Ever rolled into bed only to catch a whiff of something… off?
Mattresses soak up sweat, spills, and everyday life, so it’s no surprise they can start smelling less than fresh.
But don’t worry—you can deodorise your mattress and bring back that clean, crisp scent.
Key Takeaways
- Simple solutions to deodorise a mattress include: vacuuming, baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch, essential oils, and laundry detergent to remove unwanted smells.
- Common causes of bad smells in mattresses include sweat, spills, pet dander, and dust mites, which can affect freshness and hygiene.
- Keeping your mattress fresh is easy with regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and protective bedding like mattress protectors.
From pantry staples to deep-cleaning hacks, we’re covering everything you need to know to keep your mattress smelling as good as your freshly washed sheets. Keep reading or skip ahead to learn the best ways to deodorise your mattress.
Jump to a section:
- 6 Best Ways to Deodorise Your Mattress
- Other Tips to Keep Your Mattress Fresh
- What Causes Bad Smells in Your Mattress?
6 Best Ways to Deodorise Your Mattress
A fresh-smelling bed isn’t just nice—it makes slipping under the covers that much better.
Luckily, you don’t need fancy products to keep odours at bay. With a few simple tricks, you can deodorise your mattress and keep it feeling (and smelling) as fresh as your favourite linen spray.
1. Vacuuming
A quick vacuum can do wonders for odour control.
Regular vacuuming helps eliminate dirt, allergens, and odours before they sink in. A handheld vacuum with an upholstery brush works best for lifting stubborn particles.
Here’s how to vacuum your mattress efficiently:
- Strip the bed and wash all bedding to remove odours from every angle.
- Use the upholstery attachment and vacuum the entire surface in slow, overlapping strokes.
- Focus on seams, stitching, and crevices where dust and smells build up.
- Vacuum every few weeks to keep your mattress fresh.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best natural mattress deodorisers you can find. It works by absorbing moisture, neutralising odours, and breaking down stubborn smells trapped in your mattress.
Unlike artificial sprays that just mask odours, baking soda tackles them at the source—leaving your bed fresher without harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to use, making it a go-to solution for keeping your sleep space clean.
Here’s how to use baking soda on your mattress:
- Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the mattress.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper odour absorption.
- If possible, place your mattress in direct sunlight to help with moisture release.
- Vacuum thoroughly using the upholstery attachment to remove all residue.
3. Water and Vinegar
We get it—vinegar isn’t exactly the scent you want to cuddle up with. But don’t let that put you off.
White vinegar is a powerhouse natural cleaner, breaking down odours instead of just covering them up. And the best part? You probably already have some in your kitchen.
How do you use it on your mattress? Follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the mattress, focusing on areas prone to odours—don’t soak it.
- Let the mattress air dry completely before flipping it to treat the other side.
- If needed, follow up with a baking soda treatment for extra freshness.
The vinegar smell disappears as it dries, leaving your mattress fresher than before. Just make sure the bed is fully dry before putting your sheets back on to prevent moisture build-up.
If necessary, following this technique with the baking soda deodorising solution will help tackle tougher odours.
4. Cornstarch
Another kitchen staple with mattress-freshening superpowers, cornstarch works as both a mattress deodoriser and a stain remover.
The cornstarch helps soak up excess oils, while the baking soda neutralises odours—leaving your bed feeling fresher and cleaner. It’s especially effective when paired with baking soda, making it a dynamic duo for tackling smells and greasy residues.
Here’s how to use it:
- Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda.
- Evenly sprinkle the mixture across the mattress surface.
- Let it sit for up to 24 hours to absorb odours and body oils.
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove any residue.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils alone might mask odours, but they won’t remove the source.
To keep your mattress smelling fresh while tackling unwanted smells, add a few drops to your baking soda before sprinkling. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon are great options for a crisp, clean scent.
Lavender, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oils have natural antimicrobial properties, so they can help fight bacteria while giving your bed a spa-like scent.
If you want to use them to freshen your mattress, here’s how:
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your baking soda before sprinkling.
- For a quick refresh, mix essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the mattress.
- Allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting sheets back on.
6. Laundry Detergent
Your go-to for fresh-smelling clothes can also work wonders as a mattress deodoriser.
A mild, fragrant laundry detergent helps lift odours and refresh your mattress without harsh chemicals. It’s especially useful for spot-cleaning stains and areas that need extra attention.
Follow these steps on how to use it on your mattress:
- Mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent with warm water.
- Lightly dab the solution onto odour-prone areas using a clean cloth or sponge—avoid soaking the mattress.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Allow the mattress to air dry completely before making the bed.
For a dry alternative, sprinkle a small amount of powdered detergent over the mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. This method adds a subtle fresh scent while absorbing unwanted odours.
Regular spot cleaning with laundry detergent can help keep your mattress smelling clean and inviting.
Other Tips to Keep Your Mattress Fresh
Once you deodorise your mattress, the next step is maintaining that freshness for as long as possible.
A little upkeep goes a long way in keeping odours, dust, and allergens at bay—so you can sleep soundly in a cleaner, healthier bed.
Let It Breathe (+ Sunlight!)
Fresh air works wonders for a mattress. Strip off the bedding, open the windows, and let the room ventilate. If possible, prop the mattress up so both sides get airflow.
Sunlight is a natural deodoriser—it helps lighten stains, prevent yellowing, and eliminate moisture buildup. If moving your mattress outside isn’t an option, letting it soak up the sun near a window can still do the trick.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets collect sweat, skin cells, and dust mites—so washing them at least once a week (or every two weeks at most) keeps things fresh. This simple habit prevents unwanted odours from settling into your mattress in the first place.
| Bedding Item | Recommended Wash Frequency |
| Pillowcases | Once a week |
| Bed sheets | Once a week |
| Quilt/Duvet cover | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Quilt/Duvet insert | Every 3–6 months |
| Pillows | Every 3–6 months |
| Mattress protector | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Bed skirt | Every 2–3 months |
Use a Mattress Protector
A quality mattress protector acts as a shield against spills, sweat, and dust. It’s easy to wash and helps extend the life of your mattress by keeping moisture and debris from seeping in.
Plus, they’re more affordable than replacing your mattress!
Clean Your Bed Base
Your bed base collects dust and allergens just like your mattress, so vacuuming it regularly helps keep your sleep space fresh. If you use a bed skirt, toss it in the wash. Keeping your mattress off the floor also prevents exposure to dust and moisture, reducing the risk of mould while promoting better airflow.
What Causes Bad Smells in Your Mattress?
If your bed smells a little funky, you’re not imagining things.
Sweat, spills, pet accidents, and mould can all leave lingering odours. Unpleasant as it is, it can also trigger skin irritation like rashes or worsen allergies. Not to mention, nobody wants to crawl into a bed that smells like last summer’s heatwave.
Here are some common reasons your mattress might not be smelling its best.
Mould and moisture
Moisture is a breeding ground for mould and mildew, two major culprits behind musty mattress odours. Spills, humidity, or a lack of airflow can trap dampness deep in the layers, creating the perfect environment for these unwelcome guests. Not only do they smell bad, but they can also affect your mattress’s hygiene.
Body Oils and Sweat
Night after night, your body naturally releases sweat and oils. Over time, these seep into your mattress, creating an ideal environment for bacteria—and that all-too-familiar stale smell. If left unchecked, things can get funky fast.
Dust Mite Build-up
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid spaces—like your mattress. Australia’s climate, especially in coastal and tropical regions, creates the perfect breeding ground for these microscopic pests. They feast on dead skin cells, and while you can’t see them, their presence (and waste) can leave behind an unpleasant smell.
Dander and Hair From Pets
Love sharing your bed with your furry friends? Their dander and hair can get trapped in your mattress, adding to odours and even triggering allergies.
Spills and stains
A spilled drink or an accident left overnight can soak deep into your mattress, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and bad smells. The longer stains sit, the harder they are to get rid of.
Bad Ventilation
Mattresses need airflow. Placing yours directly on the floor or in a poorly ventilated space can trap moisture, leading to musty odours over time. Poor airflow also creates a damp, dark environment that can attract unwanted pests like bed bugs—leading to serious health risks.
Deterioration and Age
As mattresses get older, materials break down, dust builds up, dead skin cells, and other particles that create smells start to linger. Even with regular cleaning, an ageing mattress can develop a distinct odour.
Knowing what causes bad smells makes it easier to prevent them. Regular cleaning, quick stain removal, and good airflow all help keep your mattress fresh and inviting—so your bed always smells as good as it feels.
A fresh, clean bed starts with the right mattress. Explore Ecosa’s range of mattresses designed for comfort, support, and easy maintenance.