Mattress Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your mattress, mattress toppers, and pillows isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Even the worst of disasters can usually be spot-cleaned with common household ingredients.
Natural Mattress and Topper Cleaning Overview
Water is not harmful to organic latex, but strong solvents are not recommended. (If you must opt for commercial cleaners, be sure to test them on a small area first. And never use bleach.) Mild detergents or isopropyl alcohol will work well, accompanied by small amounts of cold water. Always attempt to soak up any residual water with a light-colored sponge or white rag by blotting, rather than rubbing. (Using a white rag prevents dye transfer from the cloth to the mattress.) Rotate your rag as stains or dirt lift. Allow any residual dampness to air-dry completely. You can place the mattress outside, since the natural latex is fully covered and not exposed to direct sunlight. However, a cool blow dryer will also work. Steam cleaners are not recommended due to their excessive heat, which can over-bake the organic latex. Do not attempt to remove the mattress ticking to access the internal materials or support unit.
Tough Stains
For challenging stains, we recommend using natural cleaning options. Here are a few ways to clean your mattress without using harsh commercial cleaners.
Light Cleaning and Deodorizing a Mattress
You can easily clean and deodorize your mattress, or simply freshen it up:
Strip the bed down and sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the entire mattress. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) actually draws dirt, moisture, and odors out of the fabric surface and the materials beneath (wool, cotton, and latex).
Wipe up or come back with a shop vacuum (read the instructions on your vacuum — not all filters are able to suck up small particles) and vacuum all of the baking soda up.
If you like a little fragrance, you can shake a few drops of your favorite essential oils into the baking soda before you sprinkle it on. Lavender and lemon oils work particularly well.
Removing Stains from Mattresses Naturally
If you have set-in stains, try this simple concoction to lift lighter urine, dirt, and blood stains from your mattress.
1-2 parts hydrogen peroxide (start lightly)
1 part dish soap (Dawn works well)
1 part table salt and/or baking soda (optional)
To remove dirt and lighter stains, gently work a small amount of the solution into the fabric of your mattress, then allow it to air dry, blotting the area dry with a white, dry rag to remove any residue.
Alternatively, vinegar and baking soda may work, as may borax or an eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner like Good Life Solutions Stain and Odor Remover.
Of course, be sure to test your DIY stain removal on a small area first. With natural fibers at play, your natural stain remover may whiten the affected area more than intended, leaving a bleached spot. So start with a mild mix and proceed slowly.
Human and Pet Urine
When young kids are going to use a mattress, it's a good idea to have a protective barrier. We prefer those made with natural materials, like the Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector or Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector. If you find yourself without one and with a child who has wet the bed, clean it up right away. The longer urine remains on a mattress, the harder the stain and odor will be to remove.
To remove urine from a mattress, you’ll need a good enzymatic cleaner. Most enzymatic cleaners are used for stains and spots left by pets or humans. This is the only thing that will break down odor-causing uric acid and truly clean your mattress. You can make your own with a recipe like this from fresh citrus peels.
Here’s what to do if someone pees the bed:
Strip the bedding off the mattress immediately, then blot the urine with towels.
Grab some baking soda and sprinkle it across the wet area to absorb any remaining urine, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Now, it’s time to use your enzyme cleaner. Spray enough to coat the mattress surface, then let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Come back and blot the mattress dry again.
Sprinkle it with baking soda again, turn on the fans and open the windows, and let the mattress air-dry overnight.
In the morning, wipe up the baking soda and any residue, and prop the mattress up to let it dry completely.
Sunlight is also a great natural stain remover and sterilizer. If needed, you can put your mattress outdoors, ideally in indirect sunlight.
Blood
Blood is another bodily fluid that should be cleaned with enzymatic cleaners. However, peroxide is better suited for your mattress.
Squirt some hydrogen peroxide onto the affected area, using as little as you can while still getting the bubbling action when it hits the blood. (If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, meat tenderizer works particularly well. The tenderizer's enzymes will dissolve the blood's protein bonds.)
Blot up the peroxide with a dry towel when bubbling stops.
Apply your enzymatic cleaner, and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Blot the area first with a cool, damp towel, then with a dry towel to draw out the moisture.
Vomit
If it happens, here's how to clean it:
Hopefully, the mattress had a sheet on it — use that to get any solids out of the way. If not, put on some gloves, grab a trash bag, and some paper towels to clear any solids off the mattress.
Blot any fluids off the mattress as best you can with a dry towel.
Sprinkle baking soda across the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Using your enzyme cleaner, spray the area and let it sit for a few minutes.
Blot the mattress again and sprinkle more baking soda across the top.
Let the mattress air-dry overnight, then wipe away the baking soda in the morning.
