The mattress we sleep on, if not cleaned properly, tends to accumulate dirt, dust, dead cells and our body fluids. All these, combined with humidity and heat, makes the mattress a perfect setting for the proliferation of bacteria. Despite keeping the sheets clean, these bacteria are always there. About a third of these bacteria come from our bodies, such as fecal, skin and saliva bacteria. In addition, mattresses are prone to mold growth, which can cause respiratory problems, especially with asthma and allergies. In this article we suggest some homemade and inexpensive tricks to get rid of stains and odors from your mattress.

  1. White vinegar

Mold stains can also be removed by mixing two equal parts white vinegar and water with a few drops of liquid detergent. Use a sponge to clean the stain and then wipe with a clean cloth to remove residue.

  1. Hydrogen peroxide

If there are mold stains on the mattress, remove them by mixing two equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to rub the solution onto the stain. It will form a kind of foam, which should be left for 10 minutes. Finally, wipe with a clean cloth.

  1. Baking soda

To remove urine stains from a mattress, simply sprinkle some baking soda on it and leave it for 30 minutes. Remove urine stains from a mattress by pouring baking soda on it for 30 minutes. Next, scrub with a damp sponge and a little detergent directly on the stains. Finally, wipe with a damp cloth and let dry before putting the sheets back on.

  1. Liquid detergent

This trick is especially effective on blood stains. Pour a few drops of detergent onto a damp cloth and place it on the stain, without rubbing. Wait 15 minutes, then wipe with a dry cloth. If necessary, repeat the application a couple of times.

  1. Ethyl alcohol

Alcohol is the most effective trick for removing odors from a mattress. Mix two equal parts white vinegar and ethyl alcohol and spray on the mattress. Wait about 30 seconds, then you can put the sheets back on.

  1. Lemon

Lemon is most effective against wine stains. Mix two equal parts water and lemon juice. Use a sponge soaked in the solution to rub directly on the stain. Let it dry for an hour before putting the sheets back on.

  1. Vacuum cleaner

Pour baking soda all over the mattress and after about 30 minutes scrub with a sponge. Wait another 30 minutes, then vacuum to collect all the baking soda and dust.

  1. DIY cleaner

It takes longer to prepare, but this cleaner is the most effective solution to remove any kind of stain from the mattress. Mix one cup of alcohol with 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 3 cups of white vinegar and 3 tablespoons of fabric softener. Dip a sponge into the solution then wipe it all over the mattress, rubbing well on the most stubborn stains. Let it dry thoroughly before putting the sheets back on.