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The Spruce / Alli Waataja
Stains are just a frustrating fact of daily life. But any way you spin it (or flip it!), a stained, smelly mattress just doesn’t seem appealing. We think keeping your mattress in great shape with an effective mattress cleaning solution can actually make your bedroom feel cleaner and your sleep more restful. Whether you’re getting rid of stains or other types of accidents, look for a mattress cleaner that is formulated for your needs and easy to apply.
“Cleaning a mattress may seem like it will be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be,” explains Angela Brown, author of How to Start Your Own House Cleaning Company and CEO of Savvy Cleaner Training for House Cleaners and Maids. “With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your mattress clean and smelling fresh for a long time.”
Spray mattress cleaners are popular because they’re easy to use and budget-friendly. Cleaning machines, on the other hand, are more expensive, but also some of the most effective. No matter which method you pick, we've got a load of options to get your mattress clean!
Best Overall
Bissell 1400B Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
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Amazon
Very effective
Can use on a variety of surfaces
Will last for years
Cleaning solution sold separately
To really deep clean your mattress, it’s best to rely on both a cleaning solution and physical cleaning. We think the Bissell Little Green cleaner is easy to use and very portable. All you need to do is fill the cleaning solution tank with the best formula for your needs. Bissell makes refills that work with the unit, but other enzyme-based cleaners or professional strength for heavy smells and stains will work, too.
The cleaner is powered up to target specific areas. The cleaning is applied directly to the stain, then vacuumed up. Dirty solution, including the particles that cause the stain, collects right in the water reservoir. When you’re done, simply empty the reservoir and store the cleaner alongside your vacuum or mop. It has a carrying handle on the top to make moving it around easy.
Because you’ll need to purchase a cleaning solution for this unit, the bill can certainly add up. Fortunately, it lasts for years and can be used on any stain or mess. That means less wear on your carpets and upholstery as well as your mattress. Bissell also donates money to pets in need with every purchase, so you can feel good about your purchase, too!
Price at time of publish: $124
Type: Machine | Dimensions: 8.25 x 17.25 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 9.65 pounds | Capacity: 48 ounces | Time Needed: N/A | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Best Budget
Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover
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Amazon
Works on a variety of surfaces
Easy to spray
Works on food, wine, dirt, and urine
Specific time allotment for stains
Not only is this stain remover and cleaner very budget-friendly, but it can also work on a variety of surfaces around your home, making it extra functional and efficient. It’s safe for surfaces that can be cleaned with water-based cleaners and wet solvents. These are noted on most surfaces or listed by the manufacturer as W or Ws on the tag. This cleaner is ideal for mattresses, most carpets, upholstery, and other common surfaces. It can lift up food, wine, juice, and urine.
You should only use this formula on the stain for 5 minutes. Let it sit, then blot it up. Resist the urge to rub the surface back and forth because that might actually force the stain further into the fibers. Instead, blot with a clean, dry cloth or old rag.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 2.75 x 4.55 x 10.38 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Capacity: 22 ounces | Time Needed: 5 minutes | Do Not Use On: Velvet, silk, vinyl, leather
Best Spray
Hate Stains Co. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater
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Amazon
Works on a variety of stains
Safe for all surfaces
Works right away
Expensive
Small capacity
This pocket-sized spray is made specifically for parents of babies, but it works for any household that has to deal with stains and cleaning. It uses a gentle formula that is still super effective on stains. The formula works on food, grass and dirt, and urine stains as well. You can actually see the stains lessen after just a few seconds. After letting it sit, you can blot up any extra to get rid of stains completely.
The spray bottle is quite small, which makes it portable. This also means that it gets used up quickly. It comes in a set of two but is still pricey. It is safe for all surfaces as well as pets and children. The Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Spray is great for homes that want one product that they can use on all surfaces without worry.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 1.5 x 3 x 6.25 inches | Weight: 9 ounces | Capacity: 9 ounces | Time Needed: Not listed | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Best Stain Remover
Kleanlogik Mattress Stain Remover Spray
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Amazon
Effective on new and old stains
Safe for colorfast fabrics
Easy to use applicator
Small bottle
We love that this spot treatment is made specifically for mattresses and is effective on grass, wine, oil, and blood. It lifts up stains to make your mattress look as good as new. It’s most effective and fast on newer stains, but it’ll also work on older, dried up stains, tool. Plus, it’ll take care of those mishaps on white and colorfast fibers without damaging the look or color.
It’s a small capacity and meant to be a spot treatment rather than a larger cleaning regimen. To use, just spray on the stain. It starts working right away to lift up the mess. Just make sure the stain is fully covered, which might mean using up quite a bit of the cleaning solution on individual spots and stains. Don’t rub back and forth to clean out the stain. Instead, just dab until the cleaning solution (and the stain) are gone.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 10.35 x 2.91 x 2.13 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Capacity: 8 ounces | Time Needed: Not listed | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Best Enzyme
Angry Orange Odor Eliminator & Pet Stain Remover
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Amazon
Breaks down stains and odors
Great for pet odors
Pleasant scent
Smell lasts for hours
This solution works for stains and odors by using an enzyme formula to dissolve the molecules that actually cause odors. How does it work? These enzymes help lift proteins, tannins, and oil stains from fabrics. It’s especially effective on pet stains and odors, such as ammonia. Expect Angry Orange to have a mild citrus scent that masks the unpleasant smells it removes. It also comes in a fresh scent.
You should make sure to let the area dry completely before letting pets or small children around it. The formula is not safe, especially if you think they might accidentally ingest the solution. The scent is meant to last for a few hours at least. If you prefer something unscented, you may want to try a different enzyme-based cleaner.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 9 inches | Weight: 32 ounces | Capacity: 32 ounces | Time Needed: Immediate | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Best for Pet Odor
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
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Amazon
Breaks down pet odor
Enzyme-based formula
Works on a variety of surfaces
Takes longer for full effectiveness
Having a pet that has accidents on your mattress is the not-so-fun part of owning your cute doggie, but the Rocco & Roxie spray cleaner is the best option to take care of both stains and odors. It uses enzymes to break down the stain and lift it up. This spray is also safe to use on carpet and upholstery, as well as safe for pets and people. The best aspect is that it removes smelly odor for good, reducing the likelihood that your pet will have an accident in the same place.
You’ll need to let it sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes for the best results. Older stains and messes may take more time. It works by breaking down the ammonia crystals. More crystals to break down means more time or more solution. You won’t need a ton, but larger stains will take a bit more care.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 10 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 2 pounds | Time Needed: 5-10 minutes | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Best Professional Strength
Resolve Professional Strength Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner
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Amazon
Works quickly
Targeted spray nozzle
Extra-strong formula
Harsh chemical smell
This pro strength cleaner works by lifting stains out of the fibers in your mattress. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle with a targeted nozzle. This setup helps you make the most out of the cleaner while also keeping it directed at the stain itself. It only takes around 30 seconds to work on most stains, including tough ones such as tomato sauce, oil, wine, makeup, and pet stains.
Because it is a professional strength formula, the chemical smell is stronger from this spray than some other options. It dissipates quickly, but may bother some people who are especially sensitive.
Price at time of publish: $8
Type: Spray | Dimensions: 3.31 x 5.13 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Capacity: 32 ounces | Time Needed: 30 seconds | Do Not Use On: Not listed
Our top pick, Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, uses physical cleaning mechanisms as well as cleaning solution to lift up stains for good. It's also easy to use and very portable. For something more budget-conscious, consider the Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover. It comes in a ready-to-use spray cleaner and is safe for most surfaces in your home.
What to Look for in a Mattress Cleaner
Type and Application
Spray cleaners are the most popular because they are both easy to use and affordable. They often have a trigger handle and spray nozzle that can be shifted from off to on. Machine cleaners are more expensive, but use both cleaning solution and physical cleaning methods to lift up stains and odors. That's why we selected the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner as our top pick. It works with a variety of cleaning solutions to lift up stains and odors quickly and efficiently.
Mattress Compatibility
Most mattresses can be cleaned using a standard spray cleaning solution. Make sure that your mattress can be cleaned using wet solvents. The exception is Tempurpedic and other memory foam mattresses. These should not be saturated. If you aren’t sure, try testing a small, inconspicuous area of your mattress with the solution first.
Coverage Size
The amount of solution that you need will depend on the severity of the stain or odor. Older stains may need more cleaning solution to get down to the dirt and break it down. Most cleaning solutions recommend covering the stain completely to get the best results.
Drying Time
Some cleaners start working right away while others can take up to 5 or 10 minutes to show results. In most cases, you should blot up the stain before it dries, using a clean towel or rag. After that, the area will dry within a few minutes and will typically be safe to lay on again. Of course, the more the area is treated by solution, the longer it will take to dry completely. You should make sure that your mattress is completely dry before putting anything on top of it, such as sheets or other bedding.
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Can you clean a heavily soiled mattress?
To clean a heavily soiled mattress, you may want to try steam cleaning. Memory foam mattresses, such as Tempurpedic, that can’t be steam cleaned, can be cleaned in multiple steps by treating spots, washing the mattress cover, and vacuuming the mattress itself.
Angela Brown, author of How to Start Your Own House Cleaning Company and CEO of Savvy Cleaner Training for House Cleaners and Maids, recommends paying close attention to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and giving your mattress plenty of time to dry after a deep cleaning. “Allow the mattress to air out completely before replacing the bedding. Airing out a mattress may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment,” she says.
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Can you use a carpet cleaner on a mattress?
Mattress cleaners and carpet cleaners can be interchangeable as long as the solution is safe for the type of material. Both can help lift up stains and odors, especially enzyme-based formulas. You can always try a small section of your mattress with a carpet cleaner to make sure before using it on the entire surface.
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What is the best way to clean and freshen up a mattress?
To deep clean a mattress, first remove all bedding and pillows. You can almost always wash them in a washing machine. Then, remove the mattress cover and wash that, too. The mattress itself can be vacuumed and (in most cases) treated with a spot cleaner to get rid of any odors and stains. Finally, make sure that your mattress dries completely before making the bed with fresh linens.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019.
To compile this list, Melynn looked for mattress cleaners that were effective as well as efficient, making special note when they could do double-duty in your home cleaning routine. She also talked with Angela Brown, author of How to Start Your Own House Cleaning Company and CEO of Savvy Cleaner Training for House Cleaners and Maids, about the best ways to keep your mattress clean and in great shape.