How to Get Vinegar Smell Out of Mattress?
- By Jessica
- Last Update: July 06, 2023
Mattresses play a vital role in ensuring a good night’s sleep, but sometimes they can develop unpleasant odors. One common issue is the lingering smell of vinegar on mattresses. Whether it’s due to cleaning accidents or home remedies gone wrong, dealing with vinegar smell can be challenging.
In this article, we will explore effective methods to eliminate vinegar smell from mattresses, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and odor-free sleeping surface.
Table of Contents
Understanding Vinegar Smell in Mattress
Many people love using vinegar to clean mattresses because it aids in removing invisible organisms creating smells and stains by eliminating dust, sweat, dirt, and any dead skin sweat.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, or ethanoic acid, a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like odor. Vinegar is approximately 4-6% acetic acid in water.
Some of the things that cause vinegar smell in mattresses are the presence of bodily fluids, including urine and sweat. Also, dead skin cells, using damp and dirty mattresses, and bacteria accumulation can be a leading cause of your mattress smelling vinegar.
How to Get Vinegar Smell Out of Mattress?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get the vinegar smell out of the mattress.
Preparing the Mattress for Odor Removal
First, you must remove all the bedding and covers and only remain with your mattress. Afterward, you have to vacuum the mattress. Take a vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment and run it over the whole mattress surface, not forgetting the sides.
Remember to clean the seams, and you can adjust the crevice attachment to clean any hidden dust and dirt.
If you see any stains on your mattress, you can spot-clean them using an enzyme cleaner. You must only spray the cleaner on a cloth or sponge and blot the affected area. Then you can get another wet cloth to continue blotting the site until you get a clean surface.
Natural Remedies for Removing Vinegar Smell
Here are several natural remedies you can maximize to remove the vinegar smell from your bed. Have a look:
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is a cheaper and most convenient way to remove vinegar smells from your mattress. Sprinkle some baking soda around your mattress and allow it to sit for 2-3 days. Baking soda is an odor absorber that has the ability to eliminate any moisture and bad smells in your mattress.
After the soda absorbs all the smells and moisture, vacuum your mattress to remove the baking soda.
- Fresh Air and Sunlight Exposure
The other way to eliminate the vinegar smell is to let fresh air in. You need to understand that vinegar is a natural deodorizing agent. This means it binds to any molecules in the air and grabs any smells the molecules are causing.
You can open your room windows and let some fresh air in. The vinegar smell will bind to the new fresh air molecules, and the bad smell will disappear.
Another strategy is to take your mattress outside for sunlight exposure. Placing your mattress under the sun will allow it to disinfect and breathe. Additionally, the open air and direct sunlight assist with killing odors, mold, bacteria, and allergens that contribute to the vinegar smell.
It will also help dry up your mattress and prevent mold accumulation, which can cause mold and odors. After the mattress is fully dry, you can bring the mattress back indoors and continue using it.
Also see: How to Dry a Mattress after Bedwetting?
Other Odor-Eliminating Techniques
- Using Activated Charcoal
You can get activated charcoal in bulk and spread it in bowls. You can as well use charcoal briquettes in a pinch. Then place the charcoal bowls under your bed to avoid spilling charcoal everywhere in the room.
Allow the charcoal to absorb the odor. After the smell is gone, you remove the charcoal from the room, and your mattress will smell fresh again.
- Spraying a Vinegar and Water Solution
All you have to do is mix a half cup of white vinegar alongside 3 cups of hot water. Then put the mixture in a spray bottle and swirl it to combine.
Spray the solution around the smelly areas on your mattress and allow it to sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Afterward, use a dry or paper towel to remove the excess solution. Allow the mattress to dry before you use it again entirely.
- Apply Essential Oils
You must only use a small amount of baking soda and incorporate a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Then spread the mixture on the entire mattress and allow it to sit for 2 hours.
The good thing with this mixture is that it absorbs every dirty smell from your mattress, leaving it smelling fresh and clean. You can get many fragrances of essential oils such as jasmine and lavender. It all depends on your requirements and preference.
- Lemon
Using lemon to eliminate any bad smell from your mattress is an age-old practice that people have used for over a decade.
First, you need to take a good lemon and chop it into two portions. Then rub the two portions on the smelly or affected mattress areas. Depending on your requirement, you can also get more pieces of lemon and apply them all over the Mattress, including both sides of your cover.
The lemon usually eliminates the vinegar smells and dirty smell from your mattress. Ensure the lemon sits for some minutes before you can clean it off.
Another alternative you can use besides lemon pieces is lemon juice. You will have to use a soft cloth, spread lemon juice on the entire mattress cover or the affected areas, and allow it to sit for some minutes. Remember to wash the mattress cover after you have eliminated all the smells.
- Proper Vacuuming
Vacuuming is something you can perform daily. You need to have a vacuum cleaner to clean your mattress entirely. Vacuuming helps to get rid of dust and hair, which, if left, may contribute to bad smells on your mattress. You can utilize several cleaning procedures depending on your requirements.
You can use a soft or medium scrub brush to remove dust and air. Then use a wiping cloth to wipe your entire mattress.
Tips for Preventing Vinegar Smell in the Future
Below are some authentic tips that will help you prevent vinegar smell in the future.
- Use bed sheets on your mattress. If you have a busy schedule that can’t allow you to clean the mattress, you can use bed sheets and ensure you change them occasionally.
- Resist the urge to eat or drink on the mattress since, in case of spills. It can allow moisture to accumulate on your bed.
- Consider enzyme-based cleaners.
- Cover your mattress using a waterproof sealant or cover.
- Regularly air out or take your mattress outside for sun exposure to dry and kill any bacteria lingering inside it.
- Frequently do proper vacuuming of the mattress.
FAQs
Can I use white vinegar to clean my mattress?
Yes, you can use white vinegar to clean your mattress. However, make sure to dilute it with water before applying it to the mattress. Test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
How long does it take to remove vinegar smell from a mattress?
The duration can vary depending on the severity of the smell and the cleaning method used. It may take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the vinegar smell to dissipate completely.
Can I use commercial mattress cleaners to remove vinegar smell?
Yes, you can use commercial mattress cleaners, but ensure they are suitable for removing odors and safe for your specific mattress type. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
What if the vinegar smell persists even after cleaning?
If the vinegar smell persists, consider contacting a professional mattress cleaner who can provide specialized cleaning treatments to eliminate the odor effectively.
Can I sleep on the mattress immediately after cleaning?
It’s best to allow the mattress to dry completely before using it. Follow the instructions provided for each cleaning method to ensure proper drying time.
Can I use any type of vinegar to remove the smell from my mattress?
Yes, you can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both types of vinegar are effective in neutralizing odors.
Will the vinegar damage my mattress?
When used in moderation and properly diluted with water, vinegar will not cause any damage to your mattress. However, it is important to spot test a small, inconspicuous area of the mattress before applying vinegar to the entire surface.
Summary
A fresh-smelling mattress is essential for a long-lasting bed and your overall well-being. It saves you from bed bugs, dump odor, and allergic attacks. You can eliminate the vinegar smell by using baking soda, taking your mattress outside for sunlight exposure, and using activated charcoal, among many other options.
Always use bed sheets, get enzymatic-based cleaners, and resist the urge to drink and eat on the Mattress. By following the above tips, you will sleep on a clean and odor-free mattress.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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