Cleaning a stain from a pillow top mattress can be a bit tricky, but here are some steps you can follow
Table of Contents
Preparation – Supplies You’ll Need to Clean your Mattress
- Vacuum cleaner: You’ll need a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to suck up any loose dirt or debris.
- Clean cloths: Grab some clean, dry cloths to blot up any spills or stains.
- Stain remover: Depending on the type of stain, you may need a stain remover. You can use a commercial one or make your own using stuff like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or vinegar.
- Mild detergent: For a deeper clean, you can use a mild detergent mixed with water to spot clean the mattress. Don’t forget to rinse thoroughly and let the mattress dry completely.
- Enzyme cleaner: If your mattress has urine stains or smells, an enzyme cleaner can help break down the urine and eliminate odors.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress to deodorize it. Leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
- Mattress protector: Protect your mattress from future spills and stains by using a mattress protector. This will also help keep it clean and hygienic.
Blot the stain
- Grab a clean, dry cloth – it can be an old t-shirt or towel, just make sure it’s not colored or dyed so that it doesn’t transfer color onto the mattress.
- Gently press the cloth onto the stain – don’t rub, as this can spread the stain and make it worse.
- Lift the cloth up and see if any of the stain came off – if it did, use a clean section of the cloth to blot again. If not, move on to the next step.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the stain is no longer transferring onto the cloth – this may take a few rounds, depending on the size and severity of the stain.
- Once the stain is no longer transferring, allow the mattress to air dry completely before moving on to the next step in the cleaning process.
Remember to be gentle when blotting the stain, as pressing too hard or rubbing can damage the pillow top layer of the mattress.
Vacuum the mattress
Attach the upholstery attachment to your vacuum cleaner. This attachment is specifically designed for cleaning fabric surfaces like your pillow top mattress.
Start at the top of the mattress and work your way down, using the upholstery tool to gently vacuum the surface in a slow, back-and-forth motion. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the mattress, including the edges and corners where dirt and dust can accumulate.
Pay special attention to the crevices and edges of the pillow top – this is where dirt and debris can get trapped. Use the crevice tool that came with your vacuum cleaner to get into these tight spaces.
By using an upholstery attachment and focusing on the crevices and edges, you can be sure that your pillow top mattress is free of any loose dirt or debris.
Treat the stain
Depending on the type of stain, there are different methods you can use to treat it. Here are some common types of stains and how to treat them:
How to treat the blood
- Act fast: The sooner you can address a blood stain, the better chance you have of removing it completely.
- Blot up the blood: Use a clean, dry cloth to gently blot up as much of the blood as possible. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread.
- Apply a cleaning solution: There are several different cleaning solutions you can use to treat blood stains on a mattress. One effective option is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap together in a bowl, then dip a clean cloth into the mixture and apply it to the stain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a clean, damp cloth.
- Repeat as needed: Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to repeat this process several times to fully remove the blood.
- Let the mattress dry: After treating the stain, let the mattress air-dry completely before putting the sheets back on. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to increase ventilation.
- Vacuum the mattress: Once the mattress is dry, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the mattress. Make sure to get into all the crevices and edges of the pillow top.
How to treat the urine
- Blot up the urine: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can push the urine deeper into the mattress.
- Apply a cleaning solution: There are several different cleaning solutions you can use to treat urine stains on a mattress. One effective option is a mixture of baking soda and water. Mix equal parts baking soda and water together in a bowl, then use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Let the solution sit for several hours or overnight.
- Blot the stain again: After letting the cleaning solution sit, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the stain again. Avoid using too much water, as this can cause the pillow top to become waterlogged.
- Apply an odor neutralizer: Even after removing the stain, urine can leave a lingering odor on a mattress. To neutralize the odor, you can use a commercial odor neutralizer or make your own solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the solution onto the mattress and let it dry completely.
- Let the mattress dry: After treating the stain and odor, let the mattress air-dry completely before putting the sheets back on. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to increase ventilation.
- Vacuum the mattress: Once the mattress is dry, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the mattress. Make sure to get into all the crevices and edges of the pillow top.
How to treat the sweat
- Blot the stain: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the sweat stain. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread it further.
- Apply a cleaning solution: There are several different cleaning solutions you can use to treat sweat stains on a mattress. One effective option is a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and a drop or two of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the solution directly onto the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply an enzyme cleaner: Sweat stains can also leave behind an odor. To eliminate the odor, apply an enzyme cleaner to the stained area. Follow the instructions on the cleaner for the best results.
- Blot the stain again: After the solution has had time to work, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the stained area.
- Let the mattress dry: After treating the stain, let the mattress air-dry completely before putting the sheets back on. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to increase ventilation.
Dry the mattress
After treating the stain, allow the mattress to air dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or opening windows to increase ventilation.
- Increase ventilation: Open windows or use a fan to increase air circulation in the room. This will help the mattress dry faster.
- Use a dehumidifier: If the weather is humid, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to help remove excess moisture from the air.
- Absorb excess moisture: Place clean, dry towels on the mattress to absorb any excess moisture. Press down gently to help the towels soak up the moisture.
- Avoid direct heat: Do not use direct heat, such as a hair dryer or heater, to dry the mattress. This can damage the materials and cause shrinkage.
- Wait for it to dry: Allow the mattress to air-dry completely before putting the bedding back on. This can take several hours or even a day or two, depending on the humidity and ventilation in the room.
Protect the mattress
The last step is to protect your mattress after the clean.
Protecting a mattress is an important step in maintaining its quality and extending its lifespan. Here are some tips on how to protect your mattress:
Use a mattress protector: A mattress protector is a waterproof barrier that goes over your mattress to protect it from spills, stains, and allergens. It’s easy to wash and can be replaced as needed.
Rotate the mattress: To prevent wear and tear in certain areas, rotate your mattress every 3-6 months. This can also help distribute the weight evenly and prevent sagging.
Don’t jump on the bed: Jumping on the bed can damage the springs and materials in the mattress. Encourage children to use a trampoline or other safe jumping options.
Avoid eating or drinking in bed: Eating or drinking in bed can lead to spills and stains on your mattress. Instead, enjoy your snacks and beverages in a designated area.
Clean spills immediately: If you spill anything on your mattress, clean it up immediately to prevent it from seeping into the mattress and causing damage or odors.
Keep pets off the bed: Pets can shed hair and dander on the mattress, which can cause allergies and odors. Train your pets to sleep in their own bed.
By following these tips, you can protect your mattress and ensure that it lasts for years to come.
Tips
Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your pillow top mattress, as some materials may require specific care.
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