Since we spend about a third of our lives in bed, accidents are bound to happen at one time or another. In fact, if you’re an adult who’s never had to clean up an unsightly mess from your bed, count yourself lucky! But if you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a way to clean up something you definitely didn’t plan for. And we’re here to help! Let’s explore some of the most common stains, and how you can clean a mattress using things you probably already have at home.

Before you begin

When cleaning a mattress surface, there are a few guidelines you’ll want to follow so you don’t make things worse. As you proceed, keep in mind these general rules of thumb:

• Always BLOT stains, don’t rub or scrub
• Blot stains from the outside and work your way inward
• Use undyed cleaning rags and cleaning agents so that dye doesn’t transfer to your mattress surface
• Avoid using heat at any stage of the cleaning process
• Always air dry or use a fan to encourage drying, and ensure your mattress is completely dry before making the bed or sleeping on it again
• If possible, clean up a spill as soon as it occurs; don’t let it linger
• Wear protective gear when dealing with bodily fluid cleanup, like rubber gloves and a face mask
• Do not overly saturate a mattress with any cleaning product
• Do not attempt to remove your mattress’s cover – many (including all Zinus mattresses) are not designed to be removed

And if it hasn’t already occurred to you at this point (or if you have a time machine), purchase a decent waterproof mattress protector to prevent future spills or accidents from reaching your mattress’s surface. You’ll be thankful for it next time when all you have to do is throw it in the washing machine!

Your at-home mattress cleaning toolkit

Luckily, many spills can be cleaned up without using a lot of harsh chemicals. There are a few core household ingredients we’ll recommend for most cleanup jobs. And many people have these already in their pantry or medicine cabinet.

Cleaning agents for a stained mattress

Clear liquid dish detergent

• Breaks up grease and dirt. A clear version is best to prevent colored dye from transferring to your mattress.

Baking soda

• Absorbs odors and loosens stuck-on gunk. Plus, it’s a food-grade product that’s natural and non-toxic.

Distilled white vinegar

• Kills certain bacteria and dissolves dirt and grease. It’s also natural and non-toxic.

3% hydrogen peroxide

• Contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, and also has a natural bleaching effect. Avoid mixing this with vinegar.

Salt

• A natural abrasive that also absorbs moisture and contains antibacterial properties.

How to clean up common mattress stains

And now let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to clean up some of the most common mattress spills and stains.

How to clean fresh urine stains from a mattress

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Cleaning rags
• Handheld vacuum cleaner

Steps:

1. Before beginning, use a rag to blot out any lingering moisture.
2. Mix up a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
3. Generously spray the vinegar mixture all over the stain and let it soak in for at least 15 minutes.
4. After letting the vinegar mixture sit, blot out any excess moisture so the stain is damp but not soaked.
5. Cover the stained area with baking soda and go about your day, allowing it to sit for 8 – 10 hours (or more).
6. After allowing the baking soda to do its work, inspect the area to ensure that the remaining powder is dry. If so, vacuum it up at this point and inspect the stain. If you still detect spots or an odor, repeat this process again until things are looking and smelling like-new again.

How to clean set-in urine stains from a mattress

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Small bowl & spoon
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Clear liquid dish detergent
• Cleaning rags

Steps:

1. Stir together 8 fl oz of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tbsp of baking soda, and 2 drops of dish detergent in the small bowl. Once you mix up this solution, be prepared to use it right away and make a new batch any time you want to repeat this process.
2. Dip a cleaning rag in the solution and dab it over the stain. You should see the stain lifting away during this process. Discard any remaining solution you don’t plan to use.
3. Let the mattress air dry completely before making the bed and sleeping on it.

Keep in mind: Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it’s recommended only on white mattresses.

How to remove blood stains from a mattress

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Small bowl & spoon
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Clear liquid dish detergent
• Salt
• Cleaning rags

Steps:

1. Mix together 2 fl oz hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbsp dish detergent, and 1 tbsp salt in the small bowl. Once you mix up this solution, be prepared to use it right away and make a new batch any time you want to repeat this process.
2. Using the spoon, spread the solution over the stain and wait 10 – 30 minutes.
3. After letting it sit on the stain, spoon away any remaining residue.
4. Dampen a rag with more hydrogen peroxide and blot over any remaining stains.
5. Let the mattress air dry completely before using it again.

Keep in mind: Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it’s recommended only on white mattresses.

How to clean mattress sweat stains

Cleaning supplies needed:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Opaque spray bottle

Steps:

1. Add a few ounces of undiluted hydrogen peroxide into your spray bottle.
2. Spray the mattress surface over the stained area, until it’s damp but not soaked.
3. As the hydrogen peroxide dries, the stain should fade. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before adding bedding or lying on it.

Keep in mind: Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it’s recommended only on white mattresses.

How to clean vomit off of a mattress

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Handheld vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning rags
• Spray bottle

Steps:

1. Begin by wiping up any fresh residue. A dustpan or paper plate works well to scrape up solid remnants.
2. Use a dry rag to blot the area and remove any remaining moisture.
3. Generously cover the area with baking soda.
4. Spray vinegar over the top of the baking soda. This will cause a fizzing reaction.
5. Let this mixture sit on the mattress for several hours, or even overnight.
6. Once the area is completely dry, vacuum up the remaining baking soda.