How To Remove Yellow Stains From Mattress

Many things can cause yellow stains on your mattress. Several are harmless, while others pose a risk to your health.

Yellow stains should always be cleaned right away.

Yellow stains are usually caused by spills (not urine) or sweat.

In addition to yellow marks on your mattress, sweat stains can also cause an unpleasant odor over time.

Oils you bring into your bed often cause stains that can last for years before yellowing. Besides coming from your body, oil can also come from the food you carry to bed.

There are 2 ways to clean it: naturally or chemically. The outcome is largely the same (chemicals may yield slightly better results and help with odor).

To completely remove them, you may need the assistance of a professional mattress cleaner.

Yellow stains are also a sign that your mattress is old. Your mattress weight can increase by a few pounds each year as your body fluids seep into it.

This is a good chance to evaluate your old mattress and get a new one.

Our top pick is Saatva Classic. It's the perfect example of a sturdy and well-built mattress that offers incredible support.

The best solution is to buy a new mattress. Saatva Classic is our top pick for a built-to-last and sturdy mattress with incredible support.

Some stains cannot be removed. The odor and stain can remain forever.

• Memory foam and latex are particularly difficult to clean. The porous nature of polyurethane absorbs all stains and smells.
• Pillow tops and spring mattresses are also difficult to clean. It is nearly impossible to clean springs without compromising their structure and integrity.

When a mattress turns dark yellow, it is too old and yellow stains become difficult to spot.

It's time to replace your mattress. Although it is the most expensive solution, it is the most effective.

Follow these steps to naturally remove yellow stains from your mattress:

1. Remove all sheets and other materials from your mattress, then vacuum off any loose debris.
2. Mix baking soda, salt, and water together.
3. Apply the mixture to the whole mattress (not just the stained area).
4. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
5. Clean it off with a paper towel (then vacuum it).
6. Vacuum your mattress to remove debris and dust.

Follow these steps to chemically remove yellow stains from your mattress:

1. Remove all sheets and other materials from your mattress, then vacuum off any loose debris.
2. Mix baking soda, dish soap, and water into a large bowl or bucket, and stir vigorously to create bubbles.
3. Apply the bubbles directly to the stained area.
4. Cover the entire stained area with the bubbles while wearing gloves or a damp cloth.
5. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe up the bubble mixture.
7. In an empty spray bottle, add hydrogen peroxide, and spray on the stained area.
8. Circularly rub the stained area with a gloved hand or damp cloth.
9. Clean the hydrogen peroxide and remaining liquid by wiping it up with a dry cloth.
10. Vacuum the entire mattress and bed base to remove any debris.

Below are some more tips and reminders for removing yellow stains from your mattress:

• No matter how well you maintain your mattress, it will eventually get dirty.
• Mattresses don't need to be cleaned as often as you might think, but twice a year is more than enough to prevent mold and other toxic substances from growing.
• The best solution to ward off yellow stains on a mattress is to use a mattress protector from the very beginning. The use of a mattress protector can prevent bed bugs and bacteria, as well as the accumulation of vomit, urine, and sweat.
• Keep in mind that dust mites feed on dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria, and their droppings cause allergies as well. It is recommended to change bedding weekly and vacuum and clean the mattress every two to three months to counteract these adverse effects.
• If there are protein stains on the carpet (sweat, blood, etc.) they should not be bleached. That will turn them yellow.
• As long as good hygiene is observed, you are completely safe if the yellowing is only caused by oxidation. For all other cases, a deep cleaning is recommended.

Note: In most cases, cleaning the mattress is only a temporary solution. If your mattress is stained, we recommend replacing it. Our top pick is the Saatva Classic, an incredible mattress that is built to last.