How To Get Rid Of Mattress Stains?
Everyone has been frustrated by a stain on a relatively new mattress. These bedding essentials can be quite expensive so it’s important to know how to remove stains from the fabric. Of course you can prevent most mattress stains by putting protective plastic under the sheets. This does tend to make sleeping more uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. You should probably get out of the habit of allowing food and drink on the bed as well. This would eliminate the possibility of stains from those items.
But when it comes right down to it, there will probably be a stain of some kind on your mattress long before it’s time to replace it. First of all, purchase a protective pad that has a combination of fabric top and plastic bottom layer. This will provide more comfort than a simple plastic sheet and will still protect the expensive mattress. You can always replace the pad when it becomes unusable.
Almost all of the advice for protecting mattresses from stains advises against using one of those spray-on stain preventers. These are generally designed for use on carpets and rugs. Don’t give the strong chemicals in these products a chance to spread to sheets and pillowcases. Some of the ingredients can cause skin problems and other health issues.
Two Simple Solutions
You may be able to remove most mattress stains with a simple combination of soap and water. You should be able to moisten the stained area with soapy water and then blot the area with an absorbent towel. Don’t pour too much of this mixture on the mattress. Use a small amount at first and increase the amount gradually if necessary. You should let the mattress air dry rather than use a hair dryer. This could cause the stain to set in.
Some folks have resorted to using a commercial steam cleaner to get rid of mattress stains. Find one with a reliable, hand-held unit. This will prevent you from trying strong chemicals to clean the mattress. It should take out most of the common mattress stains.
Finally, you may have to enlist the services of a professional. There are a few individuals and companies that provide cleaning services for stained mattresses. If you live near a larger city you will probably have a choice of services so make sure you shop around before signing an agreement.
Be sure to follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Don’t experiment with something that hasn’t been used successfully by others. If the stain is still damp, use an absorbent towel to remove as much of the moisture as possible. Then you can proceed with some of the suggested techniques. Try baking soda or salt for getting rid of stains. In many cases, these items will absorb much of the moisture, taking the stain with it. Vacuum after the baking soda or salt has been on the stain for awhile.
Category: Cleaning, Home & Garden
