How To Clean a Wet Mattress: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Save Your Bed

If you’re searching for “How To Clean a Wet Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with a spill, an accident, or unexpected moisture and want to know if your mattress can be saved. This guide walks through what to do immediately, how to dry and deodorize your mattress, and how to prevent long‑term damage.

What Counts as a “Wet” Mattress?

A wet mattress can mean:

  • A fresh spill (water, drink, or other liquid)
  • Night‑time accidents
  • Rainwater or a leaking window/roof
  • A wet spot from cleaning too aggressively

The type of liquid and how deeply it has soaked in will affect how you approach cleaning. The general goal is always the same: remove as much moisture as possible, clean the area, and dry thoroughly to avoid odors and damage.

First Steps: What Should I Do Right Away?

How To Clean a Wet Mattress Fast (Emergency Response)

  1. Strip the bed immediately
    Remove sheets, mattress protector, and bedding so moisture doesn’t spread further.

  2. Blot, don’t rub
    Use clean, dry towels or paper towels to press firmly onto the wet area.

    • Rubbing can push the liquid deeper into the mattress.
    • Keep blotting until the towels stop picking up much moisture.

  3. Check how deep the mattress is soaked
    Gently press your hand into the area and around it:

    • If it feels only slightly damp on the surface, drying is easier.
    • If the mattress feels heavy, squishy, or wet deeper inside, you’ll need extra drying time and care.

How Do I Actually Clean the Wet Area?

Cleaning a Wet Mattress After a Spill or Accident

Once you’ve removed as much liquid as possible, you can clean the affected area.

For most water‑based spills or accidents:

  1. Apply a mild cleaning solution
    Mix a small amount of gentle liquid soap with cool water. Lightly dampen (don’t soak) a clean cloth with the solution and blot the area.

    • Avoid harsh chemicals or heavy soaking, which can damage materials or leave residue.

  2. Blot with plain water
    Use another cloth, lightly dampened with plain water, to blot and lift away soap residue.

  3. Deodorize with baking soda
    Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the damp spot.

    • Let it sit for several hours; many people leave it for most of the day.
    • Baking soda helps absorb moisture and odors.

  4. Vacuum the baking soda
    When the area is mostly dry, use a vacuum with an upholstery or brush attachment to remove all the baking soda.

How Do I Dry a Wet Mattress Completely?

Drying Is Just as Important as Cleaning

Proper drying is essential. A mattress that stays damp for too long can develop unpleasant smells and degrade more quickly.

Drying tips:

  • Increase airflow
    Place the mattress in a well‑ventilated room. Open windows or use fans pointed at the wet area to help move air.

  • Use a hair dryer on a cool or low‑warm setting
    Keep it at a distance and keep it moving. Avoid high heat, which can damage some mattress materials.

  • If possible, stand the mattress up
    Leaning it against a wall can help air reach both sides more easily.

  • Be patient
    A deeply wet mattress may take many hours or even a full day or more to dry completely. Use your hand to check that the spot feels completely dry, not just on the surface but a bit deeper when you press down.

What About Different Types of Liquids?

Is the Cleaning Process Different for Urine, Drinks, or Water?

The overall process—blot, clean, deodorize, dry—is similar, but there are a few extra notes:

  • Water only
    Focus mainly on drying thoroughly. A light surface clean with mild soap is usually enough.

  • Sugary drinks or colored liquids
    Clean as soon as possible to avoid sticky residue and discoloration. You may need to repeat the gentle soap cleaning step.

  • Urine or other strong‑smelling accidents
    Thorough blotting and deodorizing are especially important. Some people use gentle, fabric‑safe odor‑neutralizing products after testing a small hidden area first.

When Is a Wet Mattress Possibly Too Damaged?

Signs It May Not Be Recoverable

In some situations, trying to save the mattress might not be realistic. Watch for:

  • A large portion of the mattress is soaked all the way through
  • Persistent strong odors even after careful cleaning and drying
  • Visible material damage, such as crumbling foam or warped layers
  • A mattress that stays damp for a very long time

If you notice any of these, the mattress may have long‑term issues that basic cleaning cannot fully resolve.

How Can I Prevent Future Mattress Mishaps?

A few simple habits can make dealing with wetness much easier next time:

  • Use a water‑resistant mattress protector to keep liquids from soaking in.
  • Clean spills and accidents right away, even in the middle of the night if possible.
  • Allow your mattress to air out regularly by pulling back covers during the day.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about How To Clean a Wet Mattress:

  • Act fast: Strip bedding and blot, don’t rub to remove as much liquid as you can.
  • Clean gently: Use a mild soap solution and avoid oversoaking the mattress.
  • Deodorize:Baking soda is a simple way to help absorb moisture and reduce odors.
  • Dry thoroughly: Good airflow, fans, and time are crucial; the mattress should feel fully dry beneath the surface.
  • Check the extent of damage: A slightly damp corner is very different from a mattress soaked through its entire thickness.
  • Prevention helps: A protective cover and prompt cleanup make future incidents easier to handle.

With a calm, step‑by‑step approach, most people can handle how to clean a wet mattress at home and keep their bed fresh, comfortable, and ready for sleep again.