Do you ever wake up next to a mattress that smells bad? It is such an uncomfortable experience you wouldn’t want to have. The mattress smells so bad that having a visitor inside your room will be shameful. Let’s not say, unfortunately, you have one.
There could be various reasons why your mattress smells so bad. However, if you take good care of your mattress, it will always remain fresh and pleasant for you.
So, if you want to know why your mattress is smelling so bad, this post is for you. Besides, you can also learn what you should do to get rid of bad smells and have a fresh mattress for sleep.
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Why Does My Mattress Smell So Bad?
There are many reasons why your mattress may smell so bad, including:
- The presence of mildew, moisture, or mold.
- The presence of urine, feces, or other bodily fluids.
- There is a chemical reaction between the materials used to make the mattress and the human body.
- The mattress is too damp, and the bedroom has a musty odor.
- Bacteria, mites, or dust mites
- Dead skin cells
- Dirty mattress.
Some argue that putting two Mattresses on Top of Each Other can make mattresses smell bad.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air. They can be harmful to humans and cause a variety of health problems.
New mattresses are prone to smell due to VOCs, especially for mattresses stored in a back room before being sold. When you purchase a new mattress, it will likely smell due to the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds.
Moreover, a smelling mattress is a sign that you may have an underlying condition that is not limited to:
- Mold and mildew growing on the bedding or fabric around the mattress
- A bedbug infestation
- A humidity issue
- Urine or other bodily fluids
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- Why Does My Mattress Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
- Why Does My Mattress Smell Like Garlic?
- Why Does My Mattress Smell Like Paint?
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6 Ways to Remove Bad Smell From Your Mattress
To Remove Bad Smell From Your Mattress, you can sprinkle cornstarch and baking soda over the entire mattress and allow it to sit for a day before vacuuming with the upholstery attachment.
If your mattress should smell so bad, try to vacuum it before trying other options if the smell persists.
Vacuuming your mattress will remove any lingering smells and help keep the mattress clean.
If the smell persists, you can try using these options instead:
- Vinegar
- Laundry Detergent
- Essential Oils
- Vacuum
- Baking Soda
- Cornstarch
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that you can use to remove stains from various surfaces. It removes coffee, tea, fruit juice stains, dirt, and grime.
The smell of vinegar can be overwhelming, but it’s worth it if you’re dealing with urine or sweat stains on your mattress. To use this method, combine white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the stain. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before blotting it with a towel.
Mix 3/4 warm water and 1/4 white wine vinegar in a spray bottle to deodorize a mattress. Spritz the solution over the mattress and let it dry. The vinegar will help kill bacteria and leave the mattress smelling fresh.
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2. Laundry Detergent
There are various ways to deal with stains, and many people believe using a laundry detergent is the best way to go.
However, if you want to use a homemade solution, you can dilute the detergent with baking soda paste before spreading it over the stain.
In addition, you can use it to deodorize a mattress. The product comes in a spray bottle, so it is easy to apply directly to the stain.
3. Essential Oils
To deodorize a mattress, you can mix baking soda with essential oils. Baking soda is the most common base for odor-neutralizing recipes, and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil will give your mattress a fresh smell.
Be sure to sift the baking soda onto the mattress to cover all areas that need it.
Many essential oils have various benefits. For example, lavender is known for its calming properties, while chamomile is a relaxant. Jasmine oil has antidepressant effects, and rose oil is good for the skin. Peppermint oil is invigorating, and lemon oil is refreshing.
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4. Vacuum
There are a few things you can do to keep your mattress clean. Vacuuming it regularly will remove dust and pet dander, and flipping it every six months will help distribute the wear evenly.
To vacuum your mattress, start by ensuring you have a good attachment for getting into the crevices. Go over the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides. Be sure to remove any dust, dirt, or other debris from your mattress.
To vacuum the mattress, use a soft or medium scrub brush to remove any dirt or dust. Afterward, clear it with a clean rag.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a simple yet highly effective ingredient for removing odors from mattresses, and it has chemical properties that make it the ideal option for cleaning and maintaining mattresses. Additionally, baking soda is affordable and can be found in most grocery stores.
To start, sprinkle some baking soda over the entire surface of your mattress. After spraying a layer of baking soda on the mattress, let it sit for up to two hours, and the baking soda will absorb any moisture and bad smells. Vacuum up the remaining baking soda afterward.
After that, vacuum up the baking soda. Make sure to get all of it, as any leftovers could continue to emit a foul odor. If the smell is still present after this step, repeat the process until the smell is gone.
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6. Cornstarch
Another way to get rid of mattress odor is by using cornstarch. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the entire surface of the mattress and let it sit for a few hours. The cornstarch will absorb any body oils and odors.
Other Ways to Keep Your Mattress Fresh
1. Air Out the Room
Moisture buildup can cause various problems in your bed, including mold and mildew growth and an increase in the number of dust mites. To prevent moisture buildup, you can air the room for 10 hours daily, and you can do that by opening the windows and turning on a fan.
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2. Clean the Box Spring or Foundation
Just as you should clean your mattress regularly, it is important to clean your box spring or foundation. That will help prevent dust and germs from passing on to the mattress and also help protect you from dust mites and bed bugs if they are present.
Just like you need to clean your box spring, you must also clean your foundation. Box springs can accumulate dust mites and bed bugs if not properly maintained, so it’s important to keep them clean.
3. Sunlight
Sunlight is a natural way to freshen your mattress and eliminate unwanted smells. It’s also a great way to disinfect your mattress and kill any bacteria or allergens living there.
In addition, sunlight can help lighten stains and prevent yellowing on your mattress. If you can place the mattress outside in direct sunlight, it will help fade the discoloration over time.
4. Clean the Mattress
The enzyme-based cleaner will help remove blood, sweat, vomit, and urine stains. The enzymatic cleaner uses natural enzymes to break down the proteins in organic matter, such as blood, and remove them from the mattress.
You can mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and detergent into a spray bottle for an easy solution to spot cleaning stains. You might need to hire a professional cleaner if there are deep-seated or persistent stains.
4. Wash Your Bedding
Ensure to wash your bedding every six months to prevent the buildup of dust mites, which can aggravate allergies. Sheets should be washed weekly or monthly, depending on how often they are used.
5. Put on a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a thin yet protective sheet that goes over your mattress. It is the first defense against dirt, dust mites, spills, and other accidents. This layer of protection will help to keep your mattress in good condition for years to come.
It’s cheap and easy to protect your mattress from liquids, stains, and dirt. A waterproof mattress protector is important if you have kids or pets, as it prevents liquids from reaching the bed and stains from getting on the mattress.
A quality mattress protector will protect the mattress from spills and stains, but it can also be used for years rather than replacing it all at once when it wears out.
FAQs About Smelling Mattress
Why does my mattress Smell like rotten eggs
A mattress that smells like rotten eggs could signify an insect infestation. This can happen if the infestation is severe enough and has reached the foundation of your home or mattress.
Your new mattress can smell like rotten eggs because the foam inside the mattress has not been exposed to the air. The smell will dissipate over time, but in the meantime, you can put a sheet over the mattress to keep the smell from bothering you.
Why does my mattress Smell like Paint
Your mattress smells like paint due to the chemical reaction when some organic compounds in the mattress react, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs are then absorbed into the surrounding air, making your mattress smell like paint.
If you notice a strong paint smell coming from your mattress, it is likely because of the chemical coating on the outside. The chemicals in this coating are called polyurethane. Some people find the smell of this chemical offensive, while others enjoy it because they feel it is a pleasant scent that reminds them of fresh paint.
Why does my mattress Smell like Garlic
One of the most common causes of a garlic smell from your mattress is if you have spilled food or drinks on it, and the odor can linger in the mattress fibers and make them smell. The other most common cause of a garlic smell coming from your mattress is if you have pets that sleep on the bed with you and leave an unpleasant odor behind.
Why does my mattress Smell Like Mildew
Mildews are usually caused by moisture, so if you notice that the mattress is damp, it may be because of a leaky roof or seeping from the windows. If you see that your bedding smells like mildew and there are no leaks in
The most common cause of a mattress smelling like mildew is moisture and mold. The best way to eliminate this problem would be by purchasing a dehumidifier that can help you keep your mattress dry. If the problem persists, you might consider purchasing a mattress protector to protect your mattress from mold and moisture and keep it clean.
How do you make a mattress smell nice?
Add a few drops of essential oil onto the baking soda before sprinkling it over the mattress to absorb any bad smells and leave a fresh scent behind.
There are a few essential oils that you can use to calm the senses. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and vetiver are some of the best essential oils. They can be diffused in the air or added to a carrier oil and used as a massage oil.
Why does my mattress Smell like Fish
Fishy smells could indicate the presence of ammonia, urine, sweat, and other organic compounds. So, urine, sweat, and other organic compounds could make your mattress smell like fish.
If you have a mattress that smells like fish, it could be caused by the growth of bacteria in your bedding. The best way to get rid of this is to wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly.
Why does my Mattress Smell like Vinegar
Vinegar is popular for cleaning mattresses, carpets, and other porous surfaces. When vinegar is used as a cleaning agent on your mattress, it can leave a vinegar smell.
If you are experiencing a vinegar smell from your mattress, make sure to air out the mattress to let it dry completely before sleeping on it again. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly, but you may have a slight lingering smell afterward if you’re sensitive to smells.
Why does my mattress Smell like Sour
Sour is a smell that many different agents may cause, and it can also result from the decomposition of organic material, such as mold or mildew. The most common agent in sour smells is yeast, a fungus found in many types of food.
The most common cause of a smelly mattress is that it has been stored in an area with a lot of pet or human urine. The smell can also come from bacteria, mold, and mildew buildup from being wet and not aired out.
How Long Does a New Mattress Smell Last?
New mattresses often have a strong chemical odor lasting up to four weeks. During this time, the scent will dissipate and eventually fade away completely.
When you first get a new mattress, it’s likely to have a strong chemical smell. The “new mattress smell” is due to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the foam and other materials used in the bed construction. Depending on how many VOCs are in the mattress and how effectively you air out your new bed, the stretch period can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Is the New Mattress Smell Harmful?
The New Mattress Smell can be harmful and cause various health problems such as headaches, irritability, asthma, and allergies due to the chemicals used for manufacturing.
The chemicals that cause off-gassing vary depending on the materials. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs can cause the new mattress to smell, and these compounds can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. However, the smell is only harmful to those sensitive to strong odors.