How To Deodorise a Mattress: Simple Steps to a Fresher Bed

If you’re searching for “How To Deodorise a Mattress”, you’re likely dealing with musty smells, sweat odours, or spill-related scents that just won’t go away. This guide explains why mattresses smell, what actually works to deodorise them, and how to keep them fresh for longer—in clear, practical steps.

What Does It Mean to Deodorise a Mattress?

To deodorise a mattress means to neutralise or remove unwanted odours trapped in the fabric and inner layers, rather than just masking them with spray or fragrance.

Smells usually come from:

  • Sweat and body oils
  • Spills from drinks or food
  • Pet accidents or dander
  • General dust and humidity over time

Because a mattress is thick and absorbent, odours can linger longer than they do on sheets or blankets. Learning How To Deodorise a Mattress helps you deal with these smells safely without damaging the materials.

How To Deodorise a Mattress: Step-by-Step

1. Strip the bed and air it out

  1. Remove all bedding (sheets, mattress protector, blankets).
  2. If possible, let the mattress air out for a few hours in a well-ventilated room.
  3. Open windows or use a fan to improve airflow.

Why this helps: Air circulation can reduce mild, stale smells and moisture that may be trapped near the surface.

2. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment and:

  • Vacuum the top, sides, and (if accessible) the underside.
  • Pay extra attention to seams and tufts where dust settles.

Why this matters: Regular vacuuming removes dust, skin cells, and debris that can contribute to odour and make other deodorising steps more effective.

3. Use baking soda to neutralise odours

Baking soda is a commonly used, gentle deodoriser for mattresses.

  1. Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface.
  2. For stronger smells, gently rub it in with your hand (clean and dry) or a soft brush.
  3. Leave it to sit for at least 30–60 minutes; several hours is often more effective.
  4. Vacuum the mattress again, slowly, to remove all residue.

Tip: For very stubborn odours, some sleepers leave baking soda on for most of the day before vacuuming.

4. Spot-clean odour sources (sweat, spills, or accidents)

If the smell is coming from a specific area, it helps to spot-clean:

  1. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
  2. Blot (do not soak) the stained or smelly spot from the outside in.
  3. Blot again with a separate damp cloth to remove soap residue.
  4. Press a dry towel onto the area to absorb as much moisture as possible.
  5. Let the mattress dry completely before putting bedding back on.

⚠️ Avoid soaking the mattress. Too much liquid can sink into deeper layers and lead to more persistent smells or damage.

5. Let it dry fully before use

After cleaning and deodorising:

  • Allow the mattress to dry in a ventilated room.
  • Use fans or open windows to speed up drying.

Only put bedding back on once the mattress feels completely dry to the touch. Trapped moisture can cause lingering odours.

How often should you deodorise a mattress?

How often you need to deodorise depends on:

  • How much you sweat at night
  • Whether pets or children are in the bed
  • How humid your environment is

As a general guideline, a light deodorising with baking soda every few months can help maintain freshness. More thorough deodorising may be useful after spills or noticeable odours.

What should you avoid when deodorising a mattress?

When learning How To Deodorise a Mattress, it’s just as important to know what not to do:

  • Do not soak your mattress with water, vinegar, or any cleaning liquid.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or strong solvents that could damage fabrics or foams.
  • Be cautious with heavy fragrances; they may only cover smells and can be irritating for some sleepers.
  • Don’t skip drying time—using a damp mattress can make odours worse.

How can you prevent odours from building up again?

A few simple habits can keep your mattress fresher for longer:

  • Use a washable mattress protector to catch sweat and spills before they reach the mattress.
  • Wash bedding regularly, according to fabric care instructions.
  • Air the mattress when you change sheets by leaving it uncovered for a short time.
  • Vacuum the mattress every so often to reduce dust and debris.

These habits make full deodorising sessions less frequent and often easier.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Deodorise a Mattress

  • Start simple: Strip the bed, air the mattress, and vacuum thoroughly.
  • Baking soda is a gentle, common option for neutralising mild to moderate odours.
  • Spot-clean specific smelly areas with minimal moisture and mild detergent.
  • Let the mattress dry completely before re-making the bed to avoid trapped odours.
  • Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and heavy fragrances that can damage materials or only mask smells.
  • Regular protection and cleaning—like using a mattress protector and washing bedding—help prevent odours from building up.

With these practical steps, you know exactly How To Deodorise a Mattress safely, keep everyday smells under control, and support a fresher, more comfortable sleep environment over time.