If you have a stained pillow top mattress, you don't have to throw it away. A pillow top mattress provides extra comfort with a pillow layer on top of a firm mattress. Pillow top mattresses need to be cleaned more frequently since the top layer is more absorbent.
Cleaning a pillow top mattress is tricky, but not impossible. Here are tips to clean stains from a pillow top mattress.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- disposable work gloves
- cloths
- sponge
- vacuum with upholstery attachment
- spray bottle
- white distilled vinegar
- baking soda
- powdered laundry detergent
- upholstery shampoo
- hydrogen peroxide
- pet stain remover (optional)
Remove bedding, and if there is liquid, try to dab as much liquid as possible with a clean rag. Don't use paper towels, as they break easily, and they leave a white film on the mattress.
Vacuum the pillow top. Don't forget to vacuum under the lip. Vacuuming gets rid of surface debris. Test cleaners on a hidden area of the mattress to check for any reaction.
Apply Upholstery Shampoo
Keep water to a minimum, because pillow tops take a long time to dry. Dilute a small amount of upholstery shampoo with several drops of water in a spray bottle. Rub it into the pillow top with the scrub brush.
Dampen a sponge with vinegar, and blot the stain. Vinegar rinses the suds, and neutralizes odors.
Move the mattress outdoors to dry in the sun, if possible, or aim a fan at the wet area. Set the mattress on a clean blanket. The sun will help destroy mold spores.
Check the mattress after it dries for discoloring or odors. To treat odors, sprinkle baking soda over the pillow top, let it stay two or three hours, then vacuum. To treat discoloration, repeat the cleaning process.
Clean Tough Stains with Laundry Powder and Hydrogen Peroxide
Coat the pillow top with a mist of vinegar, and let it stand several minutes. Combine laundry powder with water until it forms a paste. Dab some of the solution on a cloth, apply it to the stain, and let the solution sit for around five minutes. Rub the stain, then vacuum.
Sprinkle baking soda all over the pillow top. Let it stay about three hours, then vacuum.
If the stain still remains, moisten a cloth in hydrogen peroxide, and rub the stain for a minute or two. For pet stains, use a pet stain remover with enzymes. Let the solution stand several minutes, and clean it with a cloth, then vacuum.
Keep mold and stains away from the pillow top by wiping up spills immediately. If nothing works to get rid of the stains, contact a professional cleaning service such as Maintenance One.
