Short answer
Look at color, edges, smell and location. Yellow with a defined edge is often sweat or urine; brown or rust-colored can be old blood or rust; a ring is usually a water mark ([why stains come back after drying](/knowledge-center/mattress-stain-chemistry/why-mattress-stains-come-back-after-drying)). When in doubt, we identify it on site; stains are included.
Book your mattress cleaning
Regular price $249, Fall 2026 promotion price $199first mattress, any size · Fall 2026 promotion
HEPA vacuuming, enzyme treatment for organic odor, dry vapor steam and UV-C. We recommend cleaning twice a year.
Matching the stain to its family is the first step in treating it (stain chemistry hub).
What to do right away
- Color: yellow often means sweat or urine; brown or reddish can be blood or rust.
- Edge: a sharp ring usually means a dried water line.
- Smell: an ammonia smell points to urine (mattress accidents).
- Location: pillow end is sweat and product; center is spills and accidents.
What not to do
Don't mix cleaners on an unknown stain. For the general rules, see DIY mattress cleaning mistakes and the stain chemistry hub.
Where to read next
Stains are included
This section is our view. Every Sleep Sanitation visit includes stain treatment at no extra charge. We start with an inspection to identify the stain family, then HEPA vacuuming, enzyme treatment on organic stains and odor, targeted spotting, low-moisture dry vapor steam from our Italian-made Vapor Clean machines, UV-C light treatment and a moisture check before we leave. The first mattress is $199 Fall 2026 special (regularly $249), any size. Each additional king is $199, each full or queen is $179, and underside treatment is +$50–$75. We recommend cleaning every mattress twice a year. Take the 60-second mattress quiz or schedule your cleaning. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com.
Changelog
- 24 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.
