DIY Mattress Stain Remover: 3 Ways to Get Tough Stains Out
Ever wondered how to clean a mattress with baking soda? We'll show you three ways to remove tough stains from your mattress with everyday ingredients.

Real fact: your mattress is where you spend a third of your life. But over time, it can accumulate stains, odors, and dust, affecting both the quality of your sleep and the lifespan of your mattress.
In this article, we show you three DIY methods to remove tough stains from your mattress with simple, everyday ingredients you already have in your kitchen or bathroom.
What you’ll need
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Vacuum cleaner
- Clean cloth or sponge
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How to get stains out of a mattress: What to know before you begin
Before you begin the process of removing a stain from your mattress, it's important to keep a few things in mind.
- Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to avoid potential damage and discoloration.
- Tackle stains as soon as possible.
- Always blot rather than rub the stain to prevent spreading and fabric damage.
Depending on the stain type, there are three DIY mattress cleaner sprays that we recommend: baking soda, vinegar, and water; hydrogen peroxide and dish soap; and lemon juice and salt.
Method 1: How to clean a mattress with baking soda, water, and vinegar
Follow these steps to clean a mattress with baking soda and vinegar.
Vacuum the mattress
Start by removing all bedding from the mattress and washing it in the washing machine. If you have a mattress protector, remove it and wash it as well.
If you don’t know how to wash them, read our comprehensive articles to learn how to wash a comforter and how to wash a weighted blanket.
Next, thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress surface, focusing on seams, creases, and any visible stains or debris. This step helps to remove loose dirt, dust bunnies, or debris.
Vacuuming will also help lift the mattress's fibers so that the vinegar solution in the next step can penetrate more deeply.
Prepare your mattress cleaner spray
Measure and pour an equal amount of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Gently shake the spray bottle to ensure thorough mixing. This will create a diluted vinegar solution that is safe for cleaning your mattress.
Spray the vinegar-water mattress cleaner
Spray the vinegar-water solution evenly over the entire surface of the mattress. Pay extra attention to any stains or odors. Next, gently blot the stained areas with a clean cloth or sponge, working from the outside toward the center, and continue until the stains fade or disappear.
Ensure the mattress is slightly damp but not saturated, as excessive moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress
Next, sprinkle baking soda over the damp mattress surface, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress for a few hours, preferably overnight, to absorb the odors, moisture, and residual vinegar. The longer it stays on the mattress, the better.
Vacuum the mattress again
Once the baking soda has had enough time to work, it's time to vacuum it up.
Thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress to remove the baking soda and any remaining dirt or debris. Pay attention to corners, crevices, and edges.
Air-dry the mattress
After vacuuming, allow the mattress to air dry completely. If possible, prop up the mattress or place it in a well-ventilated area to enhance air circulation. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting on fresh bedding.
Spray essential oil (optional)
Once the mattress is dry, you can add a pleasant fragrance to your mattress by spraying essential oils.
Choose your preferred essential oil—lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile, and dilute a few drops in a small spray bottle filled with water. Shake the spray bottle gently to mix the oil and water and lightly mist the mattress. Allow the mattress to air dry once again.
Method 2: Mattress spray cleaner with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap
- Start by vacuuming the mattress to remove loose debris and dust.
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap mixture on the stained or soiled areas of the mattress.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the sprayed areas in a circular motion until stains begin to lift or fade.
- Allow the solution to sit on the mattress for 15-20 minutes to penetrate and break down any remaining stains or odors.
- Dampen a clean cloth with water and blot the treated areas to remove the cleaning solution.
- If the mattress is still stained or soiled, repeat the spraying and scrubbing process as you want.
- Once the stains have been removed, blot the mattress with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Lastly, allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting on fresh bedding or using the mattress.
Method 3: Mattress spray cleaner with lemon juice and salt
- Remove all bedding and pillows from the mattress.
- Sprinkle salt directly on any stains or soiled areas on the mattress.
- Fill a spray bottle with fresh lemon juice and test it on a small, inconspicuous mattress area. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, so it's advisable to test it to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.
- If it doesn’t discolor or damage your mattress, spray the lemon juice generously over the salted areas, ensuring they are thoroughly dampened.
- Allow the lemon juice and salt mixture to sit on the mattress for about 30 minutes to break down stains and odors.
- After 30 minutes, use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the treated areas in a circular motion, working the mixture into the fabric.
- Continue scrubbing until the stains begin to lift or fade.
- Dampen a clean cloth with water and blot the treated areas to remove the lemon juice and salt mixture.
- If the stains are still visible, repeat the process by reapplying the lemon juice, salt, and scrubbing.
- Once the stains have been removed, blot the mattress with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the mattress to air dry completely.
How to deep clean a mattress if a spray cleaner doesn’t work
If these DIY spray cleaners don't effectively clean your mattress, you have additional options: you can either purchase an enzyme cleaner designed for mattresses or use a steam cleaner. These alternatives provide deeper cleaning and are used for stubborn stains or persistent odors. However, DIY spray cleaners should remove most stains and odors.
Protect your mattress for longer
Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is an effective way to prevent damage and stains on your mattress and reduce the frequency of deep cleaning your mattress.
It acts as a barrier, shielding your mattress from spills, accidents, and general wear and tear. Meanwhile, we recommend giving your mattress a good clean at least two times a year to eliminate dirt, dead skin cells, tough stains, and dust mites.
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