How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress

Cleaning mattress

For those of us who like sinking into dreamy slumbers, memory foam mattresses are the best. It might take hours and hours searching for the perfect one, and you know you had to pay for that quality, but it’s money well spent to finally feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

However, one of these days, that first “accident” is going to happen. Maybe it comes from your morning coffee or juice. Maybe it’s a urine stain from an overly excited kid or pet. 

Don’t worry; whatever happens, you don’t have to buy a new one! Keep reading to find out how to clean a memory foam mattress from stains, mold, mites, and more. 

How to Clean Your Mattress and Get Out Stains? 

Wine spill on mattress

If you have a memory foam mattress, it doesn’t mean you should only clean it when accidents happen. On the contrary, taking care of the mattress means taking care of your health, so make sure to clean it every six months. 

Before we move on to the how-to steps, be sure to have these supplies: cold water, baking soda, cleaning towels, dish soap, or hydrogen peroxide. 

Follow the next few steps, and you’ll have a clean mattress in no time:

1. Wash the bedding

Washing your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases regularly may prevent the appearance of dust mites, mold, and mildew on your mattress. So, before starting with the mattress cleaning, strip your bed entirely and wash the beddings according to the care label. It is recommended to do this once a week. 

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

In order to get rid of the dust mites and other debris from your mattress, the first step is to vacuum it completely with the vacuum upholstery attachment. 

3. Spot-Clean

The stain cleaning process depends on the type of stain. If you find stains on your mattress that are not biological, approach them with the following steps:

  • Wet a clean cloth with warm water 
  • Add a little bit of dishwashing liquid or a 1:1 water and hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Gently blot the stained area with the cloth
  • Clean the stained area with the water-soaked cloth

When cleaning a mattress, especially a memory foam one, it’s essential not to over soak it. Apply as little solution as possible to a clean cloth, and never directly on the stain. Repeat this process one more time if needed.  

4. Apply Baking Soda 

After removing the stains, leave the mattress for some time to dry, and then sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and let it stay for at least a few hours. Baking soda will help absorb moisture and neutralize the smell. 

If possible, open the windows because the airflow will help it dry. 

5. Vacuum Thoroughly 

After leaving the soda for a few hours, you should repeat the vacuuming to remove the powder from the mattress. 

After you finish this step, flip the mattress and repeat the same procedure on the other side. 

How to Remove Urine Stains From a Memory Foam Mattress?

Before you can remove a stain, you have to find it. Sometimes you smell a urine stain before you see it, or you know it’s there but can’t quite see it- enter, Angry Orange UV Flashlight. Handheld and compact, this packs maximum efficiency into somewhat of a magic wand wand for spotting stains. Using this flashlight can help you find a stain you can’t see with the naked eye and let you know exactly where you need to clean.

If a urine accident catches you by surprise, act quickly because the stain can be removed easily. But, don’t worry if you find an old urine stain on your mattress; you can still remove it. Here are the steps for both scenarios.

If you find a fresh urine stain, these are the steps:

  • Pour vinegar into a spray bottle, spray it over the stains, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • Press rags or paper towels on top of the stains to blot out the excess vinegar
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the stains and let it sit for several hours
  • Vacuum to remove the dry baking soda 

If you’re dealing with a dried urine stain, you’ll need a stronger solution. To make this solution, you need an empty spray bottle, dish soap, 8-10 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 damp rag, and 1 dry rag. 

  • Swirl all the ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Spray it over the stains and let it sit for an hour
  • Use a damp cloth to rinse the area and then dry cloth to remove the solution
  • Sprinkle baking soda over the stains and let it sit for several hours
  • Use the vacuum cleaner to remove the dried baking soda 

It’s important to mention that hydrogen peroxide may bleach fabric, so make sure to try it first on some inconspicuous area and remove all the bedding. 

How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew? 

Spray cleaning mattress

There may be various reasons for the appearance of mold on your mattresses, such as sweat, humid air, or untreated damp stains. Mold can be very harmful to our health, so it’s important to get rid of it. 

In order to prevent the appearance of mold, avoid drying clothes indoors and open your windows regularly to increase the airflow. In the event that mold does appear, we have some tips on how to clean your mattress right away. Unfortunately, in most cases mold can only be removed from the surface, and if it has penetrated deeper, this technique won’t be very effective. 

To start, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner, a solution mix of rubbing alcohol and warm water, and two clean cloths.

  • First, vacuum both sides of the mattress to remove mold spores. If possible, do this outdoors.
  • Dip the clean cloth into a mixture, wring out, and rub the stain in a circular motion 
  • Dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring out, and rinse the area 
  • Spray the mattress with the alcohol and water mixture
  • Place the mattress out to sun dry or dry it with an electric fan 

Cleaning your memory foam mattress should find its place on your list of regular cleanings. You expand the life of your mattress and take care of your health at the same time. But, if you don’t have the time or the patience to clean so frequently, you can always use a mattress protector to avoid dealing with stains. 

If you do find yourself needing to remove a stain or cleaning a mess before the stain sets in, make sure to follow the tips, and your mattress will be as good as new.

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