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How to Get Stinky Smell Out of Mattress: Banishing Odors for Good
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How to Get Stinky Smell Out of Mattress: Banishing Odors for Good

From Puffy Editorial Team
Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023 | 6 min read
How to Get Stinky Smell Out of Mattress: Banishing Odors for Good

Nothing disrupts a peaceful night’s sleep like a stinky mattress. Various factors, from sweat and spills to pet accidents, can cause unpleasant odors to linger in your mattress. This comprehensive guide provides effective strategies to remove those stubborn smells and restore freshness to your sleeping sanctuary.

Stinky Mattress: Identifying the Culprits

Understanding the Sources of Mattress Odors

To effectively tackle mattress odors, it’s crucial to understand their common sources:

  • Sweat and Body Oils: Over time, sweat and oils from your body can penetrate the mattress, leading to odors.
  • Spills and Accidents: Liquid spills, especially from beverages or pet accidents, can deeply set into the mattress fibers, causing a lingering smell.
  • Mold and Mildew: Inadequate ventilation and moisture can lead to mold growth, which emits a musty odor.

How to Clean a Stinky Mattress

Comprehensive Approach for Odor Removal

A stinky mattress can significantly impact your sleep quality and bedroom environment. Here’s an expanded guide on effectively cleaning a mattress with persistent odors:

Initial Cleaning Steps

  1. Strip the Bed: Remove all sheets, mattress covers, and any other bedding.
  2. Thorough Vacuuming: Using an upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress surface, focusing on seams and crevices where dust and odors can accumulate.

Targeting Stains and Odors

  • Spot Cleaning: Mix a solution of mild detergent and water. Apply it sparingly to stains and gently blot with a clean cloth. Avoid saturating the mattress.
  • Enzymatic Cleaners: For organic stains and odors (like urine or sweat), enzymatic cleaners can be particularly effective. They break down odor-causing compounds at a molecular level.

Deodorizing the Mattress

  • Baking Soda Treatment: Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress. For added freshness, you can mix in a few drops of essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus with the baking soda. Leave it for several hours or overnight.
  • Final Vacuuming: Vacuum the mattress again to remove the baking soda along with the absorbed odors.

Additional Cleaning Tips

  • Steam Cleaning: For deeper cleaning, a steam cleaner can be used, but ensure the mattress is completely dry afterward to prevent mold growth.
  • Air Drying: Allow the mattress to air out as long as possible after cleaning.

Interested in how Puffy stacks up against other brands? Check out our mattress comparisons: Puffy vs Purple, Puffy vs Nectar, Puffy vs Casper, Puffy vs Leesa, Puffy vs Saatva, Puffy vs DreamCloud, and Puffy vs Tuft and Needle.

How to Get Stinky Smell Out of Mattress

Effective Techniques for Odor Elimination

Sometimes, despite cleaning, stubborn odors can linger in a mattress. Here are additional steps to eliminate these persistent smells:

Natural Odor Absorbers

  • Activated Charcoal: Place bowls of activated charcoal around the mattress to absorb odors.
  • White Vinegar: Lightly spraying a diluted white vinegar solution on the mattress can help neutralize odors. Ensure the mattress is well-aired afterward.

Ensuring Adequate Air Circulation

  • Outdoor Air Out: If feasible, take the mattress outside to air out in a clean, dry area.
  • Use of Fans and Air Purifiers: In indoor settings, use fans and air purifiers to enhance air circulation around the mattress.

Long-term Odor Prevention

  • Regular Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and airing out can prevent the buildup of odors over time.
  • Mattress Protectors: Using a high-quality, breathable mattress protector can shield the mattress from sweat, oils, and other fluids that contribute to odors.

While addressing the issue of a stinky mattress, it’s worth noting that Puffy mattresses are engineered with advanced materials designed to minimize odor retention, featuring materials like the Cooling Cloud foam, offer not just comfort but also improved airflow, which helps in reducing odor buildup.

Check out Puffy mattress reviews from real customers and see how we compare with other brands.

Deodorize a Stinky Mattress

Natural and Safe Deodorizing Solutions

Deodorizing goes beyond cleaning by neutralizing and eliminating odors:

  • Baking Soda Method: An extended baking soda treatment can neutralize even the most stubborn smells.
  • Essential Oils: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it on the mattress for a pleasant scent.

What to Spray on Stinky Mattress

Choosing the Right Solutions for Odor Elimination

When it comes to removing unpleasant odors from a mattress, selecting the right spray is crucial. Here’s a guide on what to use for effective results:

Commercial Mattress Deodorizers

  • Fabric Fresheners: Products specifically designed for fabrics can be safe and effective for use on mattresses. Look for sprays that target odors and are safe for use on upholstered surfaces.
  • Enzyme-Based Sprays: These are particularly effective against organic odors like urine or sweat, as they break down the odor-causing molecules.

Homemade Natural Sprays

  • Vinegar and Water Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The vinegar odor dissipates as it dries, taking other smells with it. Spray lightly and allow the mattress to air out completely.
  • Essential Oil Spritz: In a spray bottle, mix water with a few drops of your preferred essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil. This not only helps in neutralizing odors but also leaves a refreshing scent.

Application Tips

  • Light Spraying: Regardless of the solution used, it’s important to spray lightly to avoid saturating the mattress, which could lead to moisture-related problems.
  • Test for Colorfastness: Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
  • Allow for Adequate Drying: Ensure the mattress is completely dry before remaking the bed.

In the context of maintaining a fresh sleep environment, the design philosophy of Puffy Lux Mattress, known for its stain-resistant and hypoallergenic covers, can serve as an inspiration.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Fresh Mattress

Preventive Measures and Regular Care

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to mattress odors:

  • Use Mattress Protectors: A good quality, washable mattress protector can shield your mattress from spills and stains.
  • Regular Ventilation: Let your mattress breathe by regularly airing it out and exposing it to sunlight if possible.
  • Prompt Attention to Spills: Address any spills immediately to prevent the liquid and odor from seeping into the mattress.

Use our store locator to find the closest furniture or mattress store near you and feel the cloudlike comfort of our Puffy Mattress in person.

Conclusion

Eliminating stinky smells from a mattress requires a combination of thorough cleaning, deodorizing, and preventive care. By following these steps, you can ensure your mattress remains fresh and conducive to a good night’s sleep.

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