Baking soda is a common household product that has many uses, including deodorizing and cleaning. One of the most popular uses for baking soda is sprinkling it on mattresses. But why exactly do people sprinkle baking soda on their mattresses? There are several key reasons.
1. To Absorb Odors and Moisture
One of the main reasons to use baking soda on a mattress is to help absorb odors and moisture. Baking soda is known for being an excellent odor absorber. It works by absorbing the odor molecules and neutralizing them. Baking soda is especially effective at removing odors caused by sweat, body oils, mildew and mold.
Sprinkling baking soda directly on the mattress allows it to work its deodorizing magic. The baking soda will help absorb and eliminate any built-up odors in the mattress from daily use. It’s an easy and affordable way to keep your mattress smelling fresh.
Baking soda also absorbs moisture well. Mattresses can easily absorb moisture from the environment and our bodies as we sleep. This moisture provides an ideal environment for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow. The baking soda will help pull that excess moisture out of the mattress, keeping it clean and dry.
2. To Freshen and Disinfect
In addition to absorbing odors and moisture, baking soda also works to freshen and disinfect mattresses. Baking soda has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
When sprinkled on a mattress, the baking soda gets deep down into the mattress fibers and materials. As it spreads throughout the mattress, it works to kill off bacteria, dust mites, mold and mildew spores. This helps disinfect the mattress and prevent the further growth of these substances.
The baking soda also neutralizes odors and absorbs moisture, making the mattress fresher. A mattress sprinkled with baking soda will smell clean and feel revitalized.
3. To Neutralize Acids
Acids can build up in mattresses over time from human sweat and body oils. These acids can degrade mattress materials and cause odors. Baking soda is great for neutralizing acids.
The alkaline nature of baking soda reacts with the acidic compounds in mattresses. When the baking soda is spread over the mattress surface and down into the interior, it neutralizes the acids on contact. This makes the mattress less hospitable for bacteria growth and odor issues.
4. To Extend Mattress Life
Using baking soda can also help extend the usable life of a mattress. The baking soda’s deodorizing and disinfecting abilities inhibit degradation of the mattress materials caused by bacteria, mold and mildew. This allows the mattress to remain fresher and last longer before needing to be replaced.
The moisture absorbing properties of the baking soda also help the mattress stay dry and prevent damage from excess moisture exposure. Keeping a mattress clean and dry with regular baking soda applications makes it more likely to provide many years of good use.
5. As a Gentle Cleaner
Baking soda can also be used as a gentle and non-abrasive cleaner for mattresses. To use it for cleaning, just Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the mattress surface and let it sit for an hour or two.
As it sits, the baking soda will lift dirt and debris to the surface. After letting it sit for awhile, simply vacuum the baking soda off the mattress. This will pull up much of the dirt and leave the surface clean. The baking soda dissolves greasy residues and lifts stains in a gentle way without harsh chemicals.
How to Apply Baking Soda to a Mattress
Applying baking soda to a mattress is a quick and easy process:
- Start by vacuuming the mattress thoroughly to remove loose dirt, hair and other debris.
- Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda across the entire mattress surface, making sure to cover all areas. About 1/4 cup per square foot of the mattress is a good amount.
- Use a brush or your hand to distribute and work the baking soda down into the mattress fibers and materials.
- Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours.
- Once the baking soda has had time to work, simply vacuum it off the mattress.
- Dispose of the baking soda residue immediately to remove the absorbed odors, moisture and dirt from your home.
- For especially difficult odors or stains, you can allow the baking soda to sit for longer, even up to 24 hours.
- Repeat the process as needed, such as every few months or whenever odors return.
It’s best to focus the baking soda application on problem areas where odors or stains are present. Be sure to get down into crevices around mattress handles or seams. Over time with regular applications, baking soda will freshen the entire mattress interior.
Tips for Using Baking Soda on Mattresses
Follow these useful tips when using baking soda on your mattress:
- Always vacuum the mattress first to maximize the baking soda’s effectiveness.
- Use generous amounts of baking soda to allow full contact with the mattress interior.
- Distribute the baking soda evenly and brush it into the mattress fibers.
- Make sure to leave the baking soda for at least 1-2 hours before vacuuming.
- Repeat the process any time odors or moisture return.
- Spot treat tough stains by rubbing baking soda directly into them.
- Combine baking soda with essential oils for added scent.
- Make sure to fully remove all baking soda residue when finished.
- Consider alternating baking soda with borax for an extra cleaning boost.
- Use baking soda between mattress rotations to keep all sides fresh.
How Much Baking Soda to Use
As a general guideline, use about 1/4 cup of baking soda per square foot of mattress surface area. So for a typical queen-size mattress of 60″ x 80″, that equals about 2 cups total.
Focus on problem areas first when sprinkling on the baking soda, then distribute it across the rest of the mattress surface. Make sure to fully coat both sides of the mattress for complete treatment.
You can always use more baking soda if the mattress has intense odors or many stained areas needing spot treatment. Simply sprinkle on more as needed directly onto affected spots.
Approximate Baking Soda Needed by Mattress Size:
| Mattress Size | Baking Soda Needed |
|---|---|
| Twin | 1/2 cup |
| Twin XL | 3/4 cup |
| Full | 1 1/4 cups |
| Queen | 2 cups |
| King | 3 cups |
| California King | 3 1/2 cups |
How Often to Apply Baking Soda
Most mattress manufacturers recommend sprinkling baking soda on your mattress about every 2-3 months for maintenance. But you may need to treat problem mattresses more frequently.
Apply baking soda as soon as odors, moisture or stains become apparent. For chronic issues, every few weeks can be appropriate. The baking soda is safe and gentle enough for frequent use.
In households with pets or multiple occupants, a monthly application is a good idea. This will counteract odor and dirt buildup from increased use.
Be sure to sprinkle baking soda after moving furniture, flipping or rotating the mattress. This will keep all sides and areas fresh.
The Benefits of Using Baking Soda
There are many excellent benefits to using baking soda on your mattress:
- Natural and non-toxic – Baking soda is completely safe and gentle for use around children and pets.
- Inexpensive – Baking soda is an affordable cleaning solution easily found in any grocery store.
- Versatile – In addition to mattresses, baking soda can be used to clean carpet, tile, upholstery and more.
- Absorbs odors – Excellent for removing musty and stale smells from mattresses.
- Kills mold and bacteria – Prevents mold, mildew and bacteria from accumulating in mattresses.
- Prevents staining – Lifts away dirt, oil and residue to prevent permanent stains.
- Extends mattress life – Keeps mattresses fresh and clean for longer usable life.
- Dries moisture – Pulls moisture out of mattresses to inhibit mold growth.
- Freshens air – Leaves a light, clean scent as it neutralizes odors.
Disadvantages of Baking Soda
Baking soda does have some potential drawbacks to be aware of:
- Can leave a white powder residue if not fully removed by vacuuming.
- Has no deep cleaning or stain-fighting abilities beyond surface cleaning.
- May interact negatively with some fabric cleaners or treatments.
- Requires vacuuming afterwards which can be difficult for large/heavy mattresses.
- May cause minor fading or discoloration on some fabrics if left for long periods.
- Not effective at sanitizing mattresses as thoroughly as chemical disinfectants.
- Odor removal effect is temporary unless baking soda is reapplied routinely.
Alternatives to Baking Soda
Here are some alternative mattress deodorizing solutions beyond baking soda:
Vinegar
White vinegar can also absorb odors, kill mold and disinfect mattresses. Mix it with water in a spray bottle for easy DIY mattress cleaning. White vinegar also helps neutralize baking soda residues.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a strong oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide kills germs and neutralizes odors inside mattresses. Dilute it with water and lightly mist onto mattress surfaces, allow to dry fully before using.
Essential Oils
Natural antibacterial essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil can eliminate mattress odors when mixed with baking soda or sprayed on. They leave a pleasant aroma too.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal absorbs gases, chemicals and odors in mattresses like a magnet. It can be combined with baking soda or applied alone. Allow several hours for maximum odor removal.
Borax
Borax has alkaline properties that act as a disinfectant while removing stains and odors. Use a borax and water solution to scrub mattress surfaces and let dry completely before using.
Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners use microbial enzymes to digest organic matter and eliminate odors and stains. They provide deep cleaning beyond surface treatment of baking soda.
Steam Cleaners
For seriously soiled mattresses, using a steam cleaner will provide the deepest clean. The pressurized steam kills bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs and mold while loosening embedded dirt and residues.
Professional Mattress Cleaning
For intensive mattress odor and stain removal that typical household products can’t tackle, professional mattress cleaning services are available. Reputable companies use powerful, green-certified cleaners and sanitizing technology to deep clean, deodorize and sanitize your mattress.
They also have commercial equipment that allows more thorough vacuuming and extraction of cleaning solutions from mattress interiors. Professional services can extend the usable life of a mattress and save the cost of replacing it.
Conclusion
Sprinkling baking soda is an easy and effective homemade method to keep mattresses fresh and odor-free. It absorbs odors, kills mold and bacteria, dries moisture and gently cleans away dirt and stains.
While baking soda doesn’t provide deep stain removal or sanitizing like some chemical cleaners, it’s completely safe for regular use. And its deodorizing and surface cleaning abilities make it the go-to mattress freshener used by manufacturers and homeowners alike.
Apply baking soda regularly to prolong your mattress life, maintain hygiene and make your bedroom a fresh-smelling oasis. Just vacuum away the residue afterwards and enjoy the clean mattress without harmful chemicals around children and pets.
Use baking soda as the first defense against mattress odors and problems. Then try alternatives like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and essential oils for extra disinfecting power and pleasant scents. And call in professional mattress cleaners for an intensive refresh when odors persist.
Follow these baking soda directions and mattress care tips to keep your bed comfortable, cleaner and fresher for years to come.