If you scroll through social media these days, it’s likely you’ll see posts by cleaning content creators who are covering their mattresses with shaving cream. At first thought, you might think it's another one of those Internet hacks destined to create a bigger mess than the problem you’re trying to solve. However, plenty of people have already tried it and were surprisingly impressed by the results. Shaving cream is made from the same basic chemistry as a lot of commercial upholstery cleaners, but it’s less expensive. The major component profiles of a typical white foaming shaving cream are surfactants, which are particularly important because they can bind to both water and oils, allowing them to break apart and lift greasy stains from fabric surfaces. Many shaving creams also contain denatured alcohol, which acts as a solvent, and glycerin, which helps loosen oily residue. The foam itself provides another advantage because it remains on the surface of the stain until it breaks down. Be aware that it doesn’t work on all stains. Tannin-based stains like red wine, tea and coffee are almost impossible to break down. To use shaving cream on your mattress:
- 1. Apply a small amount of shaving cream to the stain.
- 2. Work it in gently with a brush or soft cloth.
- 3. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- 4. Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot.
- 5. Repeat until the stain has lifted.
- 6. Blot the area again with a vinegar-and-water solution.
- 7. Allow the mattress to dry completely.
The easiest stain to remove is the one that never happens. The top recommendation is a waterproof mattress protector. They typically run anywhere from $15 for a basic standard size to $250 for a king size premium protector.
