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What Causes Yellow Stains on a Mattress?

Do you have an old mattress and started to notice yellow stains? Or perhaps your mattress is new, but you’re unsure why it’s already stained. There are so many reasons why a mattress could be stained. Some reasons are concerning, while others are natural and pose no health risk. Learn what causes yellow stains on a mattress and how to eliminate them.

Things That Cause Yellow Stains on Your Mattress

You might want to check: How to Remove Urine Stains From a Mattress

Urine

Bedwetting may happen to anyone, regardless of whether they have children or animals in the house, and it leaves behind yellowish stains on the mattress in the same way that sweat does. Sadly, it also has a musty odor that might be more difficult to eliminate than other odors.

Sweat

In their early stages, sweat stains may not be noticeable, but as time passes, they might result in yellow streaks on your mattress and a foul odor. Additionally, these stains may be difficult to remove. This is usually what causes a mattress to turn yellow. In fact, it’s also a common cause for yellow pillows too.

Fading

It’s never a good idea to entertain the idea of sleeping on a yellow mattress. Still, occasionally a mattress becoming yellow isn’t nearly as unsanitary as it seems.

Oxidation, which occurs naturally over time as the mattress ages, is the most likely culprit behind a yellowing mattress. When this occurs to a mattress, it is absolutely fine to continue using it for sleeping.

Mold

Your body’s natural oils, urine, and sweat can all produce excess moisture, all that is required for mold and mildew to grow on a mattress. Mold  can appear on a mattress as a series of small yellow dots that cover an area of the mattress in the same way that other yellow stains do.

Oil

Not only does oil originate from the body, but it also has the potential to come from any meal that is taken into the bedroom.

The stains that these oils have the potential to cause can remain for a considerable amount of time before they become yellow. You may require the assistance of a mattress cleaner skilled in the industry to remove them completely.

Vomit

It doesn’t take long for a mattress to turn yellow if someone vomits on it while they’re in bed. Good news! These stains can be removed, but the initial part of the process will require a strong stomach.

Is It Safe to Sleep on a Mattress with Yellow Stains?

The solution to this query, as the specialists explain, depends on the factor(s) that have caused the yellowing. We are in no danger, provided that the yellowing is caused solely by oxidation and that proper hygiene practices have been followed.

To be on the safe side, a thorough cleaning is recommended whenever there is any other possibility. If you scratch your skin, cough, or experience any other allergic reactions, it could be a clue that there is mold in the area.

Because it spreads rapidly, is difficult to clean, and is especially hazardous for persons with asthma, it’s a danger to public health and must be dealt with as soon as possible.

Getting Yellow Stains Out of a Mattress

Rid yellow stains on your mattress; you just need hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.

  • First, take a generous amount of liquid soap and dilute it with water. Then, vigorously mix the solution until it forms thick suds.
  • Using a cloth that has been cleaned and dampened with water, carefully scoop the suds and collect only the suds.
  • Try not to use too much water here.
  • Make a circular motion with the suds as you apply them to the stain on your mattress.
  • Absorb any extra moisture by blotting with a dry, clean cloth.
  • If there are still yellow stains, put hydrogen peroxide in an empty bottle and apply it to the stain.
  • After waiting for five minutes, blot the area treated with peroxide.
  • Continue doing this step until the discoloration is no longer visible.

Tips for Avoiding Yellow Stains on a Mattress

If you don’t want to deal with yellow stains on the mattress, here are some helpful tips:

  • Use a mattress protector.
  • Constantly wash your sheets.
  • Avoid wearing body oils when going to bed.
  • Adjust the bedroom temperature to avoid sweating.
  • Make sure to use comfortable bedding that helps you avoid sweating.
  • Vacuum and clean your mattress regularly.
  • At least once a year, have your mattress professionally cleaned.

You might be interested in: How to Deep Clean Your Mattress in 4 Easy Steps

Bottom Line

Taking the necessary precautions is your best bet with so many different things that could stain a mattress. While natural yellow stains on a mattress are a normal part of its aging process, sleeping on mold and urine stains can be detrimental to your health. Consider having your mattress professionally cleaned once or twice yearly to enjoy a proper sleeping setting.

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