Removing an Exhaust Stain From a Mattress

Regular cleaning keeps a mattress looking its best.

Mattresses get dirty easily because they act as large sponges that absorb sweat and grease off of human bodies and this discolors mattress material over time. In addition, food, beverages and pet accidents all also commonly contribute to mattress stains. If the mattress is stored in a garage, even exhaust fumes will stain the mattress. Removing exhaust stains from a mattress requires some repetition but the sooner you attack them, the better the odds the mattress will come clean before the stains set permanently.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Absorbent cloth
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dry borax
• Steam cleaner

Instructions

1. Spray the exhaust stains with white vinegar. Vinegar is an effective stain remover that works well on mattresses since it doesn't get them too wet during the cleaning process.

2. Run an absorbent cloth under water and wring it out so it is slightly damp. Push the cloth down over the vinegar as it sets into the mattress and push down. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing at the exhaust stain since that is more likely to set it in.

3. Repeat the cycle of applying vinegar and then blotting it up with an absorbent cloth until the stain is gone or greatly reduced. If the vinegar is ineffective, try to same process with hydrogen peroxide.

4. Sprinkled dry borax over any remaining stains once the mattress has fully dried. Rub it gently into the stains and then apply the damp cloth to it again.

5. Apply a steam cleaner to the mattress stains if the other methods fail. Use a minimal water setting so the mattress doesn't get too wet. The steam cleaner's heat should remove any remaining exhaust. Dry the mattress immediately with a dry absorbent cloth as best you can and then move the mattress into direct sunlight until it is completely dry.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How To Clean And Remove Mattress Stains