Since we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, accidents are bound to happen. In fact, if you're an adult who has never had to clean up a mess from their bed, consider yourself lucky! But if you're reading this, you're likely looking for a way to clean 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 with 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 the situation worse. As you proceed, keep these general rules in mind:

• Always blot stains, do not rub or scrub.
• Blot stains from the outside in, working your way inward.
• Use undyed rags and cleaning products so that dye doesn't transfer to the mattress surface.
• Avoid using heat at any stage of the cleaning process.
• Always air dry or use a fan to encourage drying and be sure the mattress is completely dry before making the bed or sleeping on it again.
• If possible, clean the spill as soon as it happens—don't let it sit.
• Wear protective gear when working with bodily fluids, such as rubber gloves and a face mask.
• Do not oversaturate the mattress with any cleaning products.
• Do not attempt to remove your mattress cover—many (including all  Zinus mattresses ) are not designed to be removed.

And if it hasn't occurred to you yet (or if you have a time machine), purchase our waterproof mattress protector to prevent spills or accidents from ever reaching your mattress surface. You'll thank yourself the next time you just have to toss 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. We recommend a few basic ingredients for most cleaning jobs. Many people already have these in their pantry or medicine cabinet.

• Clear Liquid Dish Soap: Breaks down grease and dirt. The clear version is ideal for preventing colored dye from transferring to the mattress.
• Baking Soda: Absorbs odors and loosens stuck-on grime. Plus, it's food-grade, natural, and non-toxic.
• Distilled White Vinegar: Kills certain bacteria and dissolves dirt and grease. Plus, it's natural and non-toxic.
• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, and it also has a natural bleaching effect.  Avoid mixing with vinegar.
• Salt: A natural abrasive that also absorbs moisture and contains antibacterial properties.

Pro Tip : Pairing a clean mattress with one of our Green Tea Memory Foam or cooling hybrid mattresses helps maintain a cool, odor-free, and comfortable sleep long-term.

How to Clean Common Mattress Stains

And now let's get down to business. Here's how to clean some of the most common mattress spills and stains.

A. How to Clean Fresh Urine Stains from a Mattress?

Cleaning supplies needed:

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

Steps:

1. Before you begin, use a rag to blot any remaining moisture.
2. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
3. Generously spray the vinegar mixture onto the entire stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
4. After letting the vinegar mixture sit, blot excess moisture so that the stain is damp but not soaking wet.
5. Cover the stained area with baking soda and go about your day, letting it sit for 8 to 10 hours (or longer).
6. After allowing the baking soda to sit, inspect the area to ensure the remaining powder is dry. If so, vacuum it up and inspect the stain. If you still detect staining or odor, repeat this process until the surface looks and smells new.

Pro Tip : Prevent future accidents with our  Zinus Waterproof Mattress Protector , machine washable and designed to perfectly fit all our mattresses.

B. How to Clean Set-In Urine Stains from a Mattress?

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Small bowl and spoon
• 3% Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Clear liquid dish soap
• Cleaning rags

Steps:

1. Mix 8 oz hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda, and 2 drops of dish soap in a small bowl. Once the solution is mixed, prepare it for immediate use and make a new batch each time you wish to repeat the process.
2. Dip a cleaning cloth into the solution and blot it onto the stain. You'll see the stain disappearing during the process. Discard any remaining solution you won't be using.
3. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before making the bed and sleeping on it.

Please note:  Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it is recommended only on white mattresses.

C. How to Remove Blood Stains from a Mattress?

Cleaning supplies needed:

• Small bowl and spoon
• 3% Hydrogen peroxide
• Clear liquid dish soap
• Salt
• Cleaning rags

Steps:

1. Mix 2 oz hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 1 tablespoon salt in a small bowl. Once the solution is mixed, prepare it for immediate use and make a new batch each time you wish to repeat the process.
2. With the spoon, spread the solution over the stain and wait 10 to 30 minutes.
3. After allowing it to sit on the stain, spoon away any remaining residue.
4. Dampen a rag with more hydrogen peroxide and blot any remaining stains.
5. Allow the mattress to air dry completely before using it again.

Please note:  Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it is recommended only on white mattresses.

D. How to Clean Sweat Stains from a Mattress?

Cleaning supplies needed:

• 3% Hydrogen peroxide
• Opaque spray bottle

Steps:

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

Please note:  Hydrogen peroxide may bleach colored fabrics, so it is recommended only on white mattresses.

If sweat stains are a recurring issue, consider upgrading to a cooling green tea memory foam mattress , infused with cooling gel to regulate temperature and resist moisture buildup.

E. How to Clean Vomit from a Mattress?

Cleaning supplies needed:

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

Steps:

1. Begin by wiping away any fresh residue. A dustpan or paper plate is ideal for scraping up solids.
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 baking soda. This will cause a bubbling reaction.
5. Allow this mixture to sit on the mattress for several hours, or even overnight.
6. Once the area is completely dry, vacuum up the remaining baking soda.