How To Get Rid Of The Mattress Smell? A Learning Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
13 min read

Why does my mattress smell so bad? Mattresses composed of synthetic materials, such as memory foam, can have a pungent odor when unwrapped from their packaging.

The stench is caused by the presence of dangerous compounds, such as retardants, in these products.

There are odors trapped inside the mattress since it is kept in a plastic bag to keep it clean before someone buys it.

Airing out the mattress properly for at least five days before covering it with sheets is recommended by several mattress manufacturers to solve this issue

The scent of a new mattress can be eliminated in numerous methods, some of which we’ll explain here.

But first, let’s talk about why getting rid of the stench is so important.

Why Does It Matter Anyway?

Synthetic mattresses, such as those for toddlers and babies, are made from materials like polyurethane foam.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted by this type of substance. Allergic responses and asthma crises are possible adverse effects of these chemicals in addition to their offensive odor.

Another potentially harmful chemical is formaldehyde, which can be found in the adhesive holding the mattress pieces together.

Flame retardants, which are needed in practically all mattresses, are the main cause of the odour.

The chemical vapors that are commonly found in new mattresses are caused by flame retardants.

Sadly, practically all mattresses, even those that claim to be all-natural, contain it.

Unless stated explicitly on the packaging or sticker.

4+ Clever Ways to Get Smell Out of a Mattress

3 Methods To Off-Gas The Odor Of The New Mattress

It’s okay if your new mattress has an unpleasant scent; there are several simple ways to get rid of it.

Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions to this problem:

Method #1. Keeping it fresh

Treating your new mattress with fresh air is the best way to get rid of the stink.

Either an innerspring or memory foam mattress will do, but first you have to get rid of the stink.

Even your baby’s crib mattresses can benefit from fresh-air treatment, which improves both the smell and the safety of the mattress.

Take off the covering or wrapper, which is usually a plastic bag. Then let it air out in the open. Put it in a safe location, that’s exactly it.

Using it in an open garage or screened-in porch prevents flying debris from entering while allowing air to flow freely.

For a few days, the mattress must be aired out.

A few days is enough time for the toxins in your mattress to dissipate and leave your bed.

You must vacuum the mattress with an upholstery brush if it has been exposed to pollen or other particles.

Set your mattress in an unused room and then open the windows if you are unable to find a suitable spot outside.

Method #2. Use baking soda

The fragrance may persist even after you’ve given the room a good shake and let it air out.

Baking soda sprinkled on your mattress and allowed to sit may help if that is the case.

After letting the powder sit overnight, vacuum it up.

The next day, flip the mattress over and repeat the process on the other side.

Essential oils can be mixed into baking soda before it is sprinkled on your mattress to extend its aroma retention time to a couple of days.

Method #3. Room freshener

The fragrance of some brand-new mattresses can linger in the air for days. Vinegar can be a great help in this situation.

Vinegar dishes can be placed throughout the room. Allow the scents to be absorbed by the vinegar overnight in the room’s closed doors.

It is also useful in removing odors from the drains.

Other Steps to Prolong Mattress Freshness

You’ll want to maintain your mattress clean for as long as possible once you’ve cleaned and deodorized it. Freshness is maintained by taking a few more actions. Dust, bacteria, and allergens are no longer a threat to your sound slumber.

Clean Box Spring or Foundation

A box spring, foundation, or platform is typically used to support your mattress. Keeping dust and bacteria from getting on to your mattress is as simple as cleaning the foundation of your mattress. Remove the bed skirt (if you have one) whenever you prop up your mattress for vacuum cleaning and wash it. Clean the surface of the box spring, foundation, or platform bed with a vacuum. A fresh mattress will last longer if it is placed on a clean foundation.

Keep Your Room Airy

After you wake up, turn on your ceiling fan and let it run for an hour or two to absorb any moisture left in the air. Open the windows in your bedroom as often as possible to let in fresh air and light, which will help keep your mattress fresh longer.

Use a Mattress Protector

Mattress coverings shield your mattress from stains, sweat, dust mites, and allergens. To put it another way, mattress protectors are a low-cost solution to get more life out of your existing mattress.

Our 4-Step Guide to Removing Bad Odors from Your Mattress – What to Know | Sierra Mattress Company | Reno, NV

How to Clean Urine from a Mattress

This part is for you if you are quick to notice the accident. Skip to the following section if the pee has already dried and left stains.

  1. As quickly as you can, remove all of your linen off the bed and toss it in the washing machine.
  2. Make a list of what you need. A spray bottle, a vacuum cleaner and a couple cleaning towels are all you’ll need to get the job done.
  3. Gently dab the wet areas to absorb as much liquid as possible using a cleaning cloth or paper towels. You should avoid scrubbing or rubbing the mattress, since this could spread the urine.
  4. Fill a spray bottle half-full of water and half-full of distilled vinegar and use it as a cleaner.
  5. Spray your vinegar solution on the affected region.
  6. Use towels to remove any remaining wetness.
  7. Apply a thick layer of baking soda to the affected region.
  8. As long as possible, leave baking soda on the mattress. At least eight hours is recommended.
  9. Vacuum the baking soda out of the mattress, and then look for any stains or smells of urine.
  10. Steps 5 through 9 can be repeated as many times as necessary to completely remove the odor and stains.

The stench of urine can be removed from a mattress with this method, and it can also help avoid persistent stains. Baking soda should be used liberally and allowed to soak up all of the extra water.

How to Remove Urine Stains from a Mattress

If the stains have already set in when you start cleaning, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution to get them out completely. Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap are all you’ll need.

  1. When using hydrogen peroxide, use 8 ounces, 3 teaspoons of baking soda, and 2 to 4 drops of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to make a cleaning solution.
  2. The solution can be applied with a spray bottle, enabling it to soak into any discoloured areas.
  3. Hold off on using anything until the mixture has completely dried out. It only takes a few hours for a thick layer of baking soda residue to build.
  4. Check to see if the stain is still there after vacuuming the baking soda away.
  5. This can be done as many times as necessary.

A more powerful cleaning solution is used in this method, which you allow to soak into the soiled region for a longer period of time. The baking soda draws the urine up with it as the solution dries and the peroxide evaporates. Neutralizing both stains and odours can be achieved by using this method.

To be safe, you should test peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to larger stains. Memory foam, for example, can be somewhat damaged or discolored by peroxide. Remove any colored bedding from the area to minimize bleaching and use sparingly.

How to Prevent Future Stains & Odors

Keeping your mattress well-protected is the greatest method to keep it free of stains and odors. Using a waterproof mattress protector is the best way to keep your mattress safe.

In addition to washing your sheets and other bedding on a regular basis, this can also help keep your mattress fresh and odor-free. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed once every week.

Other Things To Keep In Mind

If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress, formaldehyde isn’t often used.

It’s only found in the lower-quality or less expensive products the majority of the time.

Choosing mattresses manufactured from plant oils will help you avoid mattresses that release odors or off-gas.

Natural latex mattresses are also an option. If you’ve never heard of it, natural latex is made from rubber-producing plant components.

Other mattresses use petroleum and polyurethane, which are more hazardous and offensive.

You may also wish to clean your new mattress before using it. The surface may be cleaned with a simple wipe or vacuum.

The scent of a mattress can be eliminated this way. I hope you got a lot out of this!

FAQs

Can you machine wash mattress pads?

Machine washing is an option for the majority of mattress toppers. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the care label. You should avoid washing your mattress pad in hot or warm water whenever possible. Use a mild detergent and a moderate cycle to clean it. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry it. Remove dust and allergens from your mattress pad by washing it every two months.

Can you remove mold and mildew growing inside a mattress?

Mold and mildew forming inside a mattress cannot be removed. Your mattress’s surface can be cleaned to eliminate mold, mildew, dust, and germs, but it cannot be cleaned from the inside. Even after a thorough cleaning, a musty stench may indicate the presence of mold and mildew in your mattress. Buying a new mattress is a better option in these circumstances.

How do you get the smell out of a new mattress?

After letting your mattress air out for a few days, sprinkle some baking soda on it if the stink persists. Afterward, vacuum it up the following day.

How to spot clean mattress stains?

To remove stains from a mattress, mix equal parts salt, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Finally, let this solution sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Remove the paste and stains with a moist microfiber cloth after the time is up. Circular motions should be avoided at all costs because they have the potential to set the stain. Remove the stain and moisture by squeezing and pressing the fabric. Afterwards, allow it to air dry well before putting the sheets on the bed.

How to Deodorise and Get Smell Out of Mattress | WhatASleep

How do dust mites affect your health?

Allergy sufferers may experience symptoms such as watery eyes, runny noses, itchy throats, skin rashes, or breathing difficulties when exposed to dust mites. The prospect of sleeping on a bed full of allergens is not pleasant, even if they are safe to others.

It’s A Wrap!

When it comes to new mattresses, most manufacturers recommend that you let them air out for a few days before you sleep on them.

In order to keep debris off of it, you can use the fresh-air treatment in your garage. Another option is to keep it in a well-ventilated environment.

It’s also been reported that you can utilize new mattresses as soon as you peel them from their plastic wrap.

It differs from one brand to the next, though. Use your nose to evaluate it.

Avoid sleeping on a new mattress until the off-gassing odor dissipates.

I would recommend returning the mattress if the unpleasant stench remains for more than two weeks.

We appreciate your interest in “How to get rid of the scent from a mattress,” however brief. Wishing you all the best for the day!

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.