How To Get Musty Smell Out Of a Mattress: Simple Steps That Actually Help

If you’re wondering how to get musty smell out of a mattress, you’re not alone. Musty odors are common after spills, high humidity, storage in a damp room, or simply long-term use. The good news: in many cases, you can noticeably reduce or remove the smell at home with some patience and the right steps.

Below you’ll find a clear, FAQ-style guide to identifying the problem, choosing the right cleaning method, and helping prevent that musty smell from coming back.

What Causes a Mattress to Smell Musty?

A “musty” smell is usually a sign of trapped moisture and poor ventilation. Common causes include:

  • Spills or sweat that weren’t fully dried
  • High humidity or lack of airflow under the bed
  • Long-term use without regular airing out or cleaning
  • Storing a mattress in a basement, garage, or damp room

Understanding the cause helps you decide whether a surface refresh is enough or if you need deeper odor removal.

How To Get Musty Smell Out Of a Mattress: Step-by-Step

1. Air Out the Mattress Thoroughly

If possible, remove all bedding and let the mattress breathe.

  • Stand or lay it in a well-ventilated room
  • Open windows or use a fan to improve airflow
  • If safe and practical, place it in indirect sunlight for a few hours

Fresh air helps release trapped odors and moisture. 🌬️

2. Use Baking Soda to Neutralize Odors

A common approach for how to get musty smell out of a mattress is using dry deodorizing powders.

Basic method:

  1. Strip the bed completely.
  2. Lightly vacuum the surface to remove dust and debris.
  3. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress.
  4. Let it sit for several hours (longer is usually better, such as 8–24 hours).
  5. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

Baking soda can help absorb odors from the fabric and foam. You can repeat this process if the smell is strong.

3. Spot-Clean Any Problem Areas

If the musty smell seems stronger in certain spots, focus on those areas.

  • Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
  • Lightly dampen (do not soak) a clean cloth with the solution.
  • Blot the affected area gently. Avoid oversaturating the mattress.
  • Follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.
  • Blot with a dry towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

For mattresses that tolerate it, some people use a very diluted white vinegar solution (lightly misted, not soaked) to help with odors, followed by thorough drying. Always check the care instructions for your specific mattress type first.

4. Dry the Mattress Completely

Any cleaning method that involves moisture must be followed by thorough drying, otherwise the musty smell can worsen.

You can:

  • Use fans to speed up air circulation
  • Turn the mattress occasionally to expose all sides
  • Allow extra time before putting bedding back on

The mattress should feel completely dry to the touch on all sides before use.

5. Consider a Second Deodorizing Round

For deeper smells, you may need to repeat the process:

  1. Air out
  2. Spot-clean (if needed)
  3. Apply baking soda again
  4. Vacuum and dry

Odors that have built up over years may take more than one attempt to noticeably improve.

When Should I Be Concerned About Mold or Mildew?

A musty smell does not always mean visible mold, but some warning signs to watch for include:

  • Visible spots or patches (often green, black, or white)
  • Smell that gets stronger when the room is closed up
  • Mattress that feels consistently damp or clammy

If you suspect mold or heavy contamination, do not continue to sleep on the mattress until you’ve assessed it further. In some cases, replacement or professional help may be more appropriate than home cleaning.

How Can I Prevent a Musty Smell From Coming Back?

Once you’ve learned how to get musty smell out of a mattress, it’s helpful to keep it fresher longer:

  • Use a washable mattress protector to shield against sweat and spills
  • Allow your bed to air out regularly by pulling back covers during the day
  • Ensure good airflow under the bed (avoid blocking the underside completely)
  • Clean up spills promptly and dry the area thoroughly
  • Occasionally vacuum the mattress surface and use a light baking soda treatment as maintenance

These simple habits can reduce moisture buildup and help keep odors in check over time.

❓ FAQ: Common Follow-Up Questions

How long does it take to remove a musty smell?

It can take several hours to a few days, depending on how strong the odor is and how well the mattress dries and airs out. Repeating deodorizing steps can gradually improve more stubborn smells.

Is it safe to sleep on a musty-smelling mattress?

A mild, temporary smell after cleaning may linger for a short time and often fades as the mattress continues to air out. However, if the odor is strong, persistent, or accompanied by visible growth or dampness, it’s wise to pause use until you’ve addressed the cause.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about how to get musty smell out of a mattress

  • Airflow is essential: Start by airing out the mattress and improving ventilation.
  • Baking soda helps neutralize odors: Apply generously, let sit for hours, then vacuum.
  • Avoid excess moisture: Spot-clean lightly and dry completely to prevent more mustiness.
  • Repeat if necessary: Deep or long-standing smells may need multiple treatments.
  • Watch for warning signs: Visible spots, strong persistent odor, or dampness may indicate a more serious issue.
  • Prevent future smells: Use protectors, clean spills quickly, and let the mattress breathe regularly.

With consistent care and patient cleaning, many mattresses with a musty odor can be noticeably refreshed and made more comfortable to sleep on again.