At a Glance:
How To Remove Sweat Stains from Mattresses
How to Prevent Stains on Mattresses
How To Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets & Pillowcases
How to Prevent Stains on Sheets
How to Freshen and Deodorize a Mattress
Other Steps to Prolong Mattress Freshness
Dead skin cells, sweat, stains, dust mites, and many other beautiful things find their way onto mattresses. Despite sheets and mattress pads, you still need to frequently renew your mattress, at least once every six months, if you sleep on it every night.
Even while we are sleeping, we all inevitably perspire. The hot and humid weather also worsens the already bad situation. According to those in the know, the most frequent cause of yellow stains on mattresses is probably sweat dripping into them. The good news is that this article will outline several tried-and-true strategies for how to get sweat smell out of mattress and how to get odor out of mattress.
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Current PromotionsWhy Does Sweat Leave Stains?
Sweat causes the same stains on your mattress that are frequently found on the underarms of your favorite white blouse. Understanding why perspiration causes yellow stains to appear on your mattress is vital; this is because sweat contains moisture.
In addition to leaving yellow stains on your mattress, sweat stains frequently have a musty odor. The last thing you want is for a significant amount of these sweat stains to build up and fill your room with an unpleasant odor.
How To Remove Sweat Stains from Mattresses
Mattress sweat stains might be more difficult to remove than sweat stains on bedsheets since mattresses cannot be washed in a washing machine. Spot treatment is your best option for eliminating stains. Let’s look into a few methods for how to deep clean a mattress .
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METHOD 1: Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap & Salt
- Make a paste using 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon salt.
- Apply the paste by rubbing it on the discoloration. Use a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the paste into the stain if it has been there for a time.
- After the paste dries, wipe it off and use a towel dipped in hydrogen peroxide to remove any remaining stains or residue.
- Before replacing the bed linens, let the area completely air dry.
METHOD 2: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Water
- Combine 1/2 cup warm water, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap in a spray container.
- Spray the mixture on the stain, taking care not to get any on the mattress's other surfaces.
- Employ a fresh cloth to blot the discoloration. Repeat the spraying and blotting if necessary to remove the discoloration.
- Before replacing the bed linens, let the area completely air dry.
How to Prevent Stains on Mattresses
A mattress protector is the greatest way to shield your mattress from stains. Your ordinary sheets and the mattress are protected by a layer of waterproof and occasionally hypoallergenic fabric from a mattress protector. For as little as $20, you can get a quality mattress protector.
A further helpful hint is to stop stains in their tracks. Every 3 to 6 months, you should give your mattress a surface cleaning. Vacuuming your mattress and using baking soda are the simplest and fastest solutions.
By vacuuming your mattress, you may get rid of any dust or mites on it as well as accumulated skin cells. Additionally, you can cover the top of your mattress with a layer of baking soda, rub it in, and then vacuum it up after it has sat for at least 10 minutes. Baking soda works wonders as a deodorizer.
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How To Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets & Pillowcases
It's time to clean your bedding now that the sweat, stink, and other stains have been removed from your mattress. Check out a handful of these techniques for cleaning your bedding!
METHOD 1: Oxiclean
- As directed on the packaging, add OxiClean in your washing machine's detergent compartment. The hottest water temperature available on your machine should be used.
- In order to agitate the sheets and incorporate the OxiClean, run the machine for a few minutes.
- The longer the soak time, especially if the stain is set, the better; turn off the machine and let the sheets sit for between one and six hours.
- After removing the sheets from the solution, wash them as usual. Add one more scoop of OxiClean to the drum containing your linens for an extra boost.
*Optional: if your machine has an additional rinse cycle, use it to get rid of any leftover residue and remove more of the stain.
METHOD 2: Dish Soap & Borax
- Put the sheets in the washing and set them to the hottest setting possible.
- Add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of Borax.
- Run the machine for a few minutes to agitate the sheets and incorporate the Borax and dish soap.
- Put an end to the machine and soak the sheets for at least one hour.
- After removing the linens from the solution, wash them as usual.
*Optional: if your machine has a second rinse cycle, use it to clear away any leftover residue and remove more of the stain.
METHOD 3: Wash Twice
- After washing your linens with ordinary detergent, rinse them thoroughly and add bleach to the load as directed on the container. Only employ this technique if you have white bedding.
- Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, a natural deodorant, and fabric softener if you don't only have white sheets.
How to Prevent Stains on Sheets
Eventually, every sheet will become stained from perspiration or an unintentional spill. Do not let stains on your linens set if you want to avoid persistent stains in the future. As soon as you can, remove the stain.
Additionally, you should wash your linens frequently, ideally once every two weeks or more often. Despite the inconvenience, your sheets will remain spotless. Additionally, washing your pillows and bedding frequently helps to reduce body and facial acne.
➝ Learn More: 6 Best Tips on How to Clean a Mattress
How to Freshen and Deodorize a Mattress
Our bedding items and then the mattress are both contaminated with sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. Every six months, mattresses should be cleaned and deodorized to keep allergens at bay.
Use caution when applying any liquid to your mattress because it may leave moisture behind that could promote the growth of allergens. Because of this, it's usually better to attempt dry methods of mattress freshening first, including odor-absorbing baking soda. If you do decide to use liquid deodorizers on your mattress, let it air dry completely before making the bed.
Vacuum
Use the upholstery attachment to get rid of all the dust and bacteria that have gathered on your mattress.
Clean the upholstery attachment with warm water before using your vacuum to clean your mattress. When you clean the upholstery attachment with warm, soapy water, any dust and bacteria that are stuck to it will be removed. To remove all the dust and bacteria that have gathered on your mattress, use the upholstery attachment to vacuum your bed's surface, sides, and even the spaces in between the seams. Place your mattress on support and vacuum the opposite side as well.
Deodorize
The scents left behind by germs and allergies are removed by deodorizing your mattress. To freshen your mattress, utilize a few common household items.
Water with Vinegar
Vinegar eliminates smells. You can manufacture an organic deodorizer by mixing it with water instead of purchasing chemical sprays that might aggravate your allergies.
In a spray bottle, combine equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Spray the remedy sparingly all over your mattress. Don't overwet it, and let it dry entirely by air.
Next, lean your mattress against a wall and spray the other side with the solution. Place the mattress back on the bed base only when it has completely dried by air. Turn on fans and keep the windows open to hasten the drying process.
Baking soda should next be sprinkled on the mattress to finish. This will eliminate any persistent scents.
Baking Soda
A natural odor neutralizer is baking soda. You can use it on your memory foam pillows and mattresses in addition to keeping it in the fridge. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of your mattress using a flour sifter, then leave it alone for at least 30 minutes. The effects of baking soda improve with storage time. It may be left on for as long as 24 hours.
Keep your windows open, so natural light can enter your bedroom while the baking soda sits on your mattress. The dampness in your bed is dried off by the sunlight, further removing odors. Lastly, vacuum your bed using the upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda.
The best remedy for pee stains and odors may be baking soda, especially if the stain is still moist.
Cornstarch
Another factor that could make your bed smell is the body oil that cornstarch absorbs. Spread a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda over the surface of your mattress. Give the mixture a day's worth of rest on your bed. After that, use a vacuum to remove the cornstarch-baking soda combination from the mattress surface.
Essential Oils
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and add 15 to 20 drops of your preferred essential oils to the mixture. For a few days, your bed might continue to smell fresh. For a calming effect, we advise using eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, or lemon essential oils.
If you want to get rid of stubborn stains and odors, you may also try combining two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part baking soda and a few drops of aromatic oils in a spray bottle. Use the cleaning solution to lightly mist the mattress surface, then let it air dry before covering it again with your assortment of bedding.
Other Steps to Prolong Mattress Freshness
You'll want to maintain your mattress clean for as long as you can after freshening and deodorizing it. Maintaining that freshness involves doing a few extra actions to remove odor from mattress. You may sleep well without worrying about dust, bacteria, or allergens.
Use a Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors shield your mattress from stains, sweat, dust mites, and allergies while also making it much simpler to learn how to thoroughly clean a mattress. They are simple to put on and a reasonably priced way to increase the life of your mattress.
A waterproof mattress cover is great for sleepers who wish to maintain a hypoallergenic mattress's cleanliness in addition to keeping out anything that could make their bed smell.
If your mattress is encased in a mattress cover, you might be perplexed as to why a mattress protector is required. A mattress cover is normally neither impermeable nor detachable, though. As a result, it cannot be cleaned as a mattress protector can, nor can it equal the enveloping abilities of a protector.
Clean Box Spring or Foundation
A box spring, bed foundation, or platform bed typically supports your mattress. To stop dust and bacteria from spreading to your mattress, clean your mattress foundation at the same time as your mattress. Remove the bed skirt (if you have one) and wash it every time you raise your mattress to vacuum it.
Clean the box spring, base, or platform bed's surface with a vacuum. A mattress that sits atop a spotless foundation will remain fresh for longer. When cleaning your mattress regularly, we advise vacuuming the foundation of your bed.
We also want to emphasize the importance of using a bed base since it protects your mattress from dust, dead skin, and other debris that collects on the floor. Leaving your mattress lying on the floor increases the chance of moisture and heat accumulation, which can promote the formation of mold.
Keep Your Room Airy
Dust mites, bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, spores, and other pests like to snooze on damp mattresses.
After you wake up, keep your ceiling fan running for an hour or two to absorb any lingering moisture. Open your windows whenever you can to let fresh air and natural light into your bedroom, preserving the freshness of your mattress.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a mattress cleaning professional if there are large stains. Findley advises employing a steam cleaner rather than a person who uses chemicals, which some people find annoying. In order to prevent your professional from using chemical stain removers, she also advises pre-treating stains yourself with natural materials like vinegar or peroxide.
Nothing compares to getting under the covers after a hard and exhausting day. Did you realize, though, that there's a strong chance you're sharing your space with a lot of microscopic filth? Uncomfortably, but unavoidably, your mattress probably needs a substantial upgrade.
But don't worry! You don't necessarily need to replace your mattress just because it requires a thorough cleaning. It all boils down to understanding how to clean a mattress and remove odor from a mattress, though. To get a brand-new bed, visit one of our Sleep Better stores now or browse our mattress catalog if your mattress is too damaged to be cleaned by hand or professionally.
FAQ
Can sweat ruin a mattress?
Yes, sweat can potentially ruin a mattress over time if it is not properly managed. Sweat is primarily composed of water, electrolytes, and trace amounts of other substances like urea and ammonia. When sweat comes into contact with a mattress, it can lead to several issues:
Moisture Absorption: Mattress materials, especially those made from natural fibers like cotton or foam, can absorb sweat and moisture. Over time, this can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, causing unpleasant odors and potential health concerns.
Staining: Sweat can leave behind visible stains on a mattress. These stains are not only unsightly but can also be difficult to remove, especially from porous materials.
Deterioration of Materials: Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause materials like foam to break down and lose their supportive qualities. This can lead to sagging and reduced comfort over time.
Allergen Accumulation: Moist environments provide a breeding ground for allergens such as dust mites. Dust mites thrive in humid conditions and can exacerbate allergies for sensitive individuals.
Why does my sweat make my bed smell?
Sweat can make your bed smell due to the interaction between the components of sweat and the microorganisms present in your environment. Sweat itself is composed of water, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), urea, and other compounds. When sweat comes into contact with your bedding and mattress, several factors contribute to the development of odors:
Bacteria and Microorganisms: The skin's natural microflora, including bacteria, yeast, and fungi, thrive in warm and moist environments like sweat-soaked bedding. These microorganisms break down the compounds in sweat, such as urea, and produce byproducts that can have a distinct and unpleasant odor.
Urea Breakdown: Urea is a waste product that is present in sweat. Bacteria on your skin metabolize urea, leading to the release of ammonia and other compounds. Ammonia has a strong, pungent smell that contributes to the characteristic odor of sweat.
Moisture Absorption: Sweat is primarily composed of water, and when it gets absorbed by your bedding and mattress materials, it creates a damp environment. Dampness promotes the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which can contribute to foul odors.
Protein Breakdown: Sweat also contains proteins and amino acids. When these proteins interact with the microorganisms on your skin and in your environment, they can break down into volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release odorous gases.
Residue Buildup: Over time, as sweat is repeatedly deposited on your bedding and mattress, residual compounds from sweat can accumulate. This buildup can lead to a lingering smell even after the sweat has dried.
To minimize the odor caused by sweat in your bedding and mattress:
Use Breathable Materials: Choose bedding and mattress covers made from breathable materials that allow for better airflow and moisture evaporation.
Wash Bedding Regularly: Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers regularly to remove sweat and bacteria. Using hot water and detergent can help eliminate odors.
Use Mattress Protectors: Consider using a waterproof or moisture-wicking mattress protector to create a barrier between your sweat and the mattress itself.
Ventilate the Bedding: Allow your bedding and mattress to air out during the day to reduce moisture buildup.
Maintain Personal Hygiene: Regular bathing and using antiperspirants can help reduce the amount of sweat your body produces, thus minimizing the contribution of sweat to odors.
What does sweat look like on a mattress?
Sweat on a mattress might not always be immediately visible, especially if it's fresh and hasn't had time to dry or accumulate. However, as sweat dries and interacts with the materials of the mattress, it can manifest in a few different ways:
Dampness or Moisture: Initially, you might notice areas of the mattress feeling damp or moist to the touch. This can be particularly noticeable if you've been sweating heavily during sleep.
Discoloration: Over time, dried sweat can lead to discoloration of the mattress fabric. Depending on the mattress material and the composition of the sweat, this could result in yellowish or brownish stains. These stains are more common on lighter-colored mattresses.
Odor: One of the most noticeable signs of sweat on a mattress is the development of an unpleasant odor. As sweat interacts with bacteria and other microorganisms on the mattress, it can produce a distinct smell that can be quite strong.
Stiffness or Crunchiness: As sweat dries and leaves behind salts and other compounds, the affected areas of the mattress might become stiff or even slightly crunchy to the touch. This can be particularly noticeable on foam mattresses.
Visible Stains: Depending on the composition of your sweat and the type of mattress material, you might eventually see visible stains on the surface of the mattress. These stains can range from light discolorations to more pronounced marks.
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At the Sleep Better Mattress Store, we provide quality mattresses for a better night's sleep. Shop mattresses online or visit us today at our mattress store in Santa Clara. In the meantime, browse our website to shop by mattress brands and check out our bedroom furniture selections to upgrade your bedroom decor. More available than ever, our experts at Sleep Better Mattress Store are always happy to help you learning more tips and tricks about how to get sweat smell out of mattress, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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