How to Eliminate Sweat Smell from Your Mattress

We all know the struggle of dealing with sweat stains and odors on our mattresses. It’s not a pleasant experience, but luckily, there are effective ways to eliminate sweat smells and keep your mattress fresh. In this article, we’ll explore tried-and-true strategies for getting rid of sweat smells and maintaining a clean mattress.

Why Does Sweat Leave Stains?

Sweat can leave behind yellow stains on your mattress, similar to the stains commonly found on the underarms of white blouses. The moisture in sweat is the main culprit behind these stains. Additionally, sweat stains often come with an unpleasant musty odor, which can make your room less inviting.

How To Remove Sweat Stains from Mattresses

Removing sweat stains from mattresses can be a bit challenging, especially since mattresses cannot be easily washed in a machine. However, spot treatment is an effective solution. Here are a few methods to deep clean your mattress:

METHOD 1: Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap & Salt

1. Make a paste using 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, and 1 tablespoon salt.
2. Rub the paste onto the stain and use a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to scrub it in, especially if the stain is stubborn.
3. Once the paste dries, wipe it off, and use a towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide to remove any leftover stains or residue.
4. Allow the area to air dry completely before putting the bed linens back in place.

METHOD 2: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Water

1. Mix 1/2 cup warm water, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the mixture onto the stain, being careful not to saturate the mattress.
3. Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Repeat the spraying and blotting if necessary.
4. Let the area air dry completely before replacing the bed linens.

How to Prevent Stains on Mattresses

To prevent sweat stains on your mattress, it’s essential to use a mattress protector. A mattress protector acts as a barrier between your body and the mattress, protecting it from sweat, stains, dust mites, and allergens. Additionally, regular surface cleaning is essential. Here are a few tips:

• Vacuum your mattress every 3 to 6 months to remove dust, mites, and accumulated skin cells.
• Sprinkle baking soda on top of your mattress, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps absorb odors.
• Consider investing in a quality mattress protector to keep your mattress clean and fresh.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets & Pillowcases

Once you’ve tackled the sweat stains on your mattress, it’s time to clean your bedding. Here are a few methods for cleaning sheets and pillowcases:

METHOD 1: Oxiclean

1. Add Oxiclean to your washing machine’s detergent compartment according to the packaging instructions. Use the hottest water temperature available.
2. Let the machine agitate the sheets with the Oxiclean for a few minutes.
3. For better results, let the sheets soak for one to six hours after turning off the machine.
4. Wash the sheets as usual, and consider adding an extra scoop of Oxiclean to the load for an extra boost.

METHOD 2: Dish Soap & Borax

1. Place the sheets in the washing machine and set it to the hottest setting.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of Borax.
3. Let the machine agitate the sheets with the dish soap and Borax for a few minutes.
4. Turn off the machine and let the sheets soak for at least one hour.
5. Wash the sheets as usual.

METHOD 3: Wash Twice

1. After washing your sheets with regular detergent, rinse them thoroughly and add bleach as directed for white bedding only.
2. If you have colored sheets, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and fabric softener to the load.

How to Prevent Stains on Sheets

To prevent stubborn sweat stains on your sheets, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are a few tips:

• Remove stains as soon as possible to avoid them setting.
• Wash your sheets regularly, ideally once every two weeks.
• Practice good personal hygiene to reduce the amount of sweat your body produces.

How to Freshen and Deodorize a Mattress

After cleaning your bedding and mattress, it’s essential to freshen and deodorize the mattress to keep allergens at bay. Here are a few tips:

• Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment to remove dust and bacteria.
• Use a mixture of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle to eliminate odors. Spray lightly and let it air dry completely before covering the mattress.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb any lingering odors. Vacuum up the baking soda afterward.

Other Steps to Prolong Mattress Freshness

To maintain a fresh mattress, consider the following steps:

• Use a mattress protector to shield your mattress from stains, sweat, dust mites, and allergens.
• Clean your box spring, bed foundation, or platform bed regularly to prevent dust and bacteria from spreading to your mattress.
• Keep your room well-ventilated to reduce moisture and discourage the growth of allergens.

Remember, a clean and fresh mattress contributes to a good night’s sleep. By following these tips, you can eliminate sweat smells and enjoy a more comfortable sleeping environment.

To learn more about mattress care and helpful tips, visit 5 WS.

FAQ

Can sweat ruin a mattress?
Yes, if not properly managed, sweat can potentially ruin a mattress over time. Sweat contains moisture, which can be absorbed by the mattress materials, leading to issues such as mold growth, staining, material deterioration, and allergen accumulation.

Why does my sweat make my bed smell?
Sweat can make your bed smell due to the interaction between the components of sweat and the microorganisms present in your environment. Bacteria and microorganisms break down the compounds in sweat, producing byproducts that result in unpleasant odors.

What does sweat look like on a mattress?
Sweat on a mattress can manifest as dampness or moisture, discoloration, odor, stiffness, and visible stains. These signs indicate the presence of sweat and the need for cleaning and odor removal.

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