How to Remove Sweat Stains from a Mattress

When you click on any of the affiliate links within the article, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases at NO cost to you.

I appreciate your support!

Sweat stains on a mattress are both ugly and unsanitary. NO ONE wants to see that .

Over time, these stains accumulate, leading to a gross sleeping environment. So, it’s important to tackle them to maintain a clean mattress and ensure a good night's rest.

sweat stain on mattress after hot summer night

And, since mattresses can be pricey, it's beneficial to know how to care for them to extend their lifespan.

In this article, you’ll learn how to remove sweat stains from a mattress using various methods.

So, let’s ‘break a sweat’ and jump in!

Understanding Sweat Stains

When you sleep, your body sometimes releases sweat to cool itself off.

And when you sweat, the water, salt, and fat mix with your skin’s bacteria. This mix causes stains on your mattress that also cause bad odors.

Not good for your mattress’s longevity and hygiene.

Effects of Sweat on Mattress Longevity

Your mattress is an investment in your comfort and health but sweat shortens its lifespan.

The sweaty mix can leave behind a residue. Over time, this residue leads to yellow stains, which are visible signs of the bodily fluids that have been absorbed into the top of the fabric.

But it's not just about looks; the moisture from sweat creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow. These microorganisms can break down the fibers of your mattress, causing it to deteriorate faster than it normally would. Additionally, the presence of bacteria and mold can cause stronger odors over time that are not just gross but could also impact your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

Some Preparation Before Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure to have all your supplies/tools on hand and prepare the mattress properly to ensure that the sweat stains can be effectively removed. You don’t want to stop halfway because you ran out of something (ask me how I know).

Gathering Supplies

Here are the supplies you’ll need to tackle those sweat stains:

Vacuum: To remove any loose debris from the mattress surface.
Spray bottle: For applying the cleaning solution directly to the stains.
Cleaning solution: A mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, or a specialized mattress cleaner.
Towels: Regular towels or microfiber cloths for blotting the mattress.
Scrubbing Brush: For scrubbing in the cleaning solution onto stains.

QUICK TIP

Be sure your spray bottle is clean beforehand to avoid contaminating your cleaning solution.

Stripping and Vacuuming the Mattress

Before applying any solution, strip your mattress of all bedding, including sheets, mattress protectors, and pads.

Once stripped, use your vacuum with the upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress surface, paying extra attention to seams and crevices where dust and debris accumulate.

This step is crucial as it clears the mattress of trapped dirt and particles that could interfere with the cleaning process.

QUICK TIP

You can use a small dry and clean brush in the seams and crevices to lift a bit more dirt and debris, followed by vacuuming. You can even use a spare (clean) toothbrush!

Top 2 Stain Removal Methods

Here are effective methods that I’ve found to remove stubborn sweat stains:

#1 - Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you have a fresh sweat stain on your mattress:

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stained area.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle and mist over the baking soda.
Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for at least 30 minutes.
Lightly scrub the area.
Use a damp towel to clean off the residue.
Blot the area lightly with a dry towel and let it air dry afterward.

NOTE

You can also use a hair dryer to dry the area if you’re impatient .

Just be careful and don’t heat 1 spot for a long time or the mattress's fabric can be damaged.

ATTENTION

Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the baking soda. It can clog up your vacuum and damage its electric motor.

If you have dried sweat stains on your mattress:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda to create a watery paste.
Apply the paste liberally onto the stains.
Use your brush to work the solution into the stain.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Use a damp towel or microfiber cloth to clean off the residue.
Blot the area lightly with a dry towel and let it air dry afterward. (Or use a hair dryer to dry faster)

#2 - Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

If the sweat stain is more stubborn, hydrogen peroxide can be your next step.

It’s particularly effective for difficult stains due to its mild bleaching properties.

Create a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide to one part dish soap.
Apply this solution directly to the stain and lightly scrub with a soft brush.
After a 30-minute soak, blot the area with a damp cloth to remove any leftover solution.

Following the any of the 2 methods above gets rid of the sweat stains a majority of the time.

Other Alternatives to Deep Cleaning Your Mattress

If the tried-and-true methods above are too boring and you’d like to try something new, here are other alternative methods I’ve found that also work well:

Enzyme Cleaners

An enzyme cleaner is great for breaking down sweat stains. These cleaners specifically target the proteins in sweat, making them an effective solution.

There are tons of different ones out there, but here’s one I’d recommend.

How to Use & Apply the Enzyme Cleaner:

Blot any excess moisture from the stain using a dry towel.
Apply the enzyme cleaner following the product's instructions.
Allow it to sit for the specified amount of time.
Clean off any residual cleaner using a fresh towel.

Steam Cleaning

This method only uses high heat and water to penetrate the mattress fibers, loosening and lifting stubborn stains.

I’ve used this steam cleaner here and it works well.

How to Use a Steam Cleaner:

Fill your steam cleaner with distilled water and, if applicable, the recommended cleaning solution.
Slowly move the steam cleaner across the stained area, allowing the steam to do its work.
Use a clean towel to lightly scrub and blot the area.

NOTE

Be careful not to over-wet the mattress. And don't hold the heat over 1 spot for a long time - spread the heat evenly.

Prevention Tips for Maintaining a Clean Mattress

After your mattress is clean and fresh, it helps to take some preventative actions:

Mattress Protector/Pad: Invest in a breathable, waterproof mattress protector. This is your first line of defense against future stains.
Care Label: Always check for a care label for advice tailored to your mattress's specific materials.
Regular Maintenance:
- Rotate or flip your mattress every 3-6 months for more even wear.
- Wash your bedding every week or every 2 weeks (depending on how much you sweat at night).
- Vacuum gently to prevent dust and debris buildup. Every few months is fine.

Conclusion & Final Thought (TL;DR)

Cleaning sweat stains from your mattress isn’t tough. All it takes is a bit of elbow grease and some time.

By using some common kitchen supplies and following the steps above, the stains will easily be removed. And if that doesn’t work, you still have a few alternative solutions at your disposal!

Do you have any other methods you’d like to share? Let me know down below.

See you in the next one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "Why do some sweat stains appear more yellow, and what does this indicate?"

A: Sweat stains on fabric can sometimes turn yellow, and this happens when the minerals in our sweat mix with the bacteria on our skin. This interaction is more likely to occur in places where there is more hair, like armpits. Our sweat has different types, and the one linked to yellow stains is called apocrine sweat. This sweat contains proteins and lipids that can react with the bacteria, leading to the yellow color we see.

Apart from the natural sweat process, some deodorants or antiperspirants can make the yellow stains worse. Some of these products contain ingredients, like certain compounds of aluminum, which can react with sweat and contribute to the yellowish discoloration of fabric.

Q: "How can you prevent sweat stains from appearing on a mattress in the first place?"

A: Use a washable mattress protector.

Additionally, maintaining a cool bedroom temperature and using breathable sheets can help reduce sweating during sleep. I personally prefer 100% cotton sheets because they’re more breathable and stay cooler.

Q: "Can really old sweat stains still be cleaned from a mattress?"

A: Yes!

The old sweat is just embedded into the fabric of your mattress. You may need to be a bit more aggressive with the scrubbing, but the stain should come out after trying either of the cleaning methods above.

Q: "Does constant sweat ruin a mattress?"

A: Yes, it can.

When we sweat, moisture is released into the mattress, and if this happens frequently, it creates a damp environment. This moisture contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, which leads to unpleasant odors and affects the overall hygiene of the mattress.

Also, the materials within a mattress, such as foam or fabric, can absorb moisture. Over time, this absorption can result in the breakdown of materials, potentially reducing the lifespan and structural integrity of the mattress. It also creates an environment that is beneficial to dust mites, which can contribute to allergies.

Q: "Are there any specific mattress types that are more resistant to sweat stains?"

A: Yes, certain mattress materials are more resistant to sweat staining than others:

Latex mattresses - Latex is naturally moisture-resistant. The dense foam doesn't easily absorb sweat and latex allows good airflow to dry out the surface.
Memory foam - Traditional memory foam soaks up moisture. However, plant-based memory foam infused with cooling gels, graphite, or copper helps prevent sweat absorption. The additional materials help it stay dry.
Innerspring mattresses - The open coil design promotes ventilation. Choose one with a performance fabric casing treated to be moisture-wicking and antimicrobial for added sweat and stain protection.
Polyurethane mattresses - Polyurethane foam is naturally resistant to absorbing liquids.

No mattress is completely impervious though, so be sure to use a waterproof mattress protector to better protect your mattress.