Why Are People Putting Shaving Cream on Their Mattresses?

Shaving cream is a household staple. Most of us shave a body part at least once a week. But if you only use shaving cream to make swift work of stubble, listen up. A new trend is growing in popularity, involving people slathering their mattresses with shaving cream. No, we’re not kidding. This isn’t some inane social media fad, but rather a clever household hack that you should also take advantage of. Here’s the deal.

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Why Is This Happening?

The idea of coating your bed with shaving cream sounds like an absurd premise to begin with, but it’s actually a useful method for tackling those pesky and unsightly mattress stains. That’s because shaving cream contains enzymes capable of breaking down the many proteins and oils that cause many fabric stains such as the ones you find in the bedroom. So, rather than pay a pretty penny for a professional mattress cleaning service, just buy a bottle of shaving cream and save some cash.

Use Shaving Cream for These Types of Stains

There are a variety of stains that shaving cream can help remove. You’re probably all too familiar with sweat stains, and shaving cream can work wonders on them. Humans shed 500 million skin cells daily, many of which end up in bed along with the 16 to 24 ounces of sweat that humans produce nightly. Thankfully, those ugly brown stains are no match for some Barbasol.

Shaving cream can also help break down greasy, oily stains that are otherwise impossible to remove. Maybe you’re using a petroleum-based skincare product, or there may be splatter from lazily eating a bowl of pasta in bed. No judgment. Either way, the enzymes in shaving cream can help break down those oils and easily remove those stains. Lastly, shaving cream can help with stains from general dirt and grime.

Selecting the Right Shaving Cream

Using a foam-based shaving cream is important, as its light and airy texture prevents further discoloration. Gel-based shaving products, on the other hand, are much thicker and may lead to additional staining. You should also avoid products that contain added dyes or fragrances, as those, too, may contribute to stains and artificial-smelling odors. We recommend the exceptionally affordable regular shaving foam from Gillette.

How To Clean Your Mattress

Begin by applying a generous amount of shaving foam to the stained area. Then, using either a soft-bristled brush or clean cloth, gently and repeatedly dab at the cream to help work it into the stain. Avoid intense scrubbing, which may push the stain deeper into the fabric. Once the shaving cream has been thoroughly worked into the mattress, let it sit for up to 30 minutes, allowing time for the enzymes to work their magic and break down the stain. Finally, take a damp cloth and wipe the shaving cream away. If done properly, the stain should look much lighter or be gone entirely.

We suggest spot-testing before applying shaving cream to the entire mattress. Find a small stained area and perform the above steps to ensure this cleaning method works to your liking. For extra tough stains, you can also add distilled white vinegar or baking soda as a supplement to the shaving cream.

Prevent Stains Before They Form

Rather than worry about mattress stains, prevent them from even forming by purchasing a mattress protector. These products are cheap, easy to install, and create a protective barrier that keeps the mattress looking pristine. These fitted, elastic mattress pads are also machine washable, making them extremely easy to clean.