It is always a nightmare when your mattress is soiled with beverage, urine or even blood. These are some of the common stains found on the mattress. While the stains are not harmful, some immediate actions should be done to prevent bacteria growth within the mattress as these spillages tend to be organic in nature.
Stains are easily formed on mattress as the upholstered box is made with fine fabric that tends to absorb stains more easily. Furthermore, the mattress can't be washed or soaked with fluid, which makes it more difficult to remove any stain.
Here are some important steps to follow when spillage occurs on your mattress:
1. Remove as much excess spillage, if there is any, by placing layers of kitchen paper or a clean white cloth on the spillage and apply pressure onto the cloth gently with your palm to absorb the fluid. Do not rub as you will end up spreading the stain.
2. Once wet fluid is totally removed, it's time to blot the stain with a clean damp cloth, starting from the edge of the stain to dilute the stain. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the damp spot to absorb the moisture and stain. Leave the baking soda overnight and then vacuum thoroughly the next morning.
3. If stain can't be removed totally, spray white vinegar or diluted dish washing detergent on the stain and gently brush the area with a soft toothbrush. Avoid brushing with too much strength as you may risk spreading the stain or pushing the stain deeper into the mattress. Rinse by blotting the area with a clean damp cloth, then sprinkle baking soda generously over the wet spot. Leave the baking soda overnight to absorb the moisture and then vacuum thoroughly the next morning.
4. Instead of wetting the mattress by using vinegar or detergent solution, you may apply some baking soda paste onto the stain and leave it to dry for about 4 hours, or till it dries. This chemical free stain removal aid can be made at home by mixing ½ cup of baking soda powder with 2 tablespoon of tepid water. If the paste is still dry or powdery, add a few more drops of water till the mixture turns into a thick paste like cake frosting. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away the dried paste on the mattress fabric. Then sprinkle dry baking powder generously over the damp area overnight. Vacuum thoroughly the next morning.
5. Harsher treatment by applying hydrogen peroxide may help to remove dried blood on the mattress. Although this method may work, this solution is not recommended as hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties that may cause discoloration on the mattress fabric instead.
6. If possible, sunning the mattress after a spillage would be helpful to kill bacteria and neutralising odour from spillage.
