Cleaning a mattress is never easy but when you have a memory foam mattress, it can be even more complicated. Mattress in general is difficult to clean because you can’t simply take off the top layer of fabric to toss it in the wash. Any stains need to be cleaned in place and allowed to air dry fully before you can resume using your mattress. When your memory foam mattress gets soiled or stained, the process to clean it differs from that of a regular mattress.
Today we will share some effective methods of stain removal that will work on memory foam mattresses.
Can Stains be Removed From a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are made from a richer density of the fabric and a unique blend of materials. That blend is what makes your sleep so comfortable and also makes the mattress hypoallergenic. That being said, like any mattress it can be stained if you are not careful. Thankfully, you can remove the most common stains from memory foam with the right techniques and products.
We will cover some of the most common stains and how to get rid of them in the next section.
Stain Removal 101: How to Clean Common Stains out of a Memory Foam
Memory foam is highly durable when it comes to wear and tear, however, cleaning it takes a delicate hand. The best way to care for your memory foam mattress is by protecting it with mattress toppers and also stain guards. If you do need to get rid of stains, you will need to start by prepping the surface first. Keep in mind that memory foam can’t tolerate much water, so always use it sparingly to avoid damaging your mattress.
Start by reading the label on your mattress to see if there are any special instructions. Some brands may mix other materials into their foam or have a layer of protective solvent that requires special care. Take off all of the linens from your mattress, open the windows in your room, and arrange all of the products you need to mattress.
Cleaning Sweat Stains
Everyone sweats no matter how much they try to avoid it. Your sweat secretions can accumulate over time and end up staining the mattress if you are not careful or if your mattress is not covered with a protector.
What You Need:
- Baking soda – 3 tbsp
- Liquid dish soap – 1 drop
- Hydrogen peroxide – 8 oz
- Clean, dry towel
Take a large, clean spray bottle and combine all of your ingredients. Mix them well and then spray the stained areas of your memory foam mattress with a light hand. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 minutes. Then take your dry towel and soak up the moisture then allow the area to air dry completely.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains on my memory foam mattress or topper? You can, but be aware it might lead to discoloration to your memory foam item. While it’s an effective stain remover, hydrogen peroxide and memory foam don't gel very well. If you're cleaning a stubborn sweat stain that just won’t go away, try a dedicated stain remover like Puracy Stain Remover or laundry detergent mix like the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent.
Cleaning Yellow Stains
Yellow stains are usually caused by moisture allowed to sit and then dry on a fabric surface. They can be caused by water, spilled drinks, or even sweat.
What You Need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water (room temperature)
- Baking soda
Yellow stains can come from any number of things ranging from sitting water or juice to diluted coffee or tea. Take a bowl or a spray bottle and fill it with 3 portions of warm water and 1 portion of distilled white vinegar. Cover the stained area liberally and work the solution into the stain. Then, take a new rag that is wet with plain water and remove the excess. Follow up with a dry towel to soak up the moisture before allowing the mattress to air dry completely.
Cleaning Pee/Urine Stains
What You Need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Clean, dry towel
- Vacuum cleaner
Start by taking a towel and soaking up as much urine as possible. Then, lightly spray the area with undulated distilled white vinegar. Let it sit on the area for about 5 minutes and then dry the spot with another clean, dry towel. Follow up with a liberal coating of baking soda and allow it to sit overnight. This will draw out the vinegar and urine smell from the mattress while also giving it time to dry. The next day, or when the area is fully dry, vacuum the baking soda using the upholstery attachment.
How to get Sweat Smells Out of a Memory Foam Mattress
Let’s face it, we all sweat, and over time that sweat can start to make our mattress smell less than palatable. Memory foam is naturally antimicrobial so it takes a lot of sweat for it to develop a smell. The best way to protect your memory foam mattress is by using a mattress topper, but if you don’t we have a few suggestions to help you deodorize it.
The quickest and most affordable way to get rid of sweat odors is by using baking soda. Take a fine flour sifter and dust your memory foam mattress liberally. Allow it to sit and soak up those odors for about an hour. Once it has soaked up some odor, vacuum the powder off of your mattress with a handheld attachment. You can also expose your mattress to bright sunlight at the same time to help kill any lingering bacteria while also airing out your mattress.
How Long Does it Take for a Memory Foam Mattress to Dry?
Cleaning a mattress is not as hard as it may sound, but making sure it is dry is critical. With memory foam, proper drying times are essential to help ensure your mattress remains free from fungus and mold.
For spot cleaning, you can soak up excess moisture with towels or a paper towel. For small areas, the mattress should fully dry overnight. For heavily soiled mattresses or those that have been deep cleaned, it may take as long as 48 hours to dry completely. Always leave your memory foam mattress in a well-ventilated area with no cover so that it can dry evenly and fully.
How to Prevent Stains on a Memory Foam Mattress?
The best way to extend the life of your mattress is by protecting it from spills and stains. While accidents do happen, there are some things you can do to ensure your mattress remains stain-free for as long as possible. The best option is to top your mattress with a memory foam topper. This protective layer will not only help extend the life of your mattress but will also keep it stain-free. Mattress toppers are machine washable and can even be placed in the dryer. A topper will help catch body oils and secretions while also serving as a layer of protection against substances that can cause stains.
If you don’t like the feel of a mattress topper on your memory foam mattress, you can also apply a generous coat of fabric protecting spray. Scotchguard Fabric Seal is a great option and works well with a variety of fabrics. For consumers who prefer to avoid aerosols, you can use Tri-Nova Stain Guard instead. Not only is it an affordable alternative, but you can also use a liberal amount to increase your stain protection.
How Often Should You Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam is naturally antimicrobial which makes it easy to care for and simple to maintain. They are generally much more hygienic than traditional mattresses and can repel fungus, mold, and bacteria efficiently.
That being said, it is a good idea to clean your memory foam product at least once every two months. If you recover from an illness such as a cold, flu, or Covid-19, you should clean your mattress as soon as your symptoms have abated.
Signs You Need to Change Your Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattress molds to your body which can greatly improve the quality of your sleep. Not only does memory foam offer a high level of lumbar support it also reduces external vibrations that can disrupt your sleep. However, like any mattress, there comes a time when you need to say goodbye and replace it with a new one. Knowing when to buy a new mattress is not always easy especially when it comes to memory foam. Some signs can help you identify when it’s time to replace your memory foam mattress.
Memory foam is meant to maintain its shape but if you notice your mattress has started to sag in any area, chances are it’s time for a replacement. Overly pungent odors that don’t go away even after being sanitized. This is one of the surest signs that it’s time to replace your memory foam mattress. If you have allergies chances are good that you are very sensitive to smells, dust, and other irritants. Memory foam is a great way to cut down on reactions but if you notice your allergies are being triggered, your mattress might be the culprit.
Two other signs that your memory foam is on its last legs are when you have trouble getting comfortable or when you constantly wake up with aches and pains due to improper sleep positioning.
Next Read: How To Cool Down a Memory Foam Mattress (or Topper)?