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

If you’re searching for “How To Get Smoke Smell Out Of Mattress,” you’re likely dealing with lingering odors from cigarettes, a kitchen mishap, or even a small fire. Smoke smells can feel stubborn, but there are practical ways to reduce them and freshen your mattress.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what to do, what to avoid, and when a mattress may simply be too far gone.

Why Does Smoke Smell Linger in a Mattress?

Mattresses are made with thick layers of foam, fabric, and padding. These materials are porous, which means smoke particles and odors can sink deep inside.

Even if the smoke was in another room, the smell can:

  • Settle on bedding and fabric
  • Travel through air vents
  • Get absorbed by the mattress over time

Because of this, getting smoke smell out of a mattress usually takes more than a quick spray or airing out. It often requires several steps and some patience.

First Steps: What Should I Do Right Away?

If smoke exposure is recent, acting quickly can make a big difference.

  1. Remove all bedding
    Wash sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors in warm water with a mild detergent. If they still smell smoky, repeat the wash before putting them back on.

  2. Air out the mattress

    • Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room.
    • Open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze.
    • If possible, place the mattress outside in a dry, shaded area for a few hours. Sunlight can help with odors, but long or intense exposure may affect some materials, so avoid leaving it out all day.

  3. Vacuum thoroughly
    Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to slowly vacuum the entire surface: top, sides, and underneath if accessible. This can help remove some odor-carrying particles from the surface layers.

How To Get Smoke Smell Out Of Mattress Using Common Household Methods

1. Baking Soda Deodorizing

Baking soda is often used to absorb everyday odors from soft furnishings.

  • Sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface.
  • Gently rub it in with your hand or a clean, dry cloth.
  • Let it sit for at least several hours, or overnight if possible.
  • Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

You can repeat this process a few times if the smell is still noticeable.

2. Light Vinegar Deodorizing (Indirect Use)

Vinegar has a strong smell of its own, but it can help neutralize some odors in the air and on washable surfaces.

  • Do not pour or spray vinegar directly on the mattress, especially foam, as it can be hard to dry and may damage materials.
  • Instead, you can:
    • Use a lightly damp cloth (water with a small amount of vinegar) to wipe down bed frames, nearby furniture, and hard surfaces in the room.
    • Place a shallow bowl of vinegar in the room for a few hours to help freshen the air while the mattress airs out separately.

This doesn’t “clean” the inside of the mattress, but it can reduce the overall smoke smell in the sleep environment.

3. Targeting Specific Spots

If the smoke smell is stronger in one area (for example, near a burn mark or where smoke was concentrated):

  • Lightly mist a cloth with water and a small amount of mild detergent (never soak it).
  • Gently blot the area on the mattress surface.
  • Avoid over-wetting, especially with foam mattresses, as moisture can get trapped inside.
  • Allow the area to air dry completely, then apply baking soda and vacuum.

Can I Use Strong Sprays or Steam Cleaners?

Are air fresheners a good idea?

Air fresheners and fragrant sprays mostly mask odors instead of removing them. They may also leave residue on mattress fabrics. If used, keep it light and avoid soaking the surface.

What about steam cleaning?

Some people consider steam cleaning, but it has risks:

  • Mattresses, especially foam, hold moisture easily.
  • Too much steam can leave the inside damp for a long time, which may cause new issues like musty smells later.

Unless the mattress care instructions clearly say steam cleaning is safe, it’s generally better to stick to dry methods like airing, vacuuming, and baking soda.

When Is a Smoke-Damaged Mattress Too Far Gone?

There are situations where “How To Get Smoke Smell Out Of Mattress” has a less satisfying answer: sometimes the smell cannot be removed fully.

You may struggle to eliminate odor if:

  • The mattress was exposed to heavy or long-term cigarette smoke in a closed room.
  • The mattress was directly involved in a fire or heavy smoke event.
  • There is visible soot, charring, or deep discoloration in the layers.
  • Odor remains strong and persistent after multiple deodorizing attempts.

In these cases, even repeated cleaning may only reduce, not remove, the smell. Some sleepers may still notice it, especially in a quiet, closed bedroom at night.

How Can I Prevent Smoke Smell in My Mattress in the Future?

A few habits can help protect your mattress:

  • Use a removable, washable mattress protector to add a barrier.
  • Avoid smoking or burning materials near the bed, if possible.
  • Keep the bedroom well ventilated when cooking, using fireplaces, or burning candles elsewhere in the home.
  • Air out your mattress periodically by removing bedding and opening windows for a few hours.

These steps do not guarantee a mattress will never absorb odors, but they can make smells slower to build and easier to manage.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points on How To Get Smoke Smell Out Of Mattress:

  • Act quickly: Remove bedding, air out the room, and vacuum the mattress as soon as you notice smoke exposure.
  • Use baking soda: A generous layer left for several hours, then vacuumed, can help absorb surface odors.
  • Avoid soaking the mattress: Keep moisture to a minimum; avoid heavy spraying, soaking, or aggressive steam cleaning.
  • Freshen the room too: Cleaning nearby surfaces and improving ventilation can reduce the overall smoke smell.
  • Set realistic expectations: Deep or long-term smoke exposure may leave permanent odor, even after careful cleaning.
  • Protect going forward: A mattress protector and better airflow can help minimize future smoke smells.

With consistent airing, careful cleaning, and patience, many mild smoke odors can be noticeably reduced, making your mattress and bedroom feel fresher over time.