How to Remove Stains from Mattress Naturally & Fast

Stop hiding your stained pillows under fresh cases and hoping for the best. Yellow spots from sweat and “mouth breathing” are inevitable, but they don’t require harsh chemicals to fix. You can remove mattress stains naturally using ingredients already sitting in your medicine cabinet.

This is my “lazy” green cleaning secret for mattresses, pads, and pillows. No scrubbing, no bleach, and no expensive professional services required. Just a simple, non-toxic process that works while you go about your day. Ready to clean? Here is exactly how to do it-and what to avoid.

How to Clean Mattress Stains, Naturally!

I was stripping the beds to wash the sheets when I noticed a few yellowish spots on the pillows. 🫣 If you're like me and currently battling “allergy season mouth-breathing” or have a family member who seems to sweat like they're running a marathon in their sleep, you know exactly the stains I'm talking about!

This method worked well for blood stains, urine stains, sweat stains, and other spills! 

Supplies

• Spray nozzle
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (sold for wound care in the pharmacy section) 
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, sold in the cleaning & cooking aisles)
• Natural liquid dish detergent (used for hand washing dishes, without added color or fragrance), optional
• Clean cloth or cleaning rag
• Sunlight

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your cleaning solution

You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide or 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide mixed with 0.25-0.5 teaspoon of dish detergent.

I like to start with hydrogen peroxide and add the dish soap if the stains need a second treatment.

Step 2: Spray the mattress to dampen

Spray the entire mattress with hydrogen peroxide or with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap (see step 1). The key here is to lightly dampen the entire surface, use your hand, and check to make sure there are NO DRY SPOTS!  Spray a little extra on the stained area. Work fast and move on to step 3 while the surface is damp.

Step 3: Dust the mattress with baking soda.

While the mattress is damp, evenly sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface. You will need approximately 2 cups of baking soda for a queen mattress. Use a clean cloth or your hand to spread the baking soda so it forms a thin layer across the entire surface. Work a little into the stained spots.

Hydrogen peroxide is not only great for stain removal but also for combating mildew and bacteria! The entire process will take less than 10 minutes. As you spread the baking soda, you can already see the mattress stains become lighter!

Step 4: Let the Matress Dry

Leave the room with the window open and the mattress in sunlight if possible, and let the baking soda dry overnight. Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent, and sun exposure is great at lightening stains.

The next day, sweep the dried baking soda off the mattress surface using a vacuum or shop vacuum with a brush or upholstery attachment.  It is OK if a little baking soda remains on the mattress; it will naturally absorb odor. 

Step 5: Repeat if needed.

Some tougher stains may need to be treated 2-3 times, but you should see improvements each time. 

Step 6: Enjoy your stain-free mattress!

How to Clean Pillow Stains, Naturally!

This method worked well for yellowish saliva and sweat stains that find their way onto pillows. I like to treat mine while I'm washing the sheets, that way I'm cleaning 2 areas at once!

Supplies

• Spray nozzle 
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (sold for wound care in the pharmacy section) 
• Sunlight

Directions

Step 1: Spray one side of the pillow to dampen

Spray one side of the pillow with hydrogen peroxide. Dampen the entire surface, use your hand, and check to make sure there are NO DRY SPOTS!  Spray a little extra on the stained areas.

Spray only one side of the pillow at a time so it can dry in the sunlight without damaging the surface it is sitting on.

Step 2: Let the Pillow Dry

Lay it in the sun to dry. (I place mine next to a window.)

Step 3: Repeat on side 2.

Spray only one side of the pillow at a time so it can dry in the sunlight without damaging the surface it is sitting on.

Step 4: Retreat stains as needed.

Repeat as needed. You may also use the baking soda/hydrogen peroxide method for extra-tough stains.

3 things NOT to do when cleaning mattress stains

1. Do not use bleach on mattress stains.

Bleach is harsh on fabrics and can cause them to yellow. Also, since you can't submerge the entire mattress in water to rinse off the bleach, the bleach smell can linger. Leaving your bedroom smelling like bleach.

2. Do not use detergents that contain scents or colors.

Choose a clear, natural liquid dish detergent. Some soaps contain dyes or artificial fragrances, which can tint your mattress or leave an odor.

3. Do not rush the drying process.

Always make sure the mattress or pillow is 100% dry before putting the sheets back on to prevent mildew. Use a fan to speed things up!

Stain Removal Tips

1. Scew a spray top onto a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide for easy stain treating, or buy a bottle with a spray top attached and refill as needed. (I prefer to buy large bottles of hydrogen peroxide to refill the small spray bottle; they’re cheaper and use less plastic.)
   
2. On weeks when I'm washing sheets and not mattress pads, I lightly spray pillows and mattress pads with hydrogen peroxide and let them air-dry while I launder the bedding.
   
3. If you have a fresh spill or stain, use a dry rag or towel to soak up and remove as much of the liquid as possible before starting the stain removal process.
   
4. Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent; use sun exposure from a window to help lighten stains.
   
5. Leave a fan running in the room to speed drying. Make sure all remaining moisture is dry before replacing the pillow case or mattress pad.
   
6. Clean the entire mattress or pillow. Spot cleaning only one area can cause stains to "bloom" outward or leave "water spots" where the mattress was cleaned. The key is to spray the entire surface of the mattress evenly, with no dry spots, so there are no watermarks later!
   
7. In addition to cleaning mattress stains, this process is also effective for cleaning carpet and upholstery stains. Read more :
   • Battle for the Best Upholstery Cleaner: 10 Natural Homemade Upholstery Cleaners Tested & Rated – Bren Did
     
   • Green Cleaner Recipe: DIY Carpet Deodorizer Powder