How To Get Poop Out Of Mattress: Simple Steps To Clean and Deodorize
If you’re urgently searching “How To Get Poop Out Of Mattress”, you’re not alone. Accidents from children, pets, or illness can happen, and a mattress is not as easy to toss in the wash as sheets. The good news: with the right approach, you can remove the mess, reduce stains, and neutralize odors effectively.
This FAQ-style guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, plus answers to common follow-up questions about stains, smells, and mattress safety.
What Should I Do First When There’s Poop on My Mattress?
Acting quickly is the most important step when dealing with poop on a mattress.
Strip the bed
Remove sheets, mattress protectors, and blankets carefully. Fold the soiled area inward to avoid spreading the mess. Wash all bedding in warm or hot water according to care labels.Remove solids gently
Use disposable gloves and a paper towel or plastic scraper to lift off any solid material.- Do not rub or scrub at this stage. Rubbing pushes waste deeper into the mattress.
Blot, don’t soak
Lightly blot the affected area with a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Avoid saturating the mattress with liquid early on, as mattresses dry slowly.
How Do I Clean and Disinfect the Stained Area?
When people ask How To Get Poop Out Of Mattress, they usually want both visible stain removal and basic surface disinfection.
Step-by-step cleaning method
Pre-treat with mild soap solution
Mix a small amount of gentle liquid soap with cool or lukewarm water.- Dampen (do not soak) a clean cloth with the soapy water.
- Blot the stained area, working from the outside toward the center.
Use an enzymatic cleaner (if available)
An enzyme-based cleaner designed for organic stains (like pet or food stains) can be helpful.- Lightly apply to the spot following the product’s basic directions.
- Let it sit for the recommended time so enzymes can break down the material.
- Blot with a clean, damp cloth to lift away residue.
Rinse lightly
Dampen another cloth with plain water and gently blot to remove soap or cleaner.- Again, avoid over-wetting the mattress.
Disinfect the surface
For light surface disinfection, you can use a mild disinfecting spray that is safe for fabrics.- Mist lightly over the area rather than spraying heavily.
- Let it air-dry thoroughly.
How Can I Remove Odor After Cleaning?
Even after visible stains are gone, some odor can remain.
Deodorizing with household products
Baking soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the cleaned, slightly damp area.- Let it sit for several hours, or ideally overnight.
- Vacuum thoroughly using the upholstery attachment.
Good ventilation
Allow the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room. Opening windows or using a fan can help moisture and odor dissipate more quickly.
Will the Stain or Smell Be Permanent?
Whether poop stains become permanent depends on:
- How quickly you treat the area
- The type of mattress material
- How deeply the liquid soaked in
In many cases, fresh stains can be significantly lightened and odors greatly reduced with prompt cleaning and deodorizing. Some faint discoloration may remain, especially on very light-colored fabrics, but it often becomes much less noticeable over time.
If an older stain has fully dried and set deep into the mattress, you may need to:
- Repeat the cleaning and baking soda steps more than once
- Accept that some light discoloration may remain, even if odors are controlled
Is It Safe to Sleep on the Mattress After an Accident?
After dealing with How To Get Poop Out Of Mattress, another common concern is whether the bed is safe to use.
Before sleeping on it again, ensure that:
- The mess is fully removed (no visible residue)
- The surface has been cleaned and lightly disinfected
- The mattress is completely dry, with no dampness when you press on the area
If any area is still wet inside, it’s better to allow more drying time. Sleeping on a damp mattress can lead to lingering odors and general discomfort.
How Do I Prevent Future Poop Stains on My Mattress?
Once you’ve gone through the cleanup, prevention becomes a priority.
Simple ways to protect your mattress include:
Waterproof mattress protector
A protector that blocks liquid can keep accidents from soaking into the mattress itself.Removable, washable encasement
An encasement that zips around the mattress adds another layer of defense and can be washed like bedding.Layered bedding
For children, older adults, or pets, using an extra protective pad under the sheet can make cleanup much easier.
What If the Smell or Stain Won’t Go Away?
If you’ve:
- Removed solids
- Cleaned with soap and/or an enzyme cleaner
- Deodorized with baking soda
- Allowed thorough drying
…and the mattress still has a strong odor or deep stain, you can:
- Repeat the cleaning and deodorizing cycle
- Focus on maintaining a clean, dry surface with a protector moving forward
- Decide whether the stain is mostly cosmetic and can be covered with bedding
Many people find that over time, with good ventilation and regular bedding changes, any remaining odor becomes much less noticeable.
✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points consumers should understand about How To Get Poop Out Of Mattress
- Act fast: Remove bedding, lift off solids carefully, and blot—don’t rub.
- Clean gently: Use mild soap and, if possible, an enzymatic cleaner to break down stains.
- Avoid oversoaking: Mattresses hold moisture; use small amounts of liquid and blot well.
- Deodorize naturally: Baking soda and good airflow help reduce lingering smells.
- Dry completely: Do not remake or sleep on the mattress until it is fully dry.
- Protect for next time: A waterproof protector or encasement makes future accidents easier to manage.
Handled promptly, most poop accidents on a mattress can be cleaned effectively, leaving your bed comfortable and usable again.

