How To Clean a Mattress With Baking Soda And Vinegar: Simple FAQ Guide

If you’re searching for how to clean a mattress with baking soda and vinegar, you’re likely dealing with stains, smells, or just general freshness. This FAQ walks through exactly how to do it safely and effectively, with clear steps and realistic expectations.

What does cleaning a mattress with baking soda and vinegar actually do?

Using baking soda and vinegar on a mattress is a common home method for:

  • Handling light stains and spills
  • Helping reduce odors
  • Freshening the surface between deeper cleanings

Vinegar helps break down many common stains (like beverages or mild organic stains), while baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralize smells.

Neither is a magic eraser. Deep, old, or heavy stains may not disappear completely, but many people find this method improves overall cleanliness and odor.

How To Clean a Mattress With Baking Soda And Vinegar: Step-by-Step

1. Prep your mattress

  1. Strip all bedding and mattress protectors.
  2. Vacuum the mattress surface slowly to remove dust and debris.
  3. Spot-check a small hidden area with vinegar first to ensure no discoloration.

2. Treat stains with vinegar

  1. Pour white distilled vinegar into a clean spray bottle.
  2. Lightly mist the stained areas. Do not soak the mattress; too much liquid can be hard to dry.
  3. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes.
  4. Blot (don’t rub) with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to lift moisture and loosened residue.

Vinegar often works best on fresh stains. Old, set-in stains may need more than one round or a different method.

3. Apply baking soda

  1. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the dampened area (or over the whole mattress if you’re freshening it).
  2. You may see mild fizzing where vinegar and baking soda meet; this is normal.
  3. Gently pat the baking soda into the surface with a dry hand or cloth. Don’t scrub.

Let the baking soda sit for at least a few hours. Many people prefer to leave it on for 6–8 hours or even overnight so it can fully dry and absorb moisture and odors.

4. Vacuum thoroughly

Once the baking soda is completely dry:

  1. Use the upholstery or crevice attachment on your vacuum.
  2. Slowly vacuum all the baking soda from the surface and seams.
  3. Check for any remaining damp spots; allow extra air-drying time if needed.

Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar on all mattresses?

Not always. Different mattress types can react differently to moisture and acids.

Be especially cautious with:

  • Memory foam or latex mattresses – These materials can hold moisture and are not designed for heavy soaking. Use minimal vinegar, blot carefully, and dry thoroughly.
  • Mattresses with built-in electronics or adjustable features – Keep liquids away from mechanical or electrical components.
  • Mattresses with delicate fabrics or specialty covers – Always check the care tag first.

As a general rule, avoid over-wetting any mattress. Light misting and careful blotting are safer than pouring or saturating.

Can this method remove urine, sweat, or other body fluids?

Baking soda and vinegar can help reduce odors and appearance from some urine or sweat stains, especially if handled quickly:

  • For fresh stains, first blot up as much liquid as possible with dry towels.
  • Then follow the vinegar spray + baking soda steps above.
  • Repeat if needed once the mattress is fully dry.

With old or deeply soaked stains, you may see improvement in smell and color, but the stain might not vanish completely. In those cases, some people combine this method with more specialized cleaners, while still keeping liquids to a minimum.

How often can I clean my mattress this way?

For most people:

  • Spot cleaning with vinegar and baking soda: as needed when spills or accidents happen.
  • Full-surface baking soda refresh (without vinegar): every few months to help with general odor and freshness.

Frequent, heavy use of liquids on a mattress is not ideal. Focus on:

  • Immediate blotting of spills
  • Occasional light vinegar spot treatments
  • Regular baking soda and vacuuming for odor control

What should I avoid when cleaning a mattress with baking soda and vinegar?

Common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Soaking the mattress with vinegar or water
  • Scrubbing aggressively, which can push stains deeper
  • Skipping the drying step, leading to lingering dampness
  • Ignoring the care label on your mattress
  • Mixing vinegar directly with other chemicals or cleaners

If your mattress stays damp for too long, it can cause ongoing odor or material damage, so thorough drying and ventilation are important.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to clean a mattress with baking soda and vinegar

  • Use lightly, not heavily: Vinegar should be misted, not poured, to avoid soaking the mattress.
  • Blot, don’t rub: Blot stains after applying vinegar to lift, not spread, the spot.
  • Baking soda = odor helper: It absorbs moisture and smells when left on for several hours.
  • Vacuum well: Remove all baking soda to leave the surface clean and residue-free.
  • Check your mattress type: Foam and specialty mattresses need extra care with liquids.
  • Great for light stains and freshening: Deep, old stains may not fully disappear but can often look and smell better.

Knowing how to clean a mattress with baking soda and vinegar gives you a simple, low-cost way to handle everyday spills and odors. Used carefully—especially with minimal moisture and plenty of drying time—it can be a practical part of keeping your sleep surface fresher and more comfortable over time.