Oh Crap! How to Clean Poop Off a Mattress

Ugh, we’ve all been there. You wake up to find that your pet (or child!) has had an accident and left a messy surprise on your mattress. As you stare at the stain in horror, the questions start swirling – how do I get poop out of my mattress?! Don’t panic – I’ve got your back.

Let me walk you through the tried and true method I’ve used to banish icky poop stains from mattresses through the years. With the right products and techniques, you can get the area clean and odor-free again. While it may take a little elbow grease, you’ll be relieved to know that you don’t necessarily have to buy a new mattress.

The key is to act fast! Fresh poop is much easier to remove than when it has dried and set into the mattress fibers. If you can get to the mess ASAP, your chances of success are much higher. Arm yourself with the right stain-fighting potions and muster your motivation to scrub every trace of the poo away.

Follow my battle plan, and you’ll have your mattress poop-stain free and freshened up in no time! Just roll up those sleeves, gather your supplies, and let’s do this. Your clean, cozy bed will be so worth it!

Act Quickly for Fresh Poop Stains

If you discover the poop stain right away while it’s still fresh and moist, you have the best chance for removal. Follow these steps:

Pick up any solid poop with a plastic bag over your hand, turning the bag inside out to seal in the waste. Flush solids down the toilet.
Gently blot the stain to soak up excess liquid. Avoid rubbing, which can grind poop deeper into the mattress fibers.
Mix an enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle with water and spritz it over the stain. This will help eat away remaining organic matter and odor.
Allow the enzyme cleaner to soak for 10-15 minutes then blot again with clean cloths. The poop stain should lift.
Repeat applications of the enzyme treatment if a faint stain remains. Allow time for drying between applications.

Fast action for fresh poop helps avoid lasting stains and smells. But what if you discover an old, dried poop stain? Things get a little more complicated…

Tackling Dried Poop Stains and Odors

Dry or set-in stains take some extra scrubbing. Here are tips to remove old, dried poop from a mattress:

Step 1: Remove Solids

Use a plastic spatula or scraper to lift any crusted poop solids from the surface of the mattress.
Vacuum up the dried poop debris with a hand vacuum or crevice tool. This also helps remove odor.
Avoid rubbing or grinding fragments into the mattress, which can force stains deeper into the padding.

Step 2: Create a Cleaning Solution

Mix one of these DIY poop-cleaning solutions:

Vinegar solution – Equal parts white vinegar and warm water. The acid in vinegar helps cut through stains.
Peroxide solution – 8 oz hydrogen peroxide, 2 tbsp baking soda, and a few drops dish soap. Peroxide effervesces to help lift stains.
Detergent solution – Mild liquid laundry or dish detergent diluted in water. Use a delicate formula.

Step 3: Apply the Solution & Let Sit

Liberally apply your cleaning solution over the stain. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes.
The solution needs dwell time to work at lifting the dried poop stain from the mattress pad fibers.

Step 4: Blot & Rinse

After letting it soak, gently blot the solution with clean white cloths or paper towels.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can further grind in stain remnants.
Rinse the area with fresh water and blot again. Repeat if staining persists.

Step 5: Dry & Deodorize

Allow the mattress time to fully air dry. Speed drying with a fan. Avoid heat from hairdryers.
If any odor lingers, sprinkle baking soda generously over the area to absorb smells. Let sit then vacuum.

It takes patience and persistence to remove dried poop stains and odors. But with the right cleaning process, you can erase the evidence of even old, set-in stains.

Helpful Products for Cleaning Poop Off Mattresses

Equipping yourself with the right tools helps tackle mattress poop stains. Here are some handy products to have on hand:

Enzyme cleaners – Enzyme solutions like Nature’s Miracle contain bacteria that digest organic material like feces and urine, helping remove stains and odor.
Cleaning detergents – Mild laundry detergent or dish soap helps lift set-in stains when added to water. Look for delicate or sensitive skin formulas.
Baking soda – Generously sprinkled over the mattress, baking soda can help absorb leftover odors from poop accidents.
Vinegar – The acids in white vinegar cut through residue. Use it diluted in water for a simple cleaning solution.
Hydrogen peroxide – When combined with baking soda and dish soap, peroxide can foam and lift dried poop stains.
Scrub brushes – For dried poop stains, a soft bristled scrub brush helps work in cleaning solutions.
Spray bottles – Use these to apply your cleaning formula directly onto the soiled area.

These commercial cleaners and household staples combine to make DIY poop-fighting potions.

Poop Stain Removal Tips & Tricks

Follow these top tips for cleaning poop accidents from mattresses:

Act quickly! Fresh stains come out easier than dried-on messes.
Blot gently to lift stains rather than vigorously rubbing.
Use an old towel under the stain area when applying cleaner to prevent saturation.
Rinse cleaned spots thoroughly with fresh water to avoid residue.
Speed drying with fans. Avoid hairdryers which can set the stain.
Repeat cleaning if faint staining remains after drying.
Sprinkle baking soda to help absorb lingering odors from set-in stains.
Consider steam cleaning for deep, ground-in stains on mattress covers.

With the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can get mattresses cleaned up and back to their former glory after poop mishaps.

When to Call in a Professional for Pet Stain Removal

While DIY staining can effectively remove fresh poop accidents, you may need to call in professional reinforcements for really challenging dried-in, set stains:

If old stains have heavy discoloration or permeated deep into the mattress after repeated DIY treatments.
If odors linger despite your thorough cleaning attempts.
For repeated or recurring accidents that require frequent stain removal.
If the mess covers a large area of the mattress.
If you don’t have the time or energy for DIY stain removal.

Reputable professional upholstery and carpet cleaning services have industrial-strength cleaners, powerful tools, and the experience to tackle severe stain and odor issues.

Protect Your Mattress from Future Accidents

The best offense is a good defense when it comes to pet potty training and stain prevention:

Use a waterproof mattress protector to shield your mattress from accidents.
Restrict your pet’s access if they’re not fully potty trained. Close doors and use baby gates.
Clean potty training accidents immediately when they occur.
Consider crate training your dog or puppy while you’re away.
Make sure your cat has enough litter boxes, cleaned frequently.
Bring your pet to the vet if bathroom habits seem abnormal.

While poop happens, taking proactive steps prevents it from ruining your mattress in the future.

The Bottom Line on Removing Poop From Mattresses

Dealing with pooped-upon mattresses is a crummy job, but armed with the right stain fighting techniques and products, you can get your mattress fresh and clean again. Act quickly, choose your cleaners wisely, and put in the scrubbing effort. With time and patience, you’ll be rewarded with a pristine poop-free mattress!