How to Get Stains Out of Your Mattress

The expert team here at John Ryan regularly gets asked about the best way to tackle mattress stains, and whilst we’ve written about it on our site before, we realised that we hadn’t put together a comprehensive guide. So, without further ado, here is the only guide to mattress stains and how to clean them that you’re ever likely to need.

1. What Causes Mattress Stains?
2. Prevention: The First Line of Defence
3. Regular Mattress Care
4. How to Clean Your Mattress
5. Cleaning Supplies: What You Actually Need
6. How to Remove Mattress Stains
7. Cleaning Natural Fibre Mattresses
8. How to Get Smells Out of a Mattress
9. When to Replace Rather Than Clean
10. Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Mattress Stains?

Lots of things can cause mattress stains. You could spill something, a bodily fluid may come into contact with a mattress, or environmental factors like dust and dirt can (quite literally!) make their mark. Common substances that stain mattresses include sweat, urine, blood, and stray food or drink. Even dust, pet hair, and pollen can lead to stains or discolouration on a mattress as, left unchecked, they can accumulate over time.

If enough time passes, substances like these can seep into a mattress and leave stains that are very difficult to remove. The foremost tool you have to combat mattress stains is not actually a specialist treatment to tackle them as they occur: it is prevention via a regular mattress cleaning and maintenance routine.

Prevention: The First Line of Defence

Before we get into cleaning methods, it is worth being direct about something. The single most effective thing you can do to protect your mattress from staining is to use a mattress protector and to wash your fitted sheets regularly. Both of these create a washable barrier between your body and the mattress upholstery. No cleaning method, however good, is as effective as simply preventing the stain from reaching the mattress in the first place.

Our 100% Cotton Quilted Mattress Protector is breathable, anti-allergy treated, and machine washable at 40°C. It fits mattresses up to 35cm deep via a generous 38cm skirt, which means it works perfectly with our handmade Origins and Artisan ranges. Unlike waterproof synthetic protectors that trap heat and interfere with the natural breathability of Wool and Cotton upholstery, a cotton protector allows proper air circulation whilst still catching sweat, body oils, and minor spills before they penetrate the mattress.

Pairing a protector with deep-fitted Pima cotton sheets that you wash weekly adds a second washable layer. Your mattress essentially never needs to come into contact with the substances most likely to stain it. This two-layer approach is far simpler and cheaper than specialist stain removal after the fact.

Regular Mattress Care

Regular mattress cleaning is essential for preventing stains from building up over time, including dust, pet hair, and pollen. This type of cleaning helps to remove surface debris before it becomes embedded in your mattress’s fibres. Keeping on top of it gives you a much better chance of maintaining a genuinely clean sleeping environment over the long term.

In addition, even simple steps like vacuuming your mattress or using a mattress protector can help keep your sleeping space free from unsightly stains. We spend a significant portion of our lives in bed, so it is crucial to keep mattresses clean and free of contaminants that can harm our health.

Top Tip: Vacuum your mattress using a small upholstery attachment, working in vertical lines from left to right, then horizontally from top to bottom.

How to Clean Your Mattress

Cleaning your mattress does not have to be daunting. In fact, four simple steps can lead to much better mattress hygiene.

1. Remove all bedding and vacuum your mattress thoroughly.
2. Use a mattress protector as your number one ongoing guard against sweat stains.
3. Regularly rotate your mattress to prevent uneven wear and tear, and flip it if it is a two-sided model.
4. Do not forget to dust and vacuum under the bed base and frame at the same time.

You can also sponge any emerging stains. If a stain is not yet embedded, a mild cleaning solution applied to a clean cloth will usually do the job. The key is to act quickly: the longer a substance sits in the upholstery fibres, the harder it becomes to shift.

Why You Need to Clean a Mattress

Regularly cleaning a mattress helps maintain a healthy sleeping environment and minimise the risk of associated health problems. A clean mattress is especially vital for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. However, it is also simply true that sleeping on a clean mattress feels better. Most people sleep more comfortably when their environment is genuinely fresh, which is reason enough to maintain a routine. Regular cleaning also prolongs a mattress’s lifespan, so you will not need to replace it prematurely.

How Often Should You Clean a Mattress?

How often you clean your mattress depends on several factors, including your personal hygiene, any allergies or health concerns you may have, and the overall condition of your mattress. As a general rule, it is worth cleaning your mattress at least once every six months. However, if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, or if an accident has occurred, cleaning it every two to three months is more appropriate.

Cleaning your mattress is also a good opportunity to spot any signs of damage, such as sagging or tears. Being proactive and noting them early gives you the chance of addressing wear and tear before it worsens. In doing so, you are delaying the point at which a mattress simply stops performing as it should.

How to Take Care of Your Mattress

Aside from a regular cleaning routine, there are several other ways to take care of your mattress and get as much use from it as possible.

• Rotate or flip your mattress every month. This distributes wear more evenly and prevents sagging and indentations from building up in one particular area.
• Avoid sitting or bouncing on the edge of your mattress. Excessive force can damage the springs or cause uneven compression of the upholstery materials.
• Follow any manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific mattress. Weight limits and maintenance advice are there to help you get the most from your investment.
• Wash your fitted sheets weekly and your mattress protector monthly. Washing frequency is the single biggest controllable factor in how clean your mattress remains long term.

Do You Need a Mattress Protector or Topper?

We get asked this question a lot. A topper may be optional depending on how comfortable you find your mattress, but a protector is a necessity. Mattress toppers and protectors offer different benefits, and understanding the distinction helps you make the right choice.

• Protection: A mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, body oils, sweat, and other types of damage. Replacing a protector is a fraction of the cost of replacing a mattress.
• Comfort: A mattress topper can help to add an extra layer of comfort to a mattress that you find slightly too firm. It does not address underlying structural issues, but can meaningfully improve the feel.
• Hygiene: A breathable cotton protector keeps your sleeping surface clean and hygienic, preventing the build-up of dust mites, bacteria, and allergens that could trigger health concerns.

If you use both a topper and a protector, position the protector over the topper. This keeps both protected and means only the protector needs regular washing.

How Often Should You Turn Your Mattress?

How often you should turn your mattress depends on its type and condition, as well as your sleeping habits. The team at John Ryan would advise that you turn and, if possible, rotate your mattress on a monthly basis. However, there is an important caveat: some lower quality mattresses are designed to be used on only one side, so it is essential to check this before flipping. We also have tips to improve the lifespans of one-sided mattresses if you already own one.

Cleaning Supplies: What You Actually Need

Before tackling any stain, it helps to have the right materials to hand. You do not need a cupboard full of specialist products. Most effective cleaning can be done with a handful of everyday items.

What to avoid: bleach, harsh chemical solvents, excessive amounts of water, and direct heat from hairdryers or steam irons. All of these can damage upholstery fibres and, in the case of excessive moisture, create conditions for mould to develop inside the mattress.

How to Remove Mattress Stains

So, you have taken care of your mattress, followed a regular cleaning routine, and you still have a stain on your hands. With the right technique, you can get your mattress looking fresh again. For general mattress stains, the following process applies across most stain types.

• Deal with stains immediately: The instant you see a spill or stain, use a clean towel or cloth to absorb as much as possible. Never rub the stain; instead, gently blot with a cloth. Rubbing pushes liquid deeper into the fibres.
• Apply a cleaning solution: Depending on the stain type, a mild cleaning solution such as baking soda mixed with water or diluted laundry detergent can help. Let any solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes after applying it.
• Blot the stain again: After the cleaning solution has had time to work, remove as much liquid as possible by blotting with a clean towel or cloth.
• Dry your mattress thoroughly: Incomplete drying is one of the most common causes of mould developing inside a mattress. Use a fan or open windows to assist drying, but never a hairdryer or direct heat source, as this can damage or warp the fibres.
• Vacuum the mattress: Once completely dry, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any remaining residue or baking soda particles.

Top Tip: Never saturate your mattress with water or any other solution. Only ever dampen it. Moisture trapped deep inside a mattress can cause mould and mildew that you cannot see or smell until the damage is significant.

The Best Mattress Stain Removers

Even the best stain removers have both strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most reliable options include the following.

• Enzyme-based cleaners: These use natural enzymes to break down organic stains at a molecular level, making them particularly effective on urine, blood, and vomit. They are also eco-friendly.
• Oxygen-based cleaners: These use oxygen to tackle tough, set-in stains and work well on discolouration left for some time.
• Baking soda: When mixed with cold water, it is an effective and affordable option for surface stains and the best choice for odour absorption when used dry and left overnight.
• White vinegar: Mixed with cold water in a 50/50 ratio, this mild stain remover also helps to neutralise lingering odours. The vinegar smell dissipates as the mattress dries.
• Commercial stain removers: Many products are designed specifically for use on fabric and upholstery. Read labels and reviews carefully, and always test on a small inconspicuous area before full application.

Always consider the type of stain you are dealing with and any allergies or sensitivities you may have when choosing a cleaning product. Test any solution on a hidden area of the mattress first to confirm it will not damage the fabric or cause discolouration.

How to Remove Tougher Mattress Stains

For particularly stubborn stains, a steam cleaner or a professional mattress cleaning service may be the most practical option. This is especially true for older set-in stains or mattresses using delicate upholstery materials. If you do use a steam cleaner at home, see the section on natural fibre mattresses below before proceeding.

How to Get Blood Stains Out of a Mattress

You should tackle a blood stain as quickly as possible, as they are much easier to remove when fresh. The single most important rule is to use only cold water. Hot water causes the proteins in blood to set, making the stain essentially permanent.

• Use a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much of the blood as possible without rubbing the stain.
• Mix one tablespoon of liquid soap with two cups of cold water and gently apply it to the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to avoid spreading it.
• Dampen a second clean cloth with cold water and blot the stain to remove the cleaning solution. Repeat until the stain is no longer visible.
• Use a dry towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Open windows or use a fan to assist drying.
• Once completely dry, vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any residue.

If a blood stain is proving stubborn, try an enzyme-based cleaner, which will break down the proteins effectively. You can also read our dedicated guide on removing blood from a mattress for more information.

How to Get Urine Stains Out of a Mattress

• Use a clean, dry towel to blot up as much of the urine as possible without rubbing the stain.
• Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar (or a purpose-designed enzyme-based cleaner) into a spray bottle. Apply to the stain and leave for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Dampen a second clean cloth with cold water and blot to remove the cleaning solution. Repeat until the stain has gone.
• Use a dry towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Use ventilation from open windows or a fan to assist drying.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and leave it overnight. It is a natural deodoriser and will absorb lingering smells.
• Once completely dry, vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove baking soda residue.

If a urine stain is proving stubborn, repeat the cleaning process or consider a stronger enzyme cleaner. We also have a dedicated guide on removing urine from a mattress, with additional tips.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from a Mattress

To reiterate: your most effective defence against sweat stains is a mattress protector, combined with cotton fitted sheets that you launder weekly. Sweat stains typically appear as yellow discolouration and are caused by the salts and proteins in perspiration reacting with the mattress fabric over time. The following steps address them once present.

• Before treating the stain, vacuum the mattress with an upholstery attachment to remove any dust or debris from the surface.
• Mix a quarter cup of baking soda with one cup of warm water to form a paste. Spread this over the sweat stain and leave for 30 minutes.
• Using a clean, damp cloth and minimal water, gently sponge the stain in a circular motion.
• Dampen a second clean cloth with cold water and blot to remove the cleaning solution. Repeat until the stain has faded.
• Use a dry towel to absorb as much moisture as possible and allow the mattress to dry fully before remaking the bed.

For stubborn yellowing, an oxygen-based cleaner used sparingly can produce better results. You can also read our dedicated guide to getting sweat stains out of a mattress for further advice.

How to Get Sick Stains Out of a Mattress

Before you begin cleaning, put on a pair of disposable gloves.

• Use a plastic scraper or spatula to gently remove any solid matter from the surface without pushing it deeper into the fibres.
• Use a clean, dry towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub the stain.
• Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar (or an enzyme-based cleaner) into a spray bottle. Apply to the stain and leave for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Dampen a second clean cloth with cold water and blot to remove the cleaning solution. Repeat until the stain is no longer visible.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave overnight to absorb residual odours.
• Once the mattress is completely dry, vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any remaining residue.

Particularly stubborn stains may require a repeated cleaning process or a specialised cleaning solution. Our guide to removing vomit from a mattress provides additional details for more difficult cases.

Cleaning Natural Fibre Mattresses: What You Need to Know

If your mattress is filled with natural fibres such as Wool, Cotton, Horsehair, or Horsetail, there are a few additional considerations that most generic cleaning guides simply do not cover. Natural fibre mattresses respond differently to moisture than foam alternatives do, and understanding this helps you clean them effectively without causing damage.

Natural fibres are more moisture-sensitive than foam. Wool, in particular, has natural felting properties, meaning that excessive moisture combined with agitation can cause the fibres to mat and compress, permanently reducing their loft and resilience. For natural fibre mattresses, the “use minimal moisture” principle.

The key differences to keep in mind when cleaning a natural-fibre mattress are as follows:

• Always use cold or lukewarm water, never hot. Heat accelerates fibre felting in Wool and can cause Cotton fibres to shrink and distort.
• Apply cleaning solution to a cloth first, then dab it onto the stain rather than spraying it directly onto the mattress surface.
• Be particularly conservative with the amount of liquid you use. A barely damp cloth is sufficient for most spot cleaning.
• Allow significantly longer drying time than you would for a foam mattress. Natural fibres hold moisture longer, and a mattress that is not thoroughly dry before use can develop mould deep within the upholstery layers.
• If you use a steam cleaner, hold it well above the surface and work quickly without dwelling in any one spot. Direct, prolonged steam contact can compress natural-fibre upholstery.

The good news is that natural fibre mattresses filled with Wool have an inherent advantage in hygiene: Wool naturally wicks moisture away from the sleeping surface and has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and dust mites.

Regular vacuuming and a breathable cotton mattress protector are therefore especially well-matched to natural fibre mattresses, as they maintain the hygienic properties of the Wool without introducing the excess moisture that more intensive cleaning methods bring.

How to Get Smells Out of a Mattress

We have already touched on removing odours as part of stain treatment, but what if the smell is actually the primary problem rather than a visible stain? If the odour of a spill or general use is more concerning than any visible mark, the following process is the most effective approach.

• Wash all bedding, including pillowcases, duvet covers, and fitted sheets, separately from your mattress treatment.
• Vacuum your mattress using an upholstery attachment to remove any surface debris.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire mattress, paying particular attention to any areas that smell more strongly. Leave it on for several hours or overnight. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be.
• Vacuum your mattress again thoroughly to remove all of the baking soda.
• Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the surface lightly without saturating it. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that helps to neutralise odour-causing bacteria.
• Use a dry towel to absorb any surface moisture, then allow the mattress to dry completely by opening windows or using a fan.

How to Freshen Up a Mattress

If your mattress is not particularly stained or smelly but could benefit from a freshen-up, several simple steps can make a noticeable difference without any deep cleaning.

• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate through the room. Even an hour of good airflow can noticeably freshen a mattress.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface and allow it to settle for a few hours before vacuuming it off.
• Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil (lavender is a popular choice) to a spray bottle filled with water and mist lightly over the surface without saturating it.
• Spray a fabric freshener suitable for mattress fabric over the surface. Check the label carefully before using any product on upholstery.

It is a good idea to freshen your mattress every few months as part of routine maintenance, even when there is no visible staining or strong odours.

When to Replace Rather Than Clean

Knowing when to stop cleaning and start considering a replacement is just as important as knowing how to clean. There are some situations where no amount of cleaning will restore a mattress to a genuinely comfortable or hygienic state.

It is worth noting that two-sided mattresses last significantly longer than one-sided alternatives, because the sleeping surface can be rotated and flipped, distributing wear across both sides rather than concentrating it on one. This is one of the most underappreciated differences between genuinely well-made mattresses and mass-market alternatives. If your current mattress is one-sided and you find yourself cleaning it more frequently than seems reasonable, that may be a structural issue rather than a hygiene one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get stains out of a mattress?

Act immediately by blotting the stain (never rubbing) with a clean cloth. Apply a mild cleaning solution such as baking soda mixed with water, or diluted laundry detergent, and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before blotting again. Dry the area thoroughly using ventilation or a fan. Never saturate the mattress with water and avoid heat sources such as hair dryers.

How do you remove blood stains from a mattress?

Always use cold water for blood stains, as hot water sets the protein and makes the stain permanent. Blot up as much as possible, then apply a solution of one tablespoon of liquid soap mixed with two cups of cold water. Work from the outside of the stain inwards, blotting until clear. For dried blood, an enzyme-based cleaner is the most effective option.

How do you get urine out of a mattress?

Blot up as much liquid as possible without rubbing, then spray a 50/50 mixture of cold water and white vinegar onto the area. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes, blot clean, and repeat if needed. Once dry, sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave overnight to absorb any remaining odour, then vacuum thoroughly.

How often should you clean a mattress?

As a general guideline, clean your mattress at least every six months. If you suffer from allergies, have pets, or share your bed with young children, every two to three months is more appropriate. A mattress protector washed monthly significantly reduces how often the mattress itself needs a full clean.

Does baking soda remove mattress stains?

Baking soda is most effective as a deodoriser rather than a stain remover on its own. When mixed with water to form a paste it can help lift surface stains such as sweat, but for protein-based stains like blood or urine, an enzyme-based cleaner produces better results. Sprinkle dry baking soda after cleaning to absorb residual moisture and odour.

Can you use a steam cleaner on a natural fibre mattress?

Steam cleaning is suitable for most pocket spring mattresses, but requires caution with natural-fibre models. Excessive heat and moisture can compress natural fibres such as Wool and Horsehair, reducing their loft and resilience. If you do use a steam cleaner, hold it well above the surface rather than pressing it into the fabric, and ensure the mattress dries completely before use.

What is the best way to prevent mattress stains?

A breathable cotton mattress protector is the single most effective preventative measure. It acts as a washable barrier between your body and the mattress, catching sweat, oils, and accidental spills before they penetrate the upholstery. Pair it with cotton fitted sheets washed regularly, and you significantly reduce the risk of staining ever reaching the mattress itself.

When should you replace a mattress rather than clean it?

If stains are recurring despite regular cleaning, the mattress is visibly sagging, or you are waking with aches that were not present before, cleaning will no longer address the root problem. A mattress that has reached the end of its useful life should be replaced. Two-sided mattresses typically last considerably longer than one-sided alternatives because the sleeping surface can be rotated and flipped regularly.