How do I make my mattress smell good: 4 easy tips

Are you looking for a way to make your mattress smell better? No worries, I’ll guide you here.

As we know, pleasant smells make us feel good. Similarly, a lovely smell improves our sleep quality because of the olfactory system ( our bodily structures that serve the sense of smell ) related to our brain which controls our emotions and sleep.

Whether you have a premium mattress or a low-budget mattress, you’ll want to protect it from bad odor and start smelling good. Mattresses with good smell greatly impact our sleep quality and mattress lifespan.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a mattress smell good and how to prevent a bed from bad and unpleasant smells.

How do I make my mattress smell good ?

A fresh-smelling mattress can improve your sleep quality and make your bedroom feel more inviting. But over time, mattresses can accumulate odors, stains, and oils from sweat or body lotions. Don’t worry! With the right tools and methods, you can get rid of mattress odors and make it smell as good as new. Below are some proven ways to refresh your mattress, along with tips to prevent bad smells in the future.

Baking soda ( get rid the odor )

Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and one of the easiest ways to freshen up your mattress.

• How to Use: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress surface. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight for better results.
• Tip: For deeper odors, gently rub the baking soda into the fabric with a soft brush.
• Final Step: Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress thoroughly.

This simple trick helps absorb moisture, odors, and sweat, leaving your mattress feeling fresh and odor-free.

Essential oil ( Add a pleasant smell )

If you love a hint of fragrance, essential oils can give your mattress a soothing aroma. Lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils are popular choices since they also have antimicrobial properties.

• How to Use: Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with baking soda. Spread the mixture evenly across the mattress surface.
• Pro Tip: Use a spray bottle to mist diluted essential oils lightly if you prefer a more subtle scent.

This will not only keep your mattress smelling great but also help you relax while you sleep.

Cornstarch ( get rid body oil )

Body oils and sweat tend to accumulate over time, making your mattress feel grimy. Cornstarch works wonders in absorbing oils that cause unwanted smells.

• How to Use: Sprinkle cornstarch on oily or stained areas of the mattress. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oils.
• Final Step: Vacuum thoroughly to remove the cornstarch and any remaining residue.

Incorporating this into your cleaning routine will keep your mattress fresher for longer.

Laundry Detergent ( Best for spot cleaning stains )

Spills and stains can lead to unpleasant odors if not cleaned properly. Laundry detergent is a powerful cleaner for spot-treating stains.

• How to Use: Mix a small amount of liquid detergent with water to create a soapy solution. Dip a cloth into the solution and gently blot the stain.
• Important Tip: Avoid soaking the mattress with too much water. After cleaning, let the mattress air dry completely.

Spot cleaning ensures that stains won’t develop odors over time, keeping your mattress hygienic.

How to prevent mattress from bad smell

Preventive measures are just as important as cleaning. Follow these tips to ensure your mattress stays fresh year-round.

1. Clean Your Mattress Regularly

Regular cleaning your mattress is the key to avoiding odors and maintaining a fresh sleeping surface. Use baking soda or vacuum the mattress after few months to keep your mattress fresh. Learn our guide how to clean your mattress without using vacuum cleaner.

2. Rotate Your Mattress

Rotating your mattress helps distribute wear evenly and prevents body impressions. Over time, these impressions can trap moisture and odors. Rotate your mattress every three to six months for optimal results.

3. Add protector to your mattress

A mattress protector acts as a protective barrier against sweat, spills, and dust mites. Choose a waterproof and breathable protector for extra protection and wash it frequently to maintain hygiene.

4. Ventelite your mattress properly

Allow your mattress to breathe by airing it out regularly. Open windows to promote airflow and reduce humidity. If possible, place your mattress under direct sunlight for a few hours, as sunlight helps eliminate odors and bacteria naturally.

Steps to keep your mattress fresh

1. Use a Mattress Protector: ( Protect Your Mattress from Stains )

One of the easiest ways to keep your mattress in top condition is by using a mattress protector. It acts as a barrier, preventing spills, body oils, and dust mites from seeping into the mattress.

• Tip: Choose a waterproof yet breathable protector to block stains while allowing airflow.
• Bonus: Many protectors are machine-washable, making them easy to maintain.

Using a mattress protector ensures your mattress stays hygienic and stain-free for years.

2. Clean Your Mattress Regularly: ( Increase Mattress Lifespan )

Regular mattress cleaning not only removes dirt and allergens but also increases its lifespan. Dust, sweat, and dead skin cells can accumulate over time, leading to wear and tear.

• How to Clean: Sprinkle baking soda across the surface and let it sit for a few hours to absorb moisture and odors. Then, vacuum thoroughly to remove the residue.
• Tip: Spot-clean any spills immediately with a mild detergent to avoid stains from setting in.

By following a regular cleaning routine, you can ensure your mattress remains in top-notch condition for years to come.

3. Clean the Bed Foundation: ( Keep Your Mattress Fresh )

Many people overlook the importance of a clean bed foundation. However, the base can collect dust and allergens, which can transfer to the mattress over time.

• How to Clean: Wipe down wooden or metal frames with a damp cloth. For box springs, vacuum the surface to remove dust.
• Pro Tip: Make this part of your regular cleaning schedule to keep your mattress and bedroom feeling fresh.

A clean foundation provides better support and prevents dust buildup, keeping your mattress fresh longer.

4. Make Sure Your Room is Well-Ventilated: ( Prevent Moisture Buildup )

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free mattress. Poor air circulation can trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew growth over time.

• How to Improve Ventilation: Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to flow through your room. If possible, place your mattress in direct sunlight occasionally to help eliminate bacteria and odors.
• Bonus Tip: Consider using a dehumidifier if your room tends to be humid.

A well-ventilated room ensures your mattress stays dry, preventing unpleasant smells and prolonging its life.

5. Wash Your Bedding: ( Keep Your Mattress Clean & fresh )

Clean bedding is crucial for a fresh mattress. Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets can absorb sweat, oils, and allergens, which can transfer to the mattress if left unwashed.

• How Often to Wash: Wash your bedding every 1-2 weeks in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria.
• Tip: Use hypoallergenic laundry detergents if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

Fresh bedding creates a cleaner sleeping environment and protects your mattress from dirt and stains.

Final words

A fresh and clean mattress doesn’t just feel good—it also promotes better sleep. With a few simple steps, like using baking soda, essential oils, cornstarch, and spot cleaning with detergent, you can effectively eliminate odors. To keep your mattress smelling great in the long run, adopt preventive habits like regular cleaning, rotation, adding a mattress protector, and proper ventilation.