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To get rid of a mattress smell, first figure out what is causing it. For general and sweat odors, strip and wash your bedding, vacuum the mattress, cover it with baking soda for several hours or overnight, then vacuum again. For urine or pet accidents, blot and treat the spot with an enzyme cleaner, which breaks down the uric acid that baking soda cannot. For a musty smell, dry the mattress fully and lower the humidity in your bedroom. Then protect it with a waterproof mattress protector so odors do not come back.
A good night's sleep sets up a good day, and research shows that even a little sleep loss can affect your mood. A smelly mattress makes it hard to relax at bedtime. The good news: most mattress odors can be removed with a few household items and the right method for the right smell.
Key takeaways
- Match the method to the odor. Baking soda absorbs general and sweat odors, while enzyme cleaners break down urine.
- Leave baking soda on for several hours or overnight for the best results, then vacuum it up.
- Use as little liquid as possible, especially on memory foam, and let the mattress dry completely.
- Keep bedroom humidity between 30 and 50 percent to prevent musty smells and mold.
- A waterproof mattress protector is the easiest way to stop odors before they start.
Identify the smell first
Different odors need different fixes. Baking soda works well on sweat but cannot break down urine, and an enzyme cleaner will not help with new-mattress smell. Use this table to choose the right approach.
| Smell | Likely cause | Best fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stale or sour | Sweat and body oils absorbed over time | Wash bedding, vacuum, then baking soda for several hours or overnight |
| Ammonia-like | Urine from kids, adults or pets | Blot, then treat with an enzyme cleaner |
| Musty or damp | Trapped moisture, mildew or mold | Dry thoroughly, lower humidity, replace if mold is inside |
| Chemical, "new" smell | Off-gassing from new foam | Air it out in a ventilated room |
| Smoke or food | Odors absorbed from the room | Vacuum, baking soda, fresh air and sunlight |
How to deodorize a mattress, step by step
This routine works for most everyday odors, including sweat, stale air and light smoke or food smells.
- Strip the bed and wash everythingWash sheets, pillowcases and your mattress protector in the hottest water the care labels allow, and dry them completely.
- Vacuum the mattressUse an upholstery attachment and go slowly over the top, sides and seams to lift dust, skin cells and debris.
- Spot clean any stainsBlot (never rub) with a small amount of mild dish soap and cool water on a cloth. Use as little liquid as possible.
- Cover it with baking sodaSprinkle a thin, even layer over the whole surface. For a stronger effect, mix in an equal amount of cornstarch, which helps absorb oils. Leave it on for several hours, and up to overnight for stubborn odors.
- Vacuum againRemove all of the powder, including along the seams and edges.
- Air it outOpen windows, run a fan or, if you can, let the mattress sit in indirect sunlight. Make sure it is completely dry before you remake the bed.
Caring for memory foam: never soak a memory foam mattress or spray it heavily. Foam absorbs liquid and dries slowly, which can lead to musty smells. Mist or blot lightly, use fans to speed drying, and always check your mattress care label first.
What about white vinegar?
A light mist of equal parts white vinegar and water can help with mild odors on the surface. Expect a vinegar smell until it dries, use it sparingly on foam and follow up with baking soda. For strong or organic odors, an enzyme cleaner works better.
How to remove urine and pet odors from a mattress
Urine contains uric acid crystals that baking soda cannot break down, so the smell can return on humid days unless you treat it properly. Enzyme cleaners break down organic matter, including the source of the odor.
- Blot right awayStrip the bed and press dry towels into the wet area. Do not rub, which pushes urine deeper.
- Apply an enzyme cleanerUse a cleaner labeled safe for mattresses or fabric and follow the label directions. It needs to reach as deep as the urine did, without soaking the mattress.
- Blot again and add baking sodaOnce the cleaner has worked, blot up the excess, then sprinkle baking soda over the area to draw out moisture and odor.
- Dry completelyRun a fan and open windows, then vacuum the baking soda once the mattress is fully dry. Repeat if any smell remains.
For older urine stains, many cleaning guides recommend a spot treatment of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Test it on a hidden area first, because peroxide can lighten some fabrics.
How to fix a musty or mildew smell
A musty smell usually means moisture. The key to mold control is moisture control. Dry the mattress thoroughly with fans or a dehumidifier and keep your bedroom's humidity between 30 and 50 percent. A simple humidity monitor from a hardware store can help.
If you see mold growing on or inside the mattress, it is time to replace it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, absorbent or porous materials may need to be thrown away if they become moldy, because mold can fill the empty spaces inside them and be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
Why does a new mattress smell?
That "new mattress" smell is off-gassing, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new foam. It is common, especially with mattresses that arrive compressed in a box, and it usually fades as the mattress airs out.
MLILY foams are CertiPUR-US certified. CertiPUR-US certified foam is tested by an independent lab for low VOC emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million), and is made without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, regulated phthalates, mercury, lead and other heavy metals. Certification does not mean zero smell, so unbox your new mattress in a well-ventilated room and give it time to breathe before you put sheets on it.
How to keep your mattress smelling fresh
- Use a waterproof mattress protector. It is a washable barrier between you and your mattress that blocks sweat, spills and accidents.
- Wash your bedding every week or two. We naturally sweat and shed skin cells every night.
- Let your bed breathe. Pull back the covers for a few minutes in the morning so moisture can escape.
- Control humidity. Aim for 30 to 50 percent humidity in your bedroom.
- Vacuum your mattress every time you deep clean your bedroom, and deodorize it with baking soda every few months.
- Keep food and pets off the bed if odors are a recurring problem.
Choosing an MLILY mattress protector
| Protector | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single Sided Polyester | Top surface, waterproof | Essential everyday protection |
| 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo | Top and sides, fits mattresses up to 18" deep | Breathable moisture control |
| 5-Sided Super Cooling | Top and sides, fits mattresses up to 18" deep | Hot sleepers who sweat at night |
| Fully Encased 360° | All six sides with a zipper closure | Maximum protection from allergens, spills, dust and bed bugs |
When to replace your mattress
Cleaning can fix most odors, but it may be time for a new mattress if:
- The smell comes back soon after deep cleaning, or never fully goes away
- You can see mold or mildew
- The mattress has soaked up a large spill or flood that could not be dried within a day or two
- It sags, has lumps or no longer feels supportive
Every MLILY mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Explore the MLILY mattress lineup, or lie down on one at a retailer near you.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I leave baking soda on a mattress?
At least a few hours, and up to overnight for stronger odors. Longer contact gives it more time to absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum it all up afterward.
What is the best way to get urine smell out of a mattress?
Blot the area, then treat it with an enzyme cleaner, which breaks down the uric acid that causes the smell. Follow up with baking soda and let the mattress dry completely.
Can I use vinegar on a memory foam mattress?
Only a light mist. Never soak memory foam, because it holds moisture and can develop a musty smell. Let it dry fully and follow with baking soda.
Why does my mattress smell musty?
A musty smell usually means moisture. Dry the mattress, keep bedroom humidity between 30 and 50 percent and replace the mattress if you see mold.
How long does new mattress smell last?
It usually fades as the mattress airs out. Unbox it in a well-ventilated room and let it breathe before adding sheets. CertiPUR-US certified foams, like MLILY's, are tested for low VOC emissions.
How can I keep my mattress from smelling?
Use a waterproof mattress protector, wash your bedding every week or two, let your bed air out in the morning and keep bedroom humidity in check.
Ready for a fresh start?
If your mattress is past saving, try MLILY's CertiPUR-US certified mattresses in person at more than 1,500 retail locations nationwide, and protect your new bed from day one.
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home; CertiPUR-US, Frequently Asked Questions; U.S. News 360 Reviews, How to Clean a Mattress; Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine, Sleep and Mood. Always check your mattress care label before cleaning.
