Whether you’re weary of uncomfortable springs, your memory foam is drooping, or you simply want to spoil yourself with a new bed, purchasing a new mattress should be an enjoyable experience that allows you to discover new levels of comfort in the bedroom!
When you’ve chosen the right mattress, there’s nothing more disappointing than opening your new one to be met by an unwelcoming, noxious stench!
No, the rotten odour isn’t always a hint of a defective mattress and most odours go away after a few days of airing, but if you aren’t prepared for it, it can still be an unpleasant and annoying experience!
We’ll get into it below, but first, we’ll go over what causes that new mattress stench and some of the most effective methods for removing it.
The length of time your mattress will be off-gas will be determined by a variety of things, including the sort of mattress you’ve bought and how well it’s been ventilated during transit and upon arrival at your house.
The smell of an incredibly dense foam mattress may linger for a longer period of time than other mattresses, and any vacuum-sealed mattress will have a foul odour that needs to be aired.
Most mattresses will be off-gas in a few days to a couple of weeks, and the maker should be able to tell you when this happens.
How to Remove a New Mattress Smell With These Steps
If you can’t wait to sleep on your new mattress but are put off by the scent of off-gassing, there are a few things you may do to speed up the odour-reduction process.
Open the Mattress Outside
Opening your mattress outside can help prevent the off-gassing smell from entering your house. To keep your mattress protected while it airs, stores it on a screened-in porch or open garage. Leave your mattress out in the open for several days and vacuum clean it before bringing it inside.
Keep Your House Well-Ventilated
If you need to bring your new mattress inside or don’t have the outdoor space for aeration, set it in an empty room (if possible). Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation by keeping the windows open. To enhance air circulation, stand the mattress on its side rather than flat on the floor.
Purchase a Dehumidifier
To assist with ventilation, add a dehumidifier or fan in the space where your off-gassing mattress will be to increase airflow and speed up the process. An air purifier may also help eliminate unpleasant scents or chemical particles from the air.
Use An Enzyme Spray
Enzyme sprays were originally designed to combat unpleasant bodily smells, such as urine, but they’re also quite effective at removing off-gassing odours. To eliminate those scents, apply a small test area first and then follow the product directions.
Baking Soda
For a more natural option, try feeding a few bowls of baking soda to get rid of unpleasant scents. Baking soda is another excellent method to eliminate odours from your refrigerator, and it can also aid in the removal of off-gassing!
You may either scatter baking soda around the bedroom in which the mattress is located or sprinkle it straight on top of it. For several days, bowls of soda and water should be allowed to sit. Sprinkle baking soda onto one side of the bed and let it rest for a night before vacuuming it up, then repeat on the other side.
Vinegar is also effective in eliminating the off-gassing odours, however, the scent of vinegar can be just as strong!
Jump On The Bed!
We know your mother warned you not to jump on the bed, but in this one-of-a-kind case, a good old leap can help speed up the VOCs removal process. This may be a fantastic way to remove terrible odours and have fun while doing it whether you have kids (or even if you don’t).
Consider A Mattress Cover Or Wrap
If you just can’t wait to sleep on your new mattress, consider buying a mattress cover or wrap. These items keep the gases inside so that you don’t have to breathe them in, and they’re usually powerful enough to prevent you from smelling the off-gassing! The disadvantage of this choice is that it will not allow your mattress to aerate, therefore if/when you remove the mattress cover, you may detect the scent. They aren’t always certified or formally evaluated, so using one would be at your own risk.
If you don’t want to go through the off-gassing process, an all-natural or organic mattress is a good option. These are often constructed with fewer chemicals and can even be VOC-free, so they won’t smell as bad as other mattresses.