How To Get a Poop Stain Out Of a Mattress: Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re searching “How To Get a Poop Stain Out Of a Mattress”, you’re probably dealing with an accident and want it gone fast, without ruining your bed. This guide walks you through what to do, what to avoid, and how to deal with both stains and lingering odor in a clear, practical way.

What’s the Best First Step When Poop Gets on a Mattress?

Act quickly and stay gentle. The sooner you start, the easier it is to remove both the stain and smell.

  1. Remove bedding
    Carefully strip sheets, protectors, and blankets and place them in a laundry basket. Avoid dragging solids across clean areas.

  2. Lift off any solid material
    Use paper towels or disposable gloves to pick up solids.

    • Do not rub it into the fabric.
    • Dispose of everything in a sealed bag.

  3. Blot, don’t scrub
    With clean paper towels or an old cloth, gently blot any remaining moisture. This helps prevent the stain from spreading deeper into the mattress.

At this stage, your goal is simply to contain the mess and prepare the area for proper cleaning.

How To Get a Poop Stain Out Of a Mattress: Simple Cleaning Method

Once the area is prepped, you can tackle the poop stain with common household ingredients.

Step 1: Mix a Mild Cleaning Solution

In a small bowl or spray bottle, combine:

  • Cool or lukewarm water
  • A small amount of gentle liquid soap (such as dish soap)

Avoid very hot water, which can sometimes set stains into fabric.

Step 2: Treat the Stained Area

  1. Apply the solution lightly

    • Dampen (do not soak) a clean cloth with the soapy water.
    • Gently blot the stain from the outside in to avoid spreading.

  2. Lift the stain gradually

    • Alternate between a damp soapy cloth and a dry cloth to lift out moisture and residue.
    • Repeat until the visible stain lightens.

  3. Rinse with clean water

    • Use a new cloth dampened with plain water to blot away any soap left in the mattress fabric.
    • Excess soap can attract dirt later, so rinsing is important.

How Do You Remove Odor After Cleaning the Stain?

Even when the stain is gone, odor can linger. A common method is to use baking soda to help absorb smells.

  1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the cleaned area.
  2. Let it sit for several hours, or ideally overnight, so it can absorb moisture and odor.
  3. Vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment, moving slowly to pick up all the baking soda.

If a slight smell remains, you can repeat the baking soda step again.

Is It Safe to Use Bleach or Harsh Chemicals?

Many people wonder if strong cleaners are the fastest solution. With mattresses, that’s usually not the best choice.

Things to be cautious about:

  • Bleach:
    • Can discolor the fabric cover.
    • May weaken materials over time.
  • Strong solvents or undiluted cleaners:
    • May leave residues.
    • Can be harsh on mattress fabrics and foams.

Whenever possible, stick with mild soap, water, and baking soda. If you do use any specialized cleaner, test a tiny hidden area first and use it sparingly.

How Do You Dry the Mattress After Cleaning?

Drying is just as important as cleaning when you’re figuring out how to get a poop stain out of a mattress completely.

  • Blot up as much moisture as possible with dry towels.
  • Increase air flow: open windows, use a fan, or point a small fan directly at the cleaned area.
  • Allow plenty of time: do not remake the bed until the mattress feels fully dry to the touch.

A mattress that stays damp for too long may develop unwanted odors.

What If the Poop Stain Is Old or Already Set?

Older stains can be more stubborn, but some steps can still help:

Try a Gentle Second Round

  1. Lightly dampen the area with water.
  2. Use a small amount of mild soap solution as described earlier.
  3. Blot patiently rather than scrubbing hard.

You may not always get an older stain completely invisible, but lightening it and removing odor is often possible.

How Can You Prevent Future Accidents From Ruining a Mattress?

While no setup is accident-proof, a few simple habits can make cleanup much easier:

  • Use a removable, washable mattress protector.
  • Wash bedding promptly after any spill or accident.
  • Keep mild cleaning supplies and extra bedding accessible for quick changes.

These steps won’t stop accidents, but they can limit how deeply anything reaches the mattress itself.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Get a Poop Stain Out Of a Mattress

  • Act quickly: remove solids, strip bedding, and blot—don’t scrub.
  • Use mild cleaners: a small amount of gentle soap and cool water is usually enough for fresh stains.
  • Control odor: baking soda left on the spot for several hours can help absorb smells.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: strong products can damage fabrics or leave residue.
  • Dry thoroughly: good airflow and time are essential before putting bedding back on.
  • Older stains may not disappear completely but can often be reduced and deodorized.
  • Protection helps: using a mattress protector can make any future cleanup much easier.

By following these steps, you can handle an uncomfortable situation calmly and keep your mattress as clean, fresh, and comfortable as possible.