How To Get Smells Out Of A Mattress?

Updated

January 9, 2024

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Does your bedroom have a bit of an off-putting smell? If so, it could be because of your bed. When the mattress absorbs all the body's sweat and dead skin cells, it begins to smell. So, if you want to know how to get smells out of a mattress, this article is for you. Besides that, you'll also learn about:

  • How to get rid of mattress odour?
  • How to get odours out of a mattress?
  • How to get the sweat smell out of a mattress?
  • How to deodorise a mattress?

A clean mattress is the best way to prevent odours from accumulating. By using enzymes or off-gassing, you can also get odours out of a mattress. An excellent way to get rid of light odours is to take them out and air them out. Besides, letting it soak under the sun for a few hours is always beneficial.

How to get rid of mattress odour

As an adult, you get to buy your mattress. When you put some sheets and a nice comforter on it, you don't think about your mattress anymore. But after use, you need to take off it, so we have listed a few scenarios and what to do to remove the smells. But to get odours out of a mattress you can check your sheets because if you don't launder your sheets regularly.

Over time, your mattress will absorb that smell. Make sure to wash your sheets every 4-5 days to avoid this. Then open a window to give your mattress a chance to breathe. When your windows are open, deodorise and refresh your mattress.

New mattress smell and off-gassing

Mattress industry professionals use the term off-gassing to describe how new mattresses smell. The mattress foam contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When it reacts with the air, it produces the smell. Although most Australian mattresses are non-toxic, some still have this issue.

Give the off-gassing issue some time, open a window, and allow the room to ventilate. In some mattress in a box beds, this is a normal, natural process that occurs.

How to get the sweat smell out of a mattress?

Mattresses and moisture do not mix well. Once your mattress absorbs sweat, it has nowhere to go. As a result, your mattress may smell sweaty. You can dry clean your mattress to get the sweat smell out of the mattress:

  1. Vacuum the mattress to remove any remaining particles.
  2. Using a spray bottle, apply a thin layer of white vinegar to the entire mattress.
  3. Let the mattress air dry in the sun. The sun kills the bacteria that cause sweat to smell.

Additionally, the fresh air breathes new life into the mattress fibres. As a result, the odour is removed. After four to six hours of sunlight, the smell should be gone.

How to get rid of musty smells on the mattress?

Every night, the average person sweats half a pint of liquid out of their bodies. This could cause your mattress to smell musty. Here's how you can get the musty smell out of your mattress.

First, determine the cause of the odour. Then use antibacterial spray on the area. Microbes might be responsible for the odour, so the spray should get to the root of the problem. Of course, users could always use a generous amount of disinfectant all over your mattress, to be doubly sure. 

After, place your mattress in a sunny area and let it air out and dry. Sunlight is an excellent natural disinfectant.

How to deodorise a mattress?

Baking soda can be used to clean your mattress. However, did you know that it's an excellent way to deodorise your mattress and keep it bacteria-free? Despite being a low-cost and straightforward ingredient, it has proven helpful in deodorising mattresses.

Baking soda kills bacteria and removes germs from all surfaces. In addition to being an excellent disinfectant, it is also a fantastic deodoriser.

  1. The first step is to remove all the pillows and sheets from the bed and vacuum the mattress.
  2. Spray vinegar over the entire mattress with a spray bottle and allow it to dry.
  3. Once the mattress is dry, apply baking soda all over it.
  4. Let the baking soda rest on the mattress. After 30 minutes, vacuum the mattress again.
  5. Adding essential oils will also improve the smell. You should deodorise your mattress after every six months to keep it clean and odour-free.

How to get rid of the new mattress smell

There are a few steps you can take to get rid of the smell of a new mattress:

  1. Let the mattress air out: Remove the mattress from the packaging and let it air out for a few hours or even a day or two if possible. This will help dissipate some of the smell.
  2. Use baking soda: Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
  3. Use white vinegar: White vinegar is another natural odor eliminator. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the mixture over the surface of the mattress. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping it down with a damp cloth.
  4. Use a mattress protector: Covering the mattress with a mattress protector can help reduce the smell by trapping it inside. The smell will eventually dissipate, but a mattress protector can help contain it until it does.
  5. Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help filter out the smell from the air. This is especially helpful if the smell is causing you to have respiratory issues or allergies.

It may also be helpful to keep your bedroom well ventilated and to avoid sleeping on the mattress until the smell has dissipated. It may take a few days or even a week or two for the smell to completely go away, but these steps should help speed up the process.

Is New Mattress Smell Harmful?

The smell of a new mattress is generally not harmful, although some people may be more sensitive to it than others. The smell is usually caused by the materials used in the mattress, such as the foam, and is not toxic.

However, if the smell is causing you to have respiratory issues or allergies, you may want to take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible. Using an air purifier or opening windows to let in fresh air can help reduce the concentration of the smell in the air.

It's also a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions for airing out and cleaning the mattress to help reduce the smell. If the smell persists or becomes more noticeable over time, you may want to contact the manufacturer for further guidance.