When it comes to maintaining a clean and hygienic living space, dealing with unexpected accidents like fecal stains on a mattress can be daunting.
However, handling these incidents promptly and effectively is essential to prevent permanent staining and odor and to ensure a healthy sleeping environment.
This guide offers nine simple yet effective home remedies to clean poop off a mattress, leveraging materials you likely have on hand. Each method offers unique benefits and suits different circumstances, from natural absorbents to enzyme cleaners.
Embrace cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions as we navigate through the process of stain removal, sanitization, and overall mattress hygiene.
How To Remove Poop Smell From Mattress
The unpleasant odor from fecal stains can permeate a mattress, disturbing your peaceful slumber. But don’t worry — numerous home remedies can help you reclaim your mattress’s clean, odor-free state.
These solutions leverage common household materials to neutralize the smell effectively. So, let’s dive into these accessible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly strategies to restore your mattress to its fresh and clean state.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Baking soda and vinegar have proven effective in removing tough stains, including fecal stains.
Step 1:
- Begin by blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth as much as possible to remove any excess matter.
Step 2:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the stain, completely covering it.
- Baking soda is known for its excellent absorbing properties, helping to draw out the moisture and odor from the stain.
Step 3:
- Leave the baking soda on the stain for about 30 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Step 4:
- Vacuum up the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner with a furniture attachment.
Step 5:
- Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Apply this solution to the stain using a cloth.
- Take care not to soak the mattress; a light application will suffice.
Step 6:
- Let the mattress dry completely.
- Place it in a sunny, dry area to assist the drying process.
This all-natural method eliminates stains and neutralizes any lingering odors thanks to the deodorizing properties of baking soda and vinegar.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap:
Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap are excellent allies when it comes to battling stubborn stains. Here’s why:
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer, making it effective in breaking down the proteins that can be found in fecal stains. It makes the stain more susceptible to the cleaning action of the dish soap.
Step 1:
- Start by gathering your cleaning supplies.
- You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, a small bowl, and a clean cloth or sponge.
Step 2:
- Mix two parts of hydrogen peroxide in your bowl with one part of dish soap.
- Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3:
- Dip your cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution, then gently dab it onto the stain.
- Be sure to cover all affected areas, but avoid soaking the mattress.
Step 4:
- Leave the cleaning solution to work on the stain for about 30 minutes.
- This gives the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap time to break down the elements of the stain.
Step 5:
- After 30 minutes, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove the cleaning solution and the stain.
Step 6:
- Repeat the previous steps if the stain is still visible until it is completely gone.
Step 7:
- Once the stain is removed, let your mattress dry completely.
- Place it in a sunny, dry area to speed up the drying process if you can.
Remember, patience is key when it comes to stain removal. Don’t be discouraged if the stain doesn’t disappear after the first application. It might take a few tries, but this method is proven to be effective for most stains.
3. Lemon Juice and Salt:
Lemon juice and salt form an effective natural remedy for stain removal. The acid in lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, helping to lighten stains, while its citric acid content breaks down the organic material in the stain.
On the other hand, salt acts as a mild abrasive that can help scrub away the stain physically. Combined, these two ingredients create a potent stain remover that can tackle even the most stubborn stains.
Step 1: Create the Cleaning Solution
- Mix equal parts of lemon juice and salt to form a paste.
- The consistency should be thick enough to stay on the stain but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread.
Step 2: Apply the Paste
- Using a cloth or sponge, apply the paste directly to the stain.
- Make sure to cover all of the stains and a bit of the surrounding area.
Step 3: Let it Sit
- Leave the paste on the stain for 1-2 hours.
- The acid in the lemon juice needs time to break down the stain, and the salt needs time to absorb it.
Step 4: Scrub the Stain
- After 1-2 hours, scrub the stain with a clean, dry cloth.
- The salt in the paste will help scrub the stain away.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
- Rinse the area with cool water and blot dry with a clean cloth.
- Make sure the mattress is completely dry before replacing any bedding.
Step 6: Repeat if Necessary
- If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps.
- This method is effective but might need a couple of applications for tougher stains.
It’s important to note that this method is safe for most types of mattresses. However, always do a spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t discolor or damage your mattress.
4. Cornstarch or Talcum Powder
Due to their high absorption properties, cornstarch, and talcum powder work effectively as cleaning agents. They excel at soaking up and absorbing oils, which are often a significant component of stains.
By pulling the oil out of the stain, they make it easier to clean and remove. Furthermore, cornstarch and talcum powder are gentle on most surfaces, significantly reducing the risk of causing further damage or discoloration to your mattress.
Step 1: Apply the Powder
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or talcum powder onto the stain.
- Make sure to cover the entire stain and a bit of the surrounding area.
Step 2: Let it Sit
- Leave the powder on the stain for at least 30 minutes.
- For tougher stains, it is beneficial to let the powder sit overnight.
- This allows plenty of time for the powder to absorb the oils from the stain.
Step 3: Brush Off the Powder
- After waiting, use a soft brush to remove the powder from the stained area.
- Be gentle to avoid spreading the stain.
Step 4: Vacuum the Area
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining powder from the mattress.
- Before proceeding to the next step, ensure the area is completely powder-free.
Step 5: Dampen a Cloth
- Dampen a clean cloth with a bit of water and mild detergent.
- Wring out excess water so the cloth is damp, not wet.
Step 6: Blot the Stain
- Use a damp cloth to blot the area gently.
- Do not rub, as this can spread the stain.
- Continue until no more stain is transferred onto the cloth.
Step 7: Dry the Area
- Once the stain is removed, dry the area thoroughly.
- You can use a clean, dry towel to blot up excess moisture, then let the area air dry completely before replacing any bedding.
Step 8: Repeat if Necessary
- If the stain is still visible, repeat the steps.
- Cornstarch and talcum powder are gentle on fabrics, making multiple applications safe for your mattress.
As always, it’s best to test this method on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it’s safe for your mattress material.
5. Borax:
Borax, scientifically known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound with powerful cleaning properties.
When used in stain removal, it acts as a powerful detergent booster, enhancing the effectiveness of other cleaning agents by converting some water molecules into hydrogen peroxide, a potent whitening agent.
It’s also a mild alkali, which helps to dissolve grease and oil. Furthermore, borax can break down proteins, helping to eliminate organic stains like blood or sweat.
It’s essential, however, to always test borax on an inconspicuous area first, as it can be harsh on certain fabrics.
Step 1: Create a Borax Solution
- Mix 1/2 cup of Borax with 2 cups of warm water in a bowl. Stir until the Borax is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Apply the Solution
- Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the Borax solution. Wring out any excess liquid so the cloth or sponge is damp, not soaking wet.
- Apply the solution to the stain gently, covering the entire stained area.
Step 3: Blot the Stain
- Using a clean, dry cloth, gently blot the area.
- The Borax solution should start to lift the stain out of the fabric.
- Remember not to scrub or rub, which can drive the stain deeper into the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
- After you’ve lifted as much of the stain as possible, rinse the area with cold water.
- Blot the area dry with a clean towel and let it air dry fully.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
- If the stain remains, repeat the steps.
- Borax is safe for most fabrics, but always test first on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause discoloration or damage.
Remember, treating a stain as soon as possible after it occurs will increase your chances of successful removal. Always use caution when working with cleaning solutions, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
6. Enzyme Cleaners:
Enzyme cleaners are a powerful tool in your stain-removal arsenal, particularly for organic stains such as blood, sweat, urine, or food.
These cleaners work by leveraging a specific type of protein called enzymes. These enzymes act as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions to break down complex organic molecules found in stains into smaller, more manageable ones.
Upon application, the enzymes in the cleaner attach themselves to the stain molecules and begin to break them down.
This process is called enzymatic hydrolysis. The end result is smaller molecules that are soluble in water and can be easily cleaned or rinsed away.
Like other cleaners, it’s essential to first test the enzyme cleaner on an inconspicuous area, as it can affect certain fabrics differently.
Apply the cleaner to the stain, giving it ample time to work (typically 15 minutes to an hour, but refer to the product’s instructions), then blot or rinse as needed. Repeat the process if necessary.
Using an enzyme cleaner employs a natural, often non-toxic way of dealing with stubborn stains. However, remember always to use these cleaners in a well-ventilated area and keep them out of reach of children and pets.