How to Deodorise a Mattress

Have you ever woken up to an unpleasant smell from your mattress? It’s not just you. Many people struggle to keep their beds clean. They frequently search for mattress cleaning tips for that reason.

In Australia, climate also adds to the problem. In humid regions, moisture might build up in your mattress more quickly and result in odour retention. Fear not though. Here you will learn how to remove mattress odours.

Understanding mattress odours

Sweat and body oils seep into the fabric with time. You have likely already experienced it and wonder how to get sweat smell out of mattress. The problem is spills from food or drink also add to the mix. If you have dogs or cats, their urine combined with shedding fur might add to the stink.

Then there are the dust mites and allergens. They quietly accumulate when you don’t ventilate enough. As your mattress ages, it can even trap more moisture. With that, it could develop mould.

These smells aren’t just a minor nuisance. No, they can seriously affect your quality of sleep. The smell will keep you turning all night. And when you have guests sleeping over, that same smell might leave you feeling a bit embarrassed.

But keeping your mattress clean isn’t just about smell. Although that certainly is a big part of it. It’s actually about your health. A clean mattress can transform your sleep. Regular cleaning can also reduce allergens and dust mites. This in turn, helps you manage allergies and asthma. If that isn’t reasons enough, what is? So, now, let’s learn how to freshen up a mattress.

Tools and materials needed

Before you learn how to deodorise a mattress, collect the right tools.

Cleaning supplies overview

The basics you already know and likely have at home.

Optional tools for deep cleaning

Not mandatory, but still important to have is a…

Step-by-step how to freshen up and deodorise your mattress

This is how to make a stinky mattress smell good.

Method 1: Baking soda treatment

The first and easiest way is by using bicarbonate of soda for smells. It’s really easy. Here is how to clean mattress with baking soda.

1. Strip the bed – Remove all bedding. Now work directly on the mattress;
2. Vacuum the surface – Install the upholstery attachment. It will make it easier to remove dust, pet hair, and other debris;
3. Sprinkle baking soda – Mix a few drops of essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus) into the baking soda before applying. Make an even layer across the entire mattress;
4. Leave it – If you’re wondering how long to leave baking soda on a mattress, aim for at least a few hours. Overnight will give it even more time to absorb smells and moisture. The longer, the better;
5. Vacuum thoroughly – This will remove all traces of the bicarbonate of soda.

You can always trust baking soda for smells, provided your mattress is not too old and soiled.

Method 2: Vinegar spray solution

White vinegar is a great DIY mattress freshener spray. It breaks down the bacteria responsible for bad smells and leaves no harmful chemicals.

1. Mix your solution – Combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour the mix into a spray bottle;
2. Lightly mist the surface – Focus on stained or smelly areas. Don’t soak, as too much moisture can lead to mould on your mattress;
3. Let it dry completely – Open windows or use a fan to speed up drying. Only afterwards, put your sheets back on.

But, how to clean a mattress with vinegar without leaving behind a strong smell? Don’t worry. The vinegar scent fades as it dries. It takes the odours with it as it does.

Method 3: Fabric freshener spray

If you don’t care all that much about being eco-friendly, then go for a commercial mattress odour remover.

1. Choose the right spray – Look for a mattress odour remover safe for fabrics;
2. Test a small area first – This is to check that it doesn’t leave stains or a sticky residue;
3. Lightly mist the mattress – Hold the bottle about 30cm away and spray. Make a thin, even layer over the surface. Avoid soaking the fabric;
4. Let it air dry – Opening a window or using a fan can speed up the process.

Method 4: Rubbing alcohol treatment

Now you will learn how to deodorise a mattress with rubbing alcohol. It tackles both odours and germs.

1. Prepare the mattress – Strip the bedding. After that, give the surface a good vacuum;
2. Mix your solution – Combine equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Pour it in a spray bottle. This powerful mix works as both a disinfectant and an odour remover;
3. Spray lightly and evenly – Don’t soak it;
4. Let it air dry – Open a window or use a fan to help speed up the drying process.

Method 5: Professional deep cleaning options

Sometimes, it doesn’t work. Your mattress still doesn’t feel (or smell) completely fresh. And that begs the question, when is DIY not enough?

It’s when baking soda and vinegar can’t remove the smell. The odour has obviously penetrated deeply. Stains and allergens are likely trapped inside. In this case, a professional mattress cleaning service is the best option.
Why it’s worth it? Professionals use industrial-grade equipment and deep-cleaning techniques. It goes beyond surface-level refreshening. Steam cleaning, UV sanitation, and specialised treatments remove bacteria, dust mites, and stubborn odours way more effectively than home methods. And if that doesn’t work, then it’s a sign that it’s time to change your mattress.

Maintaining freshness between cleanings

You want to keep the freshness of your mattress after you’ve deodorised it. So…

Vacuum every few months

Dust, dead skin, and allergens build up. So, make it a habit to vacuum your mattress. Every couple of months is okay. Always use the upholstery attachment.

Another thing you should do is use a washable protective cover. A good mattress protector acts as a barrier against sweat, spills, and pet dander. All you need to do is wash it regularly. It sure beats having to freshen up the mattress all over again.

Let your mattress breathe

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of sleep smell in the bedroom? Airflow is the key.

Flip or rotate your mattress

Not all mattresses are made to be flipped. Check with your manufacturer first. If yours can’t be flipped, rotating it is the next best thing. But why rotate at all?

Try to rotate your mattress every three to six months to keep it in top shape.

Don’t forget the box spring or foundation

It’s easy to focus on the mattress and forget about what’s underneath. But dust, dirt, and allergens collect on box springs and bed bases too. So,

A clean foundation means a cleaner mattress and a fresher night’s sleep!

Common asked questions

With everything said so far, you’re bound to have some questions. Let’s address the most common ones.

Question: How can you deodorise your mattress quickly?

Answer: Spray it with fabric freshener. Let it air out for a few hours.

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

Answer: Let it breathe in a well-ventilated room. Or place it outside in the sun for a few hours.

Question: What is the fastest way to freshen a mattress?

Answer: Sprinkle baking soda, wait 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.

Question: What do I put on my mattress to make it smell nice?

Answer: Mix a few drops of essential oil with baking soda before sprinkling it on.

Question: How do dust mites affect your health?

Answer: They trigger allergies, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.

Question: How to get the urine smell out of a mattress?

Answer: Blot the area, spray with vinegar and water, then sprinkle baking soda and let it dry.

Question: How do you deodorise a mattress without baking soda?

Answer: Use a vinegar spray or a fabric freshener, then air it out.

Question: What mattresses are more prone to developing odours?

Answer: Memory foam and older mattresses.

Question: Will a mattress with infused foam stay fresh for longer?

Answer: Yes. Gel and charcoal-infused foams help reduce odours and moisture buildup.