This is what's causing the yellowing of your mattress, and here's how to get rid of it.

Those ugly yellow stains on your mattress Yellow stains on a mattress are fairly common, even though they are unsightly once they begin to turn brown. This is especially true if you've had your mattress for a while, but thankfully, there are ways to eliminate the vast majority of them.

Even the best mattresses will eventually get stained by one of the many causes of mattress yellowing if they aren't protected.  

Yordan Yordanov, a specialist in upholstery and mattress cleaning for Fantastic Services, was consulted to find out the cause. In this new window: , to talk about why yellow mattress stains happen, how to get rid of them (if possible), and how to know if your mattress is still safe to sleep on if there are any. Only one of them can stay out of harm's way.

Check out our best cheap mattress guide for some highly rated budget beds if you've decided to buy a new mattress after reading this but are on a tight budget.

This article will discuss the four most common reasons for yellow stains on a mattress.

• Because of its advanced age (these stains will never come out).
• Sweat and oil from the skin (can be cleaned off)
• Urine (can be disposed of)
• Toxic waste (which can be cleaned up)

Age and natural deterioration of mattresses

Beds, like most things in life, degrade with age. Yordanov says, "The main reason for this is oxidation." The effects of sunlight contribute to a natural process." ”

The yellowing isn't dangerous in any way Furthermore, a mattress protector can reduce oxidation.

Attempts to completely halt this natural process will fail. The passage of time can be slowed, however, if direct sunlight is kept off the mattress. When airing out a mattress, Yordanov recommends doing so in a cool, shaded area.

The good news is that this yellowing is completely harmless. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be fixed. An excellent mattress protector can still reduce oxidation, but it must completely encase the mattress. ”

Human and animal urine is used as a second example.

Pee, whether from humans or pets, can quickly turn a mattress a sickly yellow if not treated. Yordanov claims that both wet and dry urine stains can be cleaned from a mattress.

Instructions for removing urine-related yellow stains from mattresses

Yordanov advises that "fresh stains should be treated as soon as possible in order to be effectively removed." The first step is to blot the urine with dry fabric, but be careful not to rub, as this will only set it in. Next, spray the area liberally with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.  

"Last but not least, sprinkle some baking soda on top and let it sit for the night (or at least eight hours). Once the spot has dried, you can inspect it by vacuuming up any remaining stain removal solution and, if necessary, trying the process again. ”

Stains from dried urine are more difficult to eliminate. Yordanov recommends mixing together 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 2–3 drops of liquid dish soap to accomplish this. The instructions read: "Spray the stained area, let it dry, and then vacuum up the residue." Depending on the severity of the dry stain, you may need to repeat this process multiple times. ”

Third, the nightly perspiration and oil production

In addition to being a natural bodily function, sweating and the excretion of body oils are major factors in the discoloration of pillows.  

Over time, a mattress can become discolored by the accumulation of sweat and oil from the skin. It may be difficult to clean, but this stain can be eliminated. In fact, Yordanov suggests two "very good methods" that are frequently referenced in guides on how to clean a mattress.

It's best to give bicarbonate of soda plenty of time to do its thing. Leave it out in the sun for a few hours, or overnight if the mattress is particularly stained.

How to get rid of yellow sweat stains on a mattress

Get some baking soda and a bristle brush for the first technique. Sodium bicarbonate is useful for cleaning mattresses because it "absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors," as Yordanov puts it.  

"Sprinkle the whole bed" As soon as that's done, take a bristle brush and lightly rub it into the mattress. Generally speaking, the longer bicarbonate is allowed to work, the better. If the mattress is particularly stained and dirty, leave it out overnight. When you're finished, just vacuum up the dust.

Yordanov suggests the following for the second approach:

• Combine one cup of the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with water.
• A mug of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a 3% concentration.
• Incorporate two to three tablespoons of baking soda.
• A small amount of nonabrasive liquid dishwashing detergent
• Make sure the soda is fully dissolved by stirring the mixture.
• Spray the stained area thoroughly.
• Let the remedy soak in.
• Mattresses need at least an hour of air drying time.
• Apply a fan or blow dryer set to the coolest setting to hasten the drying process.

In addition to green, brown, and yellow, vomit leaves behind a rusty stain.

It doesn't take long for a mattress to turn a sickening shade of yellow if someone has thrown up on it. These stains can be removed, but you'll need to be strong-stomached for the first step.  

Tips for getting rid of vomit's yellow stains on the mattress

As a first step, please remove the vomit from the bed. The next step is to get rid of all your bedding and wash it in hot water to kill any bacteria that might be on it.

Next, Yordanov instructs, "Pick up an old rag or a paper towel and dab the stain." Spot-clean the area using a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. After that, blot the stain with a solution of three parts white vinegar to one part water. In addition to eliminating the blemish, the disinfectant and deodorizer properties of this product will also make the area smell fresh and new. ”

If you want to take your mattress's sanitation and odor removal to the next level, by all means, check the manufacturer's care instructions to make sure the following products are safe to use on it.

Use rubbing alcohol as a disinfectant (and essential oils to mask the odor) to thoroughly clean the area. Sprinkle some baking soda on it, and it will quickly absorb any lingering odors. Once the residue has dissipated, be sure to vacuum it up. ”

Would it be safe to sleep on a mattress with yellow stains?

To find out what's causing the yellowing, experts say you need to look at the root cause. Yordanov assures us, "If the yellowing is due to oxidation only, and good hygiene has been observed, then you're completely safe."

However, a thorough cleaning is advised as a precaution in all other circumstances. Mold can cause respiratory symptoms such as itching, coughing, or sneezing. Because it spreads rapidly, accumulates dirt and dust, and poses a particularly high risk to asthma sufferers, this is an urgent health concern that needs to be addressed right away.

Some people are allergic to the dust because the mites feast on dead skin, perspiration, and bacteria in the air. Bedding should be changed weekly, and mattresses should be cleaned and vacuumed every two to three months to help reduce these negative effects. ”

Trying to figure out how often you should get a new mattress? It's time to replace your mattress if it's more than six years old and showing signs of sagging, wear and tear, and yellow stains. The Saatva Classic is a high-end innerspring hybrid that is highly recommended by our team due to its coolness, pressure relief, and versatility across three firmness levels. The results of our three-week long sleep trial on the Saatva Classic are detailed in our review.

Pillows have a shorter lifespan, and most experts advise replacing them every year or two. I really need to get a new one. Then, read our recommendations for the most comfortable pillows to use in 2018.

Methods for Avoiding Yellowing

To prevent a mattress from getting yellow stains, it's best to take precautions right away. For this reason, we recommend investing in a high-quality mattress protector, which we have listed below. The type you purchase will determine how well it protects you from bed bugs, bacteria, and bodily fluids like vomit, urine, and sweat.

Yordanov claims that keeping your mattress clean on a regular basis is the best way to ensure that it remains stain-free over time. At least once a year, you should steam or dry clean the mattress per the instructions on the label. It can be maintained in-between professional cleanings by routinely vacuuming to remove surface dirt, dust, and dead skin cells, and by spot-cleaning to remove stains and promote a healthy environment. ”

You can often use the aforementioned methods to remove yellow stains from your bed topper as well. If you're tired of your old topper and want to upgrade to something more comfortable and healthier, check out our guide to the best mattress toppers; alternatively, read up on the differences between a mattress pad and a mattress topper by visiting our dedicated article.

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