires monthly airing, turning over every two weeks and cleaning with a vacuum cleaner at least once every 10 days. Stains on it are removed using a special mattress cleaning product. It cannot be spoiled by a large amount of water and detergents, but cotton wool takes a very long time to dry, so you need to be careful when washing such a product.
• A mattress with foam filling has a special volume and softness due to the abundance of cavities inside. This property makes it quite fragile, so improper cleaning leads to deformation and the product quickly becomes unusable. Foam mattresses can and should be washed. However, this is done at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. The foam should be squeezed out carefully, without twisting, and dried avoiding direct sunlight or sources of high temperatures.
• The mattress, filled with coconut coir, is great for people with allergies and small children. Such products can only be cleaned dry using a vacuum cleaner. Be sure to regularly air and turn the mattress. You can only wash its cover and only on the gentle cycle of the machine.
• Orthopedic mattresses are most often equipped with a spring block and filled with coconut fiber, latex and polyurethane. Thanks to their multi-layer nature, cleaning becomes more labor-intensive. Experts recommend buying orthopedic products equipped with a removable cover that can be easily removed and washed. The product itself requires regular ventilation, vacuuming and turning over several times a month.

From household stains

The most common stains on mattresses, after blood and urine, are sweat, tea, coffee, red wine, juice, and grease. Dry cleaning professionals handle everything easily and effectively. Do you like to experiment with cleaning home textiles and furniture yourself? Read the advice of experts from the company CLEAN EVERYTHING on removing household stains from a mattress.

How to remove coffee stains

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of ammonia in 200 g of cold water. Clean the stain with the mixture, leave for 5 minutes, wipe with a damp cloth.

How to remove wine stains

Add a layer of table salt; it will absorb the liquid into the crystals. Vacuum up the salt and wipe the mattress cover with a soapy sponge and then with a clean rag.

Removing stains from colored drinks

Right before cleaning, in a spray bottle, mix 80 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide, purchased at the pharmacy, and 1 tbsp. spoon of baking soda. Mix well by shaking. After the baking soda has dissolved, add a couple of drops of liquid dish soap to the mixture. Active foam is ready. Apply it to the stain and leave for 5-7 minutes. You can dry the solution with a hairdryer. Collect the remaining soda with a vacuum cleaner.

Grease stains from food

Remove food fats from the mattress with a cotton pad moistened with ethyl (edible or medical) alcohol.

Traces of decorative cosmetics

Carefully remove them with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol, without spreading them over a larger area.

Ink stains

Make a solution of citric acid (10 mg per 200 ml of water) and apply to the stain. Old ink is removed with substances containing active chlorine or dry cleaning is used.

Nail polish

Blot the stain with a napkin and collect as much polish as possible. Apply acetone or nail polish remover to a cotton pad and gently rub the stain.

Wax

Scrape off the wax (paraffin) with the blunt side of a knife blade. Place the blotting paper over the wax mark and iron, barely touching the paper. The melted wax will be absorbed into it. If the stain remains, take it to a dry cleaner.

Glue

Water-soluble glue is removed with a cloth and soapy water. You can try to remove synthetic ones with gasoline or white spirit. This method does not guarantee complete purity. You may need to call a dry cleaner.

Chewing gum

The stains are frozen with ice or food from the freezer placed in a clean bag. When freezing, chewing gum, remnants of adhesive tape, and plaster become fragile. They can be removed mechanically with the blunt side of a knife. Remove stains with gasoline and acetone.

What materials are they made from?

When choosing a method for cleaning a mattress, you should first of all focus on the type of filler.

Small items (for example, for a crib) made from holofiber or bamboo can be washed in a washing machine without any problems. But foam and cotton mattresses are washed by hand.

Dry cleaning is recommended for the following types:

• spring;
• with coconut filling;
• orthopedic.

For other products, dry processing is needed as a preventive measure to preserve freshness.

What not to do

There are several such rules:

• do not remove blood with hot water;
• do not rub the stain, but make blotting movements - up and down;
• do not press on the mattress when cleaning so that dirt and cleaning agents do not leak deep into the filler;
• Do not clean the mattress without testing the cleaner on an inconspicuous area.

IMPORTANT! Stains on flock upholstery should be gently dissolved by covering with a damp cloth. Then blot with a clean paper towel or absorbent cloth.