Ways and means to remove stains from a mattress at home without ruining it

Experts recommend How to Deep Clean Your Mattress Quickly and Easily / Good Housekeeping to clean your mattress every 2-3 months. The logic here is simple: you spend at least 7–8 hours a day on the mattress. One way or another, dust, dead skin cells, sebum, sweat, and other liquids get on it. This can result in untidy yellow, gray or brown stains on the upholstery. Even if there are none, it’s worth cleaning the mattress: dust mites, which can cause allergies, thrive in such an environment.

Universal recipes

To get rid of stains on the mattress, use improvised means. There are compositions that can be used to combat different types of pollution, regardless of their origin. The number 1 solution for cleaning a mattress is hydrogen peroxide.

Mode of application:

1. 
   Soak a cotton pad with peroxide.

2. Apply it to the problem area.
3. Leave for 15 minutes to take effect.
4. If the stain contains organic matter, it will begin to foam. Foam must be removed with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Continue processing until the surface of the product is clean.
6. Carefully remove any remaining product with a sponge soaked in clean water.

Universal remedy No. 2 is a mixture of salt, soda with the addition of a solution of citric acid.

Procedure:

• mix soda and salt in equal proportions and pour them onto the stain;
• dilute citric acid in a separate container, take 1 tablespoon of powder per 200 ml of water;
• pour the liquid into a spray bottle and irrigate the contaminated area;
• upon reacting with the acid, the soda will begin to foam;
• when the reaction is complete, the mixture is collected with a brush;
• the stain is treated with soapy water and left to dry.

Remedy No. 3 – ethyl alcohol.
It leaves no traces and does not require rinsing, suitable for all types of upholstery. Mode of application:

1. Soak a cotton pad in alcohol.
2. Apply it to the dirt.
3. After half an hour, wipe the stain with a clean, damp cloth. If it is still noticeable, you can treat it with soapy water.
4. Allow the surface to dry naturally.

The most effective remedy is recipe No. 2. Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide help remove only fresh stains without leaving a trace.

Use of chemicals

Some types of stains - grease, cosmetics, stains of unknown origin, old blood - are classified as complex. In such cases, it is advisable to resort to chemical agents. It can be:

• textile stain removers such as: “Vanish”, “Amway”;
• wet wipes "Loc";
• ammonia;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• table vinegar;
• baking soda;
• lemon acid;
• liquid glycerin;
• borax and boric acid;
• aspirin and others.

In the fight against severe pollution, it is advisable to resort to the help of chemicals.

Recipe for universal solution

When the origin of the stain is unclear, a universal composition is prepared:

• 250 ml hydrogen peroxide
• 3 tablespoons soda
• 1 drop of liquid soap or dishwashing gel

Step-by-step instructions for eliminating contamination:

1. All ingredients are mixed.
2. The solution is poured into a spray bottle.
3. Apply to the problem area.
4. Wait 5-10 minutes.
5. Vacuuming.

The universal solution recipe is suitable in cases where the origin of the stain is not clear.

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.

How to remove different types of contaminants?

The choice of the optimal cleaning product depends on what exactly the mattress was stained with. For example, hydrogen peroxide helps get rid of blood or urine stains, and you can remove cosmetics using laundry soap.

Urine

Urine not only leaves behind stains, but also an odor that ingrains itself into the fabric and is difficult to remove. To deal with the problem, proceed as follows:

1. Cover the surface of the stain with baking soda.
2. In a separate container, dilute vinegar with 9% water, mixing the liquids in equal proportions.
3. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and irrigate the contaminated area. This treatment will lead to the formation of foam; you need to wait until the reaction is completed.
4. Soak a rag in the soapy solution and pass it over the surface of the mattress, then wipe it with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining product.

After processing, the product is sent to dry in fresh air for at least 3 days. This article will tell you in more detail.

Blood

You can remove a blood stain from a mattress using ammonia. Algorithm of actions:

• 
  open the windows to allow fresh air into the room, as ammonia has a pungent odor;

• dissolve ammonia with water in a ratio of 1:4;
• spray the composition using a spray bottle on the contaminated surface;
• leave for half an hour;
• soak a cotton pad in the solution, gradually removing the stain;
• Wipe the mattress with a dry cloth and leave to dry.

Ammonia should not be used by people suffering from bronchial asthma or respiratory failure. You can find out more here.

Cosmetics

Makeup stains can be easily removed with laundry soap. Mode of application:

• grate the soap into shavings, dissolve in warm water until a thick paste is obtained;
• apply it to the stain, whisk with an old toothbrush;
• leave for 15 minutes;
• Remove with a damp cloth and wait for the mattress to dry.

If necessary, the procedure can be repeated by adding a small amount of dishwashing detergent to the soap.

Ink

If the ink is fresh, you need to sprinkle it with starch or talcum powder, cover it with a paper napkin and press it with a press. After 12 hours, the powder is collected with a vacuum cleaner or swept away with a brush.

Old stains are treated with ethyl alcohol.

Procedure:

1. Moisten a cotton pad with vodka.
2. Use it to treat the problem area.
3. Leave to act for 15 minutes.
4. Collect remaining liquid with a dry cloth.

There is no need to rinse off the alcohol; it will evaporate on its own in a few hours.

Coffee and wine

Wine and coffee stains can be removed with citric acid.

Mode of application:

1. 
   Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in a glass of warm water.

2. Apply it to the stain in any convenient way.
3. Leave for half an hour.
4. Use a cotton pad or a clean white rag soaked in lemon juice solution to wipe the contaminated area until the stain completely disappears.
5. Treat the mattress with a clean, damp cloth.
6. Leave to dry.

Yellow stains

Yellow stains can be removed with toothpaste. For processing, a composition without dyes and solid inclusions is used.

Mode of application:

• the paste is diluted with a small amount of warm water;
• distribute the composition over the stain and leave for 30 minutes;
• if the paste has frozen, moisten it with a damp sponge;
• Remove the cleaning agent with a damp cloth.

When the mattress dries, the streaks will disappear.

How to get rid of old odor

Even after the stain is completely removed, the smell remains. Sometimes it is enough to simply wipe the area of ​​former contamination with an aqueous solution (1:3) of sodium chloride or soda. But more often, effective combination recipes using baking soda powder are used:

• Soak the fabric in an aqueous solution of table vinegar (1:1), sprinkle with a layer (2-3 mm) of soda; leave for 15-20 minutes; collect with a vacuum cleaner.
• Wipe the fabric with ammonia; Cover with an even layer of baking soda for 30 minutes; collect with a vacuum cleaner.

In supermarkets you can buy sachets with finely chopped aromatic plants. These dry mixtures can be poured onto unpleasant-smelling mattresses. Washing powders with aromatic fragrances are also used to cover old and dirty mattresses.

How to clean products depending on the filler?

Depending on what filler is used to stuff the mattress, the methods for processing it will differ:

1. Spring block . This product should not get too wet. Moisture that gets on the metal blocks will cause rust, which will quickly appear through the upholstery. The cleaning agent is applied using a spray bottle, which helps to dose the volume of liquid. For processing, you can use citric acid, vinegar solution or ammonia.
2. Foam rubber. This product can be washed by hand or in a machine if it fits the drum. For processing, use liquid powder, laundry soap or soda solution.
3. Cotton wool. It is not recommended to machine wash such a product, as the filler will clump together, making it difficult to dry. Manual processing of the product with local washing is acceptable. To remove stains, use any available or store-bought products.
4. Coconut coir . It cannot be wetted, so you can only deal with fresh stains on your own, which can be cleaned dry or with minimal moisture. Baking soda or salt are used as a cleaning agent.
5. Holofiber. Such products are not picky in care, so they can be processed in a washing machine or by hand. It is acceptable to use liquid stain removers and washing powders, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and ammonia.

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.

Mold Removal

To get rid of mold on a mattress, use 9% vinegar, diluted in equal proportions with water. Processing is carried out in the following way:

• pour the solution into a spray bottle;
• irrigate the affected areas;
• leave to act for an hour;
• clean the fungus from the fabric with a brush with medium-hard bristles;
• air and dry the mattress for several days.

If the fungus cannot be dealt with the first time, then the procedure is repeated after the mattress has completely dried. In this case, the concentration of vinegar can be increased by halving the amount of water.

Tips for keeping your mattress clean

To extend the life of orthopedic products and keep them clean, you must adhere to several rules:

• annually take it outside for ventilation;
• change bed linen once every 2 weeks, beat out and vacuum the mattress, and also clean the bed frame;
• purchase a high-quality cover that prevents the penetration of various contaminants onto the surface and inside the mattress;
• If traces of mold are detected, immediately treat with ethyl alcohol or vinegar;
• Before cleaning the product, carefully study the manufacturer’s recommendations located on the label.

Important! It is recommended to entrust the removal of complex contaminants that cannot be cleaned independently to specialists.

Cleaning a mattress is a labor-intensive and delicate task. Only with the right approach can you get rid of stains and unpleasant odors, as well as extend the life of the product.

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.

What you need to know before you start cleaning

• Any mattress is afraid of water. If moisture gets inside, mold may appear, the filler may begin to rot, and the springs may rust. Therefore, the mattress should not be watered or treated with a vacuum cleaner. It is better to use wet wipes.
• Clean the mattress in a horizontal position so that the inner layers of the filling are not damaged.
• It is better not to knock out the mattress and iron its surface with a hot iron. Such manipulations can deform the filler or damage the upholstery.
• Along with the mattress, it is important to clean the bed frame - dust also accumulates on it and dust mites infest it.
• It is not always possible to remove old stains at home. In severe cases, you will have to contact cleaning companies that clean mattresses.

Dry cleaning services

If you are unable to deal with the stains on the mattress yourself, you need to contact a dry cleaner. The price depends on the complexity of the work and the area of ​​contamination.

Approximate prices:

• 1-bed mattress on one side – from 1000 rubles;
• 1.5-sleeping mattress on one side – 1250 rubles;
• 2 sleeping mattress – 1400 rubles;
• Euro mattress – 1700 rubles;
• children's product - 850 rubles.

The advantage of going to a dry cleaner is that the stain will be completely removed from the mattress, and its upholstery will be disinfected with hot steam. Masters carry out work from home, at a time convenient for clients.

How to clean a mattress from yellow stains? Using hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing yellow marks, but it may discolor the material. Therefore, before use, be sure to apply a small amount of the solution to the fabric and then evaluate the reaction. The test should be carried out before using any product! If you want to wash your mattress from yellow stains, the following instructions will help you:

• combine 2 tsp. soda, ¼ part of a bottle of peroxide and colorless liquid soap;
• Apply the mixture to the stain, leave for 1-2 minutes, and then remove with a damp sponge. You can apply undiluted peroxide, but in this case, discoloration of the fabric cannot be avoided - this approach is only advisable when removing old marks.

Remember that it is forbidden to combine hydrogen peroxide or soda with vinegar, because such a mixture will not remove stains, but will cause coughing, irritation of mucous membranes or skin.

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.

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.

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.

Helpful information

Tips to help deal with stains on your mattress:

1. Before choosing a cleaning product, you need to decide what type of stain the stain is.
2. You need to start processing as early as possible. A fresh stain is easier to clean than an old one.
3. Excess liquid is collected with a paper towel. They need to blot rather than rub the stain. Continue the procedure until the towel becomes dry.
4. After completing the treatment, you need to completely remove any remaining detergent from the mattress, as it can destroy the fabric fibers.

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.

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.

Features of cleaning orthopedic models

Cleaning orthopedic mattresses has its own characteristics. Due to the fact that there are different materials and fillers inside them, including metal springs, cleaning methods should be chosen carefully.

A children's mattress filled with coconut can be cleaned with peroxide, but be careful. Regarding spring ones, it is convenient to use a special cleaning agent for them. None of the orthopedic mattresses should be knocked out or bent over the crossbar. It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner or steam generator at least once a week. A washing vacuum cleaner in combination with household chemicals is especially effective in removing stains.

Advice! When purchasing such a model, you should pay attention to models with a removable cover; it can be washed without restrictions.

Cleaning Rules

The frequency of cleaning the mattress depends on the correct use. It is important to follow these rules:

1. When changing bed linen, the mattress must be vacuumed. This will help eliminate the problem of dust accumulation.
2. If mold appears on the product, it should be taken outside for ventilation, regardless of the time of year. Treat stains with a mixture of vinegar and alcohol.
3. You should not eat or snack in bed.
4. Stains should be removed immediately before they become embedded.
5. A mattress cover will help keep the product in its original form for as long as possible.
6. Excessive moisture is undesirable for any type of mattress.

Important! Before using any cleaning method, you should read the product care instructions.

Cleaning from dust

An effective method for cleaning a mattress from dust is to vacuum it regularly. If this is impossible to do or the product is too dusty, you can take it outside and thoroughly beat it, like a carpet.

During the warm season, it is advisable to take the mattress outside into direct sunlight. This procedure will help prevent the appearance of mold and insect pests.

Each time the bed linen is changed, the mattress should be turned over and the bottom of the bed should be wiped with a damp cloth, then with a dry one. If neither knocking nor vacuuming is possible, there is the following method for removing dust:

1. Remove bed linen.
2. Moisten the sheet, preferably a light one, in water with the addition of powder or dishwashing detergent.
3. Spread it over the surface, squeezing it out first.
4. Beat like a carpet with a plastic or metal beater.
5. Rinse the sheet
6. Repeat the procedure on both sides until the sheet remains clean.

Using a mattress protector is a convenient way to extend the life of your mattress. During cleaning, the cover is sent for washing, but the product itself can be treated with a steam generator. The mattress cover should be washed in hot water with added powder. If you are using a washing machine, set the mode in accordance with the label on the product.