Allow the baking soda mixture to sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. This allows the mixture to absorb moisture, odors, and dirt particles deeply embedded in the mattress fibers. The longer it sits, the more effectively it will neutralize odors and eliminate stains.
Sprinkle enough baking soda over your mattress to cover it in an even layer. For minor odors, leave the baking soda to sit for at least half an hour. However, the longer you leave it, the more it absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. In fact, you can leave it for a full 24 hours for the best results.
Apply baking soda
The longer you let the soda sit, the better. At an absolute minimum it should be left for 30 minutes. By doing this, the baking soda will absorb the moisture and odours embedded in the mattress.
Wipe down the mattress with a large rag or cloth. If possible, place the mattress outside in the sun to dry. If you cannot place the mattress outside, place the mattress in a room with enough space that you can prop the mattress up on its side. Place fans on both sides of the mattress to help it dry quickly.
Time Matters: Let the baking soda sit undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. For deeper cleaning, especially if the mattress is particularly odorous or hasn't been cleaned in a while, leave it on for several hours or even overnight.
Spread a thick layer of baking soda over the affected area. Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours to absorb moisture from the mattress and help break down any remaining odor.
The longer the baking soda stays on the rug, the more odor, dirt, and oil it will absorb, for a more thorough clean. Try leaving baking soda on the carpet overnight and vacuuming in the morning.
In general, a mattress that is only slightly damp may dry in a few hours with good air circulation, while a mattress that is very wet may take a day or more to dry completely. It's important to be patient and allow the mattress to dry completely before using it again to avoid further damage or mold growth.
Moisture is the worst enemy of a foam mattress, since it can hasten the deterioration of foam and affect its performance and weaken the adhesive holding the layers together and ruin the mattress. Worst of all, moisture can accumulate and support mold growth.
Baking soda is good indefinitely past its best by date, although it can lose potency over time. You can use a rule of thumb—two years for an unopened package and six months for an opened package. While old baking soda may not produce as much leavening action, it is still safe to eat.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is cheap and easy to find. It's great for small areas and helps neutralize odors while absorbing moisture. Use it in closets or cabinets.
How to clean your mattress with Bicarbonate of Soda. With stained mattresses, make a paste with Bicarbonate of Soda and water and spread it on the stain and leave to dry. Later, brush off the dry Bicarbonate of Soda, which should have absorbed all the stain.
Leave the mattress for at least 30 minutes to allow the baking soda to take effect. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be. Even leaving it overnight isn't too long! Ideally, you want the soda to feel completely dry before removing it.
To start: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the very wet mattress. Allow it to sit for several hours or even overnight if possible, giving it ample time to absorb the moisture. Afterwards, simply vacuum up the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner, and you're good to go.
Leave it for as long as possible (ideally 12 hours) before wiping it all off with a sponge. 3. Next, spray white vinegar inside. This will react with any bicarbonate of soda that's left and make it easier to then remove any greasy spots or food that's stubbornly stuck on.
Quick Drying Techniques:
Use of a Hair Dryer: Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to target specific damp areas, moving it around to avoid overheating the mattress material. Sun Exposure: If feasible, placing the mattress in direct sunlight can expedite drying and also help disinfect the surface.
Growth of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, and a mattress with trapped moisture is the perfect breeding ground. Mold spores are notorious for causing respiratory problems, allergies, and general irritation, making it uncomfortable and even unhealthy to sleep on a moldy mattress.
Accidents happen. It's one of those facts of life. But they don't have to ruin your mattress. Whether you encounter a wet pee spot or a dried urine stain, the situation can ultimately be remedied with a few easy cleaning steps.
Q1: How can I tell if my mattress is completely dry? A1: The mattress should feel completely dry to the touch, with no signs of dampness or moisture. For thoroughness, check beneath the surface by pressing down firmly in various areas to ensure no moisture remains within.
Let the mattress dry for at least a day or two. You can't take the risk of the bed you sleep on every night becoming a dwelling place for mold. You can also take a cloth dampened by an alcohol solution and thoroughly wipe off the whole mattress.
This build up can then lead to yellow stains on your mattress, unpleasant odors and potentially unhygienic sleeping conditions. However, a really easy to way to keep your mattress feeling fresh is to let it breathe at least every 3-4 months.
Baking soda typically take at least 24 hours to absorb odors, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. For stubborn smells, however, it can take several days to soak up the odor.
Baking soda as a moisture absorber
Remove dampness by filling a small bowl with baking soda and placing it in the room you'd like to dehumidify. Although it's not as effective as rock salt in combating humidity, it's good for enclosed spaces where moisture is an issue.
The Food Marketing Institute's "The Food Keeper" recommends storing unopened baking soda at room temperature for 18 months. After opening, store at room temperature for 6 months for best quality.