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In This Article
What Causes Yellow Stains on Mattresses?
How to Remove Yellow Stains on Mattresses
The Natural Way to Remove Stains
Using Household Cleaning Supplies to Remove Mattress Stains
How to Clean Urine Out of a Mattress
Mattress Care and Stain Prevention
No matter how hard you try to keep your or your child’s mattress clean, life happens. Spills, accidents, and night sweats are bound to happen every now and then, and they may leave an unsightly stain. But don’t panic—there are simple ways to treat discoloration and clean yellow stains out of any mattress.
If you have a spill, accident, or notice your mattress beginning to yellow, don’t be embarrassed! While avoidable with a simple mattress protector, yellow stains are extremely common on unprotected beds. In most cases, they result from sweat, urine, and mattress aging.
When it comes to removing yellow stains from your mattress, you have two options: using the usual chemical-based cleaners or taking a more natural approach. Results aren’t guaranteed with either method, but following these tips and tricks is your best bet for making your mattress look brand new.
Dealing with a urine stain? Due to the volume of liquid and odor, these stains can be particularly difficult to treat. For instructions on how to clean urine from a mattress, skip ahead to the vinegar and baking soda method.
First things first, you’ll need to track down a few tools and the ingredients to make a DIY mattress cleaner. For this method, you’ll need:
To prepare your mattress for spot cleaning, remove all bedding and vacuum any crumbs, hair, or other particles from the bed’s surface.
Next, you’ll need to combine the ingredients to make your DIY cleaning solution. In the bowl, mix baking soda, salt, and water. You don’t need exact measurements; simply add and mix ingredients until the solution has the consistency of a paste.
Once you have the solution prepared, apply it to the stain. Using a clean cloth, gently dab the paste into the yellow area.
*Remember, never pour water directly on the mattress. It may seem like it will help, but excess liquid trapped in a mattress creates the damp environment that bacteria love.
Let the natural solution do its magic by letting it sit undisturbed for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, take a damp cloth and wipe away any remaining paste.
If you need to tackle an older stain or the natural solution doesn’t do the trick, you may need something a bit stronger. Luckily, you can also make this DIY solution with everyday household items.
As with any other mattress cleaning method, start by removing all bedding and vacuuming any debris.
In a bowl, mix roughly 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix until the baking soda dissolves, then add a few drops of dish soap. Mix again, and pour the solution into an empty spray bottle.
Spray the mixture directly on the stain. You do not need to rub it in with a cloth or sponge.
That’s it! Let the spray set into the mattress; within about 15 minutes, the stain (and any odor) should fade and disappear. If you see any baking soda or clumps left behind, wipe them away with a clean cloth.
As previously mentioned, urine stains can prove particularly stubborn. We recommend trying this baking soda and vinegar method, but plan ahead, as you’ll need to let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours.
Step 1: Gather Materials
To remove urine stains from your mattress, you’ll need:
Before making the cleaning solution, prepare the bed by removing the bedding and vacuuming the mattress surface.
Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the empty spray bottle and generously spray the stain. As you go, blot out excess liquid with a clean cloth. Give the solution about 10 minutes to seep in before moving on to the next step.
After letting the solution sit, sprinkle baking soda over the entire stain.
Let the baking soda sit undisturbed for at least 8 hours.
When you return after 8 hours, you should find the stain dramatically reduced, if not gone entirely. All that’s left to do is vacuum up the loose baking soda and remake the bed.
While a single mattress stain won’t ruin your mattress, frequent spills and general wear and tear will take a toll. If you don’t protect your bed or treat stains immediately and effectively, mold and bacteria will grow in the moist environment of your mattress. These microbes not only cause allergies and odors, but they degrade your mattress.
Aside from cleaning your sheets regularly, using a mattress protector is the best way to keep your mattress clean, dry, and free from mites, mold, and other allergens.
We recommend a waterproof mattress protector made with a breathable, moisture-wicking material like bamboo. The Nolah Bamboo Mattress Protector is thin, locks out liquids, keeps cool, and is naturally antimicrobial. You can also opt for a mattress topper that adds a layer of comfort and protection.