How to Remove Sweat Stains on Mattresses and Sheets

Maybe you sweat a lot, or maybe you don’t (lucky you!). But what everyone has to worry about at some point is the condition of their bed sheets and mattress. Even if you aren’t an excessive sweater, your natural body oils will stain your sheets and also your mattress over time.

If you don’t establish a regular laundry routine, you will end up with yellow bed sheets and stains on your mattress. If you currently have sweat stains on your bed sheets or mattress and don’t know how to get rid of them, we will walk you through the steps to making your bed a clean, stain-free oasis.

In this post, learn:

How to remove sweat stains from mattresses
How to remove sweat stains from sheets and pillowcases
How to prevent sweat stains on mattresses, sheets and pillows
Why does sweat cause stains on mattresses and sheets?

Learn more: Excessive Sweating at Night: Causes and Solutions

How To Remove Sweat Stains From Mattresses

Removing sweat stains from mattresses is a little harder than with bedsheets, because you can’t throw your mattress in the washing machine! Your best bet for getting stains out is spot treating. Use a cloth to blot the stain-removing ingredients onto your mattress.

Method 1: Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap & Salt

Make a paste with ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and 1 tablespoon of salt
Rub the paste onto the stained area. If the stain has been there for awhile, you might want to scrub the paste into the stain with a stiff-bristled brush, or an unused toothbrush
Once the paste dries, you can scrape it away and remove any remaining residue or staining by dabbing the area with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
Let the area fully air dry before putting bed sheets back on.

Method 2: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Water

In a spray bottle, combine ½ cup of warm water, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Spray the mixture on the stained area, but be careful not to get any onto the rest of the mattress
Blot the stain with a clean cloth. If necessary, repeat the spraying and blotting until the stain is gone
Let the area fully air dry before putting bed sheets back on.

How to Prevent Stains on Mattresses

The best way to prevent stains on your mattress is to use a mattress protector. A mattress protector provides a layer of waterproof, and sometimes hypoallergenic fabric between your regular sheets and the mattress. You can find a decent mattress protector for as low as $20.

Check out a breakdown of the best mattress protectors here.

Another good tip is to prevent stains before they start. You should surface clean your mattress every 3 to 6 months. The easiest and quickest ways are to vacuum your mattress and use baking soda.

Vacuuming your mattress removes built up skin cells along with any dust or mites on your mattress. You can also sprinkle a layer of baking soda, rub it into the top of your mattress, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before vacuuming it up. Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer!

How To Remove Sweat Stains from Sheets & Pillowcases

Method 1: OxiClean

Add OxiClean to the detergent compartment of your washing machine, following package directions. Use the hottest water setting that your machine allows
Run the machine for a few minutes to agitate the sheets and mix the OxiClean in
Stop the machine and let the sheets soak for between 1 to 6 hours; the longer, the better, especially if the stain is set
Remove the sheets from the solution, then wash normally. For an extra boost, add another scoop of OxiClean into the drum with your sheets
Optional: if your machine has an extra rinse cycle, run it to remove more of the stain and get out any remaining residue.

Method 2: Dish Soap & Borax

Put the sheets in the washer, using the hottest water your washer allows
Add 1 cup of Borax and 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap
Run the machine for a few minutes to agitate the sheets and mix the Borax and dish soap in
Stop the machine and let the sheets soak for at least 1 hour
Remove the sheets from the solution, then wash normally
Optional: if your machine has an extra rinse cycle, run it to remove more of the stain and get out any remaining residue

Method 3: Wash Twice

After you wash your sheets with your regular detergent, wash them again and add bleach to the load, following package instructions. Use this method ONLY if you have white sheets
If you have anything other than white sheets, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, which is a natural deodorant and fabric softener.

How to Prevent Stains on Sheets

All sheets will stain eventually, whether it is from sweat or an accidental spill. To prevent future stains on your sheets from becoming permanent, do not allow them to set. Take care of the stain as soon as possible.

You should also wash your sheets regularly — at least once a week or every 2 weeks. It can be a hassle, but your sheets will stay clean., As an added bonus, washing your sheets and pillowcases regularly helps minimize face and body acne.

Why Does Sweat Cause Stains on Mattresses and Sheets?

You might not believe it, but sweat on its own is actually colorless and odorless. So why yellow stains? A common ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum, which reacts with your sweat and bacteria on your skin and stains your clothing, sheets and even your mattress.

Learn more about sweat stains here.

Sweat a Lot? Try a Thompson Tee

If you’re a sweaty person in general, you may also be wondering how you can prevent sweat stains during the day. We’ve got the answer!

Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirts are the #1 solution for preventing and stopping underarm sweat from staining your clothes. These highly-rated undershirts are available in men’s and women’s styles, made with patented Hydro-Shield technology and backed by a 30-day risk-free guarantee.

Whether you have axillary hyperhidrosis, or just want to stay calm, cool and collected in any situation, the Thompson Tee will work for you. You can also try wearing it to bed to keep sweat stains away from your mattress and sheets!