When cleaning stains out of a mattress, the first step is to remove any bedding and then use a gentle solution like dish soap and water or a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Apply the solution lightly to the stained area, then blot with a clean cloth. For tougher stains, a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be effective. Always avoid soaking the mattress and let it dry completely before making the bed again.
Understanding the Type of Stain
Protein-Based Stains
Protein-based stains such as blood, sweat, urine, and vomit are common on mattresses and require prompt attention. For these stains, an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down proteins can be highly effective. Apply the cleaner as per the instructions, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the mattress.
Tannin Stains
Tannin stains come from coffee, tea, or wine. These are best treated with a detergent solution, but avoid soap-based detergents as they can make these stains more difficult to remove. Cold water is generally recommended for tannin stains, as hot water can set them permanently.
General Cleaning Techniques
Vacuuming the Mattress
Before handling any stains, it’s a good practice to vacuum the mattress. This removes dust, dead skin cells, and other debris, providing a clean slate for spot treatment. Use the upholstery attachment to avoid damaging the mattress surface.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Spot Cleaning
For a gentle clean, mix a small amount of dish soap with water until suds form. Dip a clean cloth into the suds, and lightly dab at the stain. Rinse by dabbing with a damp cloth that’s been dipped in plain water. Avoid over-wetting the stain, as excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew inside the mattress.
Dealing with Specific Stains
Here’s a more detailed look at how to tackle specific stains:
Blood Stains
Blood stains can be stubborn. Cold water mixed with some baking soda or a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can be applied to the stain. It’s crucial to use cold water because warm or hot water can cause the blood to coagulate and penetrate deeper into the mattress fibers.
Urine Stains
For urine stains, especially those that are still wet, it’s important to soak up as much liquid as possible. After blotting, a vinegar solution followed by baking soda can neutralize the odor and help lift the stain. Allow the baking soda to sit until it’s dry to the touch before vacuuming it away.
Sweat Stains
Sweat can leave yellowish stains over time. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and table salt can create a paste that, when applied to the stain, can lift it. Gently scrub the paste into the stain using a toothbrush, then let it dry before scraping it off and vacuuming.
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
These household items are effective in stain removal and can also deodorize your mattress. After treating stains, sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface can absorb any lingering odors. Leave it for a few hours or even overnight before vacuuming it up. For tougher odors, a spray bottle filled with white vinegar can be lightly spritzed over the mattress before the baking soda application.
Preventing Mattress Stains
Prevention is the best approach to keeping your mattress clean. Using a mattress protector can safeguard against spills and stains and is easier to clean regularly than the mattress itself. Waterproof mattress protectors offer the best protection and can be machine washed and dried.
When to Call a Professional
If the stain is large, particularly stubborn, or if you’re dealing with a mattress that requires special care (such as memory foam or a pillow top), it may be wise to consult a professional cleaner. They have specialized tools and solutions to professionally clean and remove stains from mattresses.
Finishing Thoughts
Ultimately, removing stains from a mattress can be straightforward if you act quickly and use the appropriate cleaning solutions. It’s clear that understanding the nature of the stain and the proper methods for treatment can preserve the longevity and hygiene of your mattress. Regular cleaning, along with the use of protective covers, will help to minimize the occurrence of stubborn stains and ensure that your sleeping space remains a fresh and inviting sanctuary.
