How to Use Sol-U-Mel on a Mattress

According to Melaleuca, Sol-U-Mel is a fast-acting cleaning solution.

The Melaleuca company offers a wide range of eco-friendly wellness and cleaning products that contain extracts and oils of Melaleuca quinquenervia trees, from which the company derives its name. Among these products is the solvent Sol-U-Mel, a product in the EcoSense line that contains a 10 percent concentration of melaleuca oil. According to the company, this natural cleaning product dissolves tough stains from soft surfaces, such as mattresses, carpets and clothing. Additionally, Sol-U-Mel serves as a deodorizer.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle of full-strength Sol-U-Mel
• Lint-free cloths
• Spray bottle of diluted Sol-U-Mel

Instructions

Stain Removal

1. Strip any sheets, comforters, pillows or other bedding from the mattress before beginning the stain removal process.

2. Spritz an unnoticeable area of the mattress, such as a bottom corner or its underside, with a small amount of full-strength Sol-U-Mel. Blot it the spot out with a damp, lint-free cloth and allow it to dry to test your mattress for color fastness. Proceed if Sol-U-Mel doesn't discolor your mattress, or consider an alternative solution if it does.

3. Spray the stained area of the mattress with Sol-U-Mel, completely covering the stain with the liquid solvent.

4. Allow the Sol-U-Mel to sit for up to five minutes, depending on the severity of the stain. This allows the solvent to penetrate and dissolve the stain.

5. Dab the spot with a clean, damp lint-free cloth once the stain has dissolved. Allow the spot to air dry completely.

Deodorizing

1. Dilute Sol-U-Mel in a spray bottle. Create a mixture of five parts water and one part Sol-U-Mel.

2. Remove sheets, pillows and other bedding from the mattress.

3. Spray the surface of the mattress with a light, even spritzing of Sol-U-Mel to eliminate odors, such as those related to smoke, accidents or pets. Allow the mattress to air dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Melaleuca recommends Sol-U-Mel as a solvent for stains including paint, marker, ink, nail polish, coffee, sap, gum, grease, tar and crayons.

• You can also opt to use a wet-dry handheld vacuum cleaner rather than a blotting cloth to absorb Sol-U-Mel after it has penetrated the stain.

References

• EcoSense: Sol-U-Mel
• University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: Melaleuca
• EcoSense: Safer for Your Home
• Brentano: Textile Maintenance

Resources

• Melaleuca