Get rid of mattress smells with this 5-second daily habit — no baking soda required
You're trapping smells in your mattress every morning without realizing it. Here's the quick 5-second hack that fixes it.
Maintaining a fresh-smelling mattress can be a challenge, but a simple daily habit may help. According to Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, an infection prevention expert, the problem often lies in damp bedding. When you pull the covers back in the morning, moisture and body oils can get trapped against the mattress, creating an environment for odors, dust mites, and microbial growth to thrive.
To prevent this, simply throw the covers back and allow the bed to breathe. This simple action can help keep your mattress smelling fresh. Dr. Knighton also advises washing pillows and sheets weekly, especially during warmer weather, to further reduce the risk of bad smells. While airing out your mattress can be beneficial, avoid doing so until it's completely dry to prevent the buildup of moisture and subsequent odors.
Be vigilant for two particularly concerning smells: an earthy, damp basement scent, which may indicate mold growth, and a musty, sweet aroma reminiscent of spoiled raspberries, often a sign of bed bugs. If you notice either of these odors, take appropriate action, as mold and bed bugs require professional attention and may necessitate a mattress replacement.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
