As holiday festivities approach, the guest mattress—a silent canvas of past sleepovers and accidental spills—is often overlooked on the preparation checklist. For a truly hospitable touch, ensure your guests are welcomed with a fresh, clean bed. Thanks to the Sleep Foundation, we have a simple, expert-approved method to revive your mattress.

The Recipe

The key to a pristine sleeping surface lies within your household staples. Start by preparing a cleansing concoction. Fill a spray bottle with a blend of eight ounces of hydrogen peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of either liquid laundry detergent or dish soap. This mixture will be your mattress’s best friend, promising to tackle stains and odors with a gentle touch.

With the solution ready, target the blemishes that interrupt the tranquility of your mattress. Generously spray the stained area, and don’t be shy—the formula is designed to penetrate and lift even the most stubborn of spots. After application, exercise patience; let the mattress absorb the full benefits of the spray. It requires a good eight hours to work its magic, transforming what was once a blemish into a distant memory.

As the hours pass, the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mingle, breaking down the stain’s molecular bonds. You’ll notice a baking soda residue layer forms on top of the treated area. This means that the stain is ready to surrender.

Now comes the satisfying finale: vacuum up the baking soda residue to reveal the fruits of your labor. As the vacuum hums over the fabric, it lifts away the remnant of old stains and odors, restoring your mattress to its former glory.

Repeat If Needed

If a stubborn shadow of the stain lingers, repeat the cleaning process as necessary. The method is gentle enough for multiple applications but powerful in purifying mattresses.

A clean, welcoming bed is the silent host that makes all the difference, making your home a haven of rest during the holiday season.