For neglected Waterbed Mattresses that are producing an odor. One treatment solves the problem.

My Waterbed has a funny smell!

Odors general come from one of two places. The first which is the most common is unconditioned water. Bacteria will grow at a rapid rate should you neglect conditioning your water mattress thus the cause of the smell. A shock treatment is usually the only cure for this problem. Once treated you should notice a difference in as little as a week. Water mattresses can condensate on the outside creating an environment for bacteria to grow (black spots). Should you find this situation it is best to take a combination of baking soda and water to neutralize the bacteria. Then some water based vinyl cleaner usually sold by your waterbed retailer. The second is in the vinyl. Some water mattress are made of recycled vinyl which over time produces a smell (especially with high heat settings). There is no real solution to the problem other than replacing your mattress.