Removing a stain from your mattress

Achaté team

December 10, 2025 5

Removing a stain from your mattress: here's how, step by step

Everyone spills something now and then. A cup of coffee in bed, kids having an accident at night or simply sweat stains that become visible over time. It happens. Still, you'd rather not leave those stains there.

A mattress quickly absorbs moisture and dirt, which not only makes it look unsightly but also makes it smell less fresh. Luckily, you can clean a mattress properly without expensive products.

Why it's important to keep your mattress clean

A clean mattress isn't just nicer to sleep on, it's healthier too. Every mattress is home to thousands of dust mites that feed on skin flakes. Combined with moisture from sweat or a stain, this creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Regular cleaning helps prevent nasty odours, reduce allergies and extend the lifespan of your mattress.

If you leave stains too long, they soak deep into the foam and are harder to remove. Acting fast is half the battle.

What you need to remove stains from your mattress

For most stains, simple household products will get you a long way:

Lukewarm water (no hot water for protein stains such as blood)
Mild soap or white vinegar
Baking soda (removes odours)
Clean microfibre cloths or kitchen paper
Optional: a steam or hot-water cleaner for deep cleaning

Pro tip: Heat and steam penetrate deeper into the fibres than dabbing by hand. A hot-water or steam cleaner loosens stains faster and kills bacteria at the same time. Handy for old, dried-in or stale-smelling spots.

How to remove a stain from your mattress straight away

Dab immediately: Use a dry cloth or kitchen paper and dab up the moisture, don't rub. Rubbing makes the stain bigger and pushes the dirt deeper into the foam.
Make a mild soapy solution: Mix lukewarm water with a little mild soap or white vinegar. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring it out well and gently dab over the stain. Work from the outside in so the stain doesn't spread.
Rinse: Use a second cloth with clean water to remove any leftover soap or vinegar. This prevents rings or a sticky spot.
Deep clean with steam or hot water: For old or stubborn stains, you can use a steam cleaner or spot cleaner. The heat helps loosen dirt from the fibres, while the suction function picks up the loosened dirt and moisture straight away.
Dry: Let the mattress air-dry thoroughly. Preferably open a window or point a fan at the wet spot. A hairdryer works too, but use a low temperature so the foam doesn't get damaged.

Extra tips for a fresh mattress

Air your bed regularly. Pull back the duvet and let the mattress breathe. You lose quite a lot of moisture at night, and it soaks into your mattress.
Rotate and flip your mattress every few months, so stains and pressure points wear less quickly.
Use a mattress protector or molton cover. It catches sweat and moisture before it soaks into the fabric.
Do a thorough clean once or twice a year, possibly with a steam or hot-water cleaner. That keeps the mattress truly hygienic.
Old or stubborn stains? Heat can make the difference. A hot-water or steam cleaner loosens deep-seated dirt and makes your mattress feel like new again, without chemicals.

Removing stains from your mattress by type

Not every stain reacts the same way. The approach depends on what exactly has soaked into the mattress: moisture, proteins or grease. Below you'll read what works best for each type of stain and what to watch out for.

Removing urine stains from your mattress

Urine stains are common, especially in families with young children or pets. It's important to act fast, because urine contains acids that can discolour and leave odours behind. Use lukewarm water with a little vinegar to neutralise the stain and dab it dry thoroughly. For stubborn or old spots, a steam or hot-water cleaner can help remove the smell completely.

Read step by step how to tackle this in our article on removing urine stains from your mattress.

Removing sweat stains from your mattress

Sweat stains build up gradually and often only become visible as a light yellow or grey haze. They're caused by salt and fats from perspiration. Sprinkle some baking soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours and then vacuum it up. For deeper stains, you can use a damp cloth with white vinegar. You'll find more explanation in our guide to removing sweat stains from your mattress.

Getting yellow stains out of your mattress

Yellow stains are usually the result of age, moisture or sweat that has soaked deep into the foam. They're harmless, but don't exactly look fresh.

A mixture of water and soda can help lighten the discolouration. Let it dry thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Want to know the best way to tackle this yellowing? Check out all the tips on removing yellow stains from your mattress.

Removing blood stains from your mattress

Removing blood stains from your mattress calls for a slightly different approach. Never use hot water, as it coagulates the proteins in the blood, which actually sets the stain. Cold water with a little salt or soda works best. Dab gently and repeat until the stain is gone.

That's how you keep your mattress clean step by step, whatever the type of stain.

Avoid these mistakes when removing stains from your mattress

Using too much water. It soaks into the core of the mattress and dries poorly, resulting in mould.
Rubbing instead of dabbing. Rubbing only makes the stain bigger.
Mixing cleaning products. Vinegar and bleach, for example, don't go together.
Forgetting to dry. Always let the mattress dry completely before you sleep on it again.