Mattress stains are caused by many different things. You could spill something, a bodily fluid may come into contact with a mattress, or dust and dirt can 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.
Having found a way to remove mattress stains, a cleaner took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page to share her discovery.
Posting before and after photos of her mattress, Lucy Hill wrote: “I just wanted to share this tip I found online a while ago when I was struggling with sweat and blood stains on my mattress.
“I followed the baking soda and white vinegar natural method and it worked. The stain had disintegrated. I was very impressed.”
Lucy listed out the steps households need to take for this method to remove stains effectively.
Begin by applying baking soda directly to the stain before spraying the area with some white vinegar – just enough to cover it.
When applying the vinegar solution, remember that less is more. The aim is to dampen the mattress, not soak it. Overwetting the mattress can lead to mould and mildew.
Leave these two kitchen ingredients to bubble for around 30 minutes before using a clean cloth and dabbing the solution away.
When combined, baking soda and vinegar undergo a chemical reaction that produces water and carbon dioxide gas. This fizzy reaction aids in loosening and lifting stains.
Households could alternatively use an upholstery vacuum attachment if they have one to clean away residue.
After, dab with clean, cold water until all traces of the solution have been removed.
To prevent mould and mildew, it’s crucial to let your mattress completely dry before putting any bedding back on it. To speed up drying, open windows or use a fan.
One cleaning fan asked whether this method would work on old mattress stains too. Lucy replied: “It will work on old stains too. Same steps apply.”
Sarah Hart said: “This is amazing for getting blood stains out. I couldn’t believe it.”
Baking soda and vinegar are not only easily accessible but also natural, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions to mattress cleaning. They can eliminate stains, smells, and even bacteria.
