Sweat · Mattress
Sweat Stains on a Mattress — How to Get Them Out
Sweat stains on a mattress respond well to a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap, which lifts the discoloration and neutralizes odor without soaking the foam or springs. Because you can't throw a mattress in the washer, you'll work on the surface and let it air-dry completely before making the bed again.
- Time2 hr
- DifficultyMedium
- MaterialMattress
Watch out
WarningNever soak a mattress; excess water seeps into foam and springs and can cause mold or mildew that you cannot remove.
TipTest the paste on a hidden edge of the mattress first to make sure the peroxide does not bleach colored fabric.
TipDo not use hot water on sweat stains; heat sets protein-based stains permanently.
Do this
Mix the cleaning paste
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tsp dish soap until you have a thick paste. The peroxide will bubble slightly — that's normal.
Make the paste fresh each time; hydrogen peroxide loses strength once mixed.
Apply the paste to the stain
Spread the paste over the sweat stain in an even layer, covering it completely. Let it sit for 30 minutes so the peroxide can break down the oils and the baking soda can absorb odor.
Scrub gently
Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to work the paste into the fabric in small circles. Scrub for about one minute, then let it sit another 15 minutes.
Lift away the dried paste
Once the paste is completely dry and crumbly, vacuum it up thoroughly. If any residue remains, brush it off with a dry cloth.
Blot with a damp cloth
Dampen a clean white cloth with cold water (coldest tap setting, under 70 °F) and blot the treated area to remove any leftover paste. Wring the cloth out well so you don't soak the mattress.
Air-dry completely
Leave the mattress uncovered in a well-ventilated room or prop it on its side near an open window or fan. It must be bone-dry before you put sheets back on, which can take several hours.
Point a box fan directly at the damp spot to speed drying and prevent mildew.
Common questions
What if the sweat stain is old and yellow?+
Old sweat stains need a second round. After the first treatment dries, apply the paste again and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing and vacuuming. The peroxide may take two cycles to lift deep discoloration.
Can I use baking soda alone without the peroxide?+
Baking soda by itself will absorb some odor but won't lift the yellow stain. The hydrogen peroxide is what breaks down the oils and discoloration. If you don't have peroxide, sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it sit overnight, and vacuum, but expect the color to remain.
How do I keep sweat stains from coming back?+
Use a waterproof mattress protector that you can unzip and wash every few weeks. It catches sweat before it reaches the mattress fabric. You can find them in the bedding aisle at most department stores or online.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on a memory-foam mattress?+
Yes, as long as you apply only a thin layer of paste and don't saturate the foam. Memory foam is especially vulnerable to moisture, so make sure the mattress is completely dry before you cover it again.
Same stain, other materials
SweatCotton
Sweat Stains on Cotton — How to Get Them Out
Sweat stains on cotton respond well to enzyme soap and baking soda, which break down the proteins and oils that cause yellowing. Cotton is durable enough to handle scrubbing and hot water, so you can treat both fresh and set-in stains aggressively. The key is to work on the stain before it oxidizes and turns yellow, but even old underarm stains can be lifted with the right combination of products.
SweatCotton
Sweat Stains on Cotton Shirts — Get Them Out
Sweat stains on cotton shirts respond best to enzyme treatment followed by a baking-soda paste, because the yellowing comes from a mix of body oils, proteins, and aluminum in antiperspirant. Cotton is durable enough to handle scrubbing and peroxide, so you can attack both fresh and set-in underarm stains without worrying about damaging the weave.
SweatLinen
Sweat Stains on Linen — How to Get Them Out
Sweat stains on linen respond well to enzyme soap and baking soda because linen is sturdy enough to handle scrubbing and soaking without damage. Fresh sweat lifts easily, but yellowed underarm stains need a soak to break down the oils and salts. Linen dries fast, so you can treat and rewash the same day.
SweatPolyester
Sweat Stains on Polyester — How to Get Them Out
Sweat stains on polyester respond well to enzyme soap and baking soda because polyester traps body oils and deodorant residue that turn yellow over time. Unlike natural fibers, polyester won't shrink or felt, so you can scrub and soak more aggressively. The key is breaking down the protein and oil buildup before washing.
SweatPolyester
Sweat Stains on Polyester — How to Get Them Out
Sweat stains on polyester shirts respond well to enzyme soap and white vinegar because polyester holds onto body oils and deodorant residue that trap odor and discoloration. Unlike natural fibers, polyester won't shrink or felt, so you can scrub more confidently—but it does need cooler water to prevent setting the stain permanently.