What the mattress smells of
| Smell | Possible cause | What to do now | What you can expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musty, damp | moisture in the core, poor airing, possibly mould | air it, check the humidity: mould in a mattress | if there is mould, the mattress usually has to be replaced |
| Urine | urine from a child, an adult or an animal | blot, do not use hot water: urine smell in a mattress | may stay if the urine has reached the core |
| Smoke | residue in the cover and filling | stop smoking in the room, air it | may lessen, may come back |
| After a spilt drink | liquid under the cover | blot with towels, do not soak: stains on a mattress | depends on the amount of liquid |
Why a mattress smell is harder to deal with than a sofa smell
A mattress has a thick core that releases moisture poorly. IKEA points out that foam is sensitive to moisture: too much water can damage the structure or leave moisture in the core. Emma warns that excess moisture can increase the risk of mould. That is why a mattress is cleaned on the surface and with as little liquid as possible, and that is exactly why a smell that has soaked in deep may stay.
Different mattresses have different limits, and you should read the manufacturer's care instructions first.
| Mattress | What to know |
|---|---|
| Foam mattress | little moisture, clean stains locally, with a slightly damp cloth |
| Spring mattress | moisture can cause rust in the spring unit, so surface care only, with as little liquid as possible |
| Latex mattress | a slightly damp cloth, no strong substances, no direct sun or heat; dry vacuuming suits delicate materials |
| Coconut fibre mattress | breathable, but sensitive to moisture and dust; placed on the floor it can build up moisture |
| TEMPUR mattress | manufacturer: the material must not be washed, sponge-cleaned or dry-cleaned, and must be protected from moisture; cover only as the label says |
Sources: IKEA, Emma, Kurlon and TEMPUR care materials, checked 07.11.2026. The rules for a particular mattress are set by its manufacturer's instructions.
What to do now
- Take off the bedding. Wash the bedding separately. If the cover is removable, see its label: many can go in a washing machine, but not all.
- Air the room. The Health Inspectorate (Veselības inspekcija) recommends opening the bedroom window every morning for at least 15 minutes.
- Check the humidity. The comfort range is given as 40–60%. If the room is damper, cleaning does not deal with the cause.
- Look under the mattress. A mattress placed directly on the floor can build up moisture. If there are patches underneath, see the advice on mould.
- Do not soak it. Do not douse the mattress or try to wash it. Blot fresh liquid with towels as much as you can, without rubbing.
When to clean and when to replace
Cleaning is worth ordering if the smell is recent, a stain is visible and the mattress is dry. It usually improves the surface, but we do not promise the smell will disappear. Mattress cleaning takes place at your home in Riga and the Riga region, and the specialist tells you from a photo what you can expect.
A mattress usually has to be replaced if there is mould in it, if it has been soaked or if the smell does not go even after cleaning. North Carolina State University says it plainly about floods: if the smell does not go, the mattress is thrown away, and if the inside is not completely dry, mould comes back. That is a flood case, but the logic is the same.
What to write in the form
- the type and size of the mattress and, if you know it, the manufacturer;
- what it smells of and when it started;
- whether a stain or patches are visible;
- whether the cover is removable and what its label says;
- whether the mattress has ever been soaked.
With this information, the specialist can give you the price and tell you whether cleaning makes sense at all.
How much mattress cleaning costs
A single mattress costs from €30, a double from €45 (one side), second side +50%. Smell treatment is extra, from €15. The minimum order is €45: if the total is lower, you pay €45. Travel is included in Riga and up to about 15 km outside Riga; further out it is from €10.
Sources
- Foam sensitive to moisture; rust in spring mattresses; latex care; dry vacuuming for delicate materials checked 7 November 2026
- Too much liquid can damage foam; excess moisture can increase the risk of mould checked 7 November 2026
- TEMPUR material must not be washed, sponge-cleaned or dry-cleaned; liquid soaked up with towels; many covers can be washed according to the label checked 7 November 2026
- Coconut fibre is sensitive to moisture; placing it on the floor can build up moisture checked 7 November 2026
- If the smell does not go, the mattress is thrown away; if the inside is not completely dry, mould comes back checked 7 November 2026
- Comfort humidity 40–60%; bedroom aired every morning for at least 15 minutes checked 7 November 2026
- Smoke residue stays in textiles checked 7 November 2026