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21st October 2026

I have bought a wool mattress and stinks of old sheep and urine

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Fiona

How can I remove the old sheep smell from my newly purchased wool mattres it is really bad

JohnRyanLtd Answered 1 day ago

Hi Fiona,

Thank you for reaching out to us. It is quite common for newly purchased natural wool mattresses to retain a slight natural fibre or farm scent initially, as wool is an organic, unbleached material. You can read more about wool used in mattress manufacturing here.

 

The level of the odour can vary from mattress to mattress, as some batches of wool have a higher concentration of Lanolin than others and from person to person; unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to the smell than others. However, I completely understand that this can be off-putting, and there are a few simple steps you can take to help dissipate the odour quicker:

- Airing Out the Mattress: Strip off all bedding and allow the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room with the windows open for several hours a day.
- Baking Soda Method: Lightly sprinkle food-grade baking soda over the surface of the mattress. Leave it to sit for a few hours to absorb the natural moisture and trapped odours, and then thoroughly vacuum it off using an upholstery attachment.
- Ensure Good Air Circulation: If possible, lift the mattress slightly or ensure the base allows for good airflow underneath to help any residual dampness or natural oils settle. Even standing the mattress on its side for a few hours will allow air to circulate both sides of the mattress at the same time.

Please avoid using strong chemical sprays or harsh fabric refreshers, as these can damage the natural wool fibres or lock in the moisture.

I hope this helps, and if you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to call our small, friendly team on 0161 437 4419.

Kind Regards
Michaela

Dreaming of the perfect nights sleep?

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