How to Get Yellow Stains Out of a Mattress & What Causes Them

Yellow mattress stains can be from sweat, oils, spills, and time-worn discoloration. You can get them out with a DIY or store-bought cleaning solution.

Properly cleaning your mattress can help extend its lifespan while maintaining a healthy sleeping environment. Still, yellow stains can happen to the best of mattresses. But there are ways to get rid of them and even prevent stains from showing up in the first place.

Wondering how to get yellow stains out of a mattress? We've got you covered. Ahead, find cleaning instructions, prevention tips, and a rundown of what causes yellow stains on mattresses.

What Causes Yellow Stains on a Mattress?

Yellow stains on a mattress can be caused by a number of things, including¹:

• Sweat and body oils
• Urine and other bodily fluids
• Oxidation and aging
• Spills and moisture
• Rust from mattress springs

Here's what to know.

Sweat and Body Oils

Sweat, natural body oils, and the sebum released from pores can transfer from skin onto fabrics (whether it's your white T-shirt or bed sheets). These substances usually start out colorless, but when they oxidize, they can turn yellowish or brown.²

Sweat can seep through your bedding and end up on the surface of your mattress. Over time, this can result in large yellow areas on the mattress, possibly in zones where you sweat the most, like your lower back or neck.

Urine and Other Bodily Fluids

Accidents can happen, especially when it comes to kids or pets. If urine or other bodily fluids aren't cleaned up promptly from a bed, it can bring about lingering stains or odors. And sometimes, cleaning calls for more than just washing the sheets. Learn how to get urine out of a matress in our blog.

Oxidation and Aging

Cotton, wool, foam, and other materials can discolor (and possibly develop a yellowish hue) with exposure to air (oxidation) and light (sun-fading).³ There are ways to help prevent this effect, but you can expect it to happen to some degree over the lifespan of a mattress.

Spills and Moisture

At the risk of stating the obvious, spilling drinks or food on your bed can leave you with a stained mattress. Even just water can be an issue because excess moisture can allow bacteria to grow, giving mold a chance to develop.¹ For the same reason, too much indoor humidity can be a problem as well.

Learn how to spot mold on a mattress and what to do about it in our helpful guide.

Rust from Mattress Springs

Over time, or due to moisture exposure, the metal coils inside an innerspring or hybrid mattress can begin to rust. In that case, you might notice reddish-brown markings on the exterior.

If your mattress has seen better days and you're ready to switch it out for a new one, we have pointers for how to donate a mattress.

Mattress Cleaning Prep Tips

So, you've got yellow stains on your mattress. Removing them is possible but requires a little prep work.

What to Do Before Cleaning

Here's what to do before attempting to get the stains off:

• Remove bedding – This should go without saying, but take all bedding off first, including the fitted sheet, mattress pad, and mattress protector.
• Ventilate room – Open a window before vacuuming or using a chemical cleaner to minimize dust particles and fumes in your indoor air.⁴
• Vacuum surface dust – Next, use a handheld or stick vacuum to suck up dust, dirt, crumbs, hair, and other debris from the surface. This is good to do every month or two, regardless of stains.⁵
• Test cleaner on small area – Before applying the cleaning solution to your entire mattress or the larger stained area, test it on a small spot to see if it discolors or erodes the material at all.
• Protect flooring – Depending on the size of the stain, you might want to cover your floors, nightstands, and any other surrounding surfaces with an old sheet or towel to avoid getting the cleaning solution on them.

What to Avoid

It's best not to use chlorine bleach on a mattress, as it can weaken fabric fibers.⁶ You'll also want to avoid oversaturating your mattress with water or a cleaning solution because, as mentioned, too much moisture can be a problem in and of itself—possibly leading to stains like those you're trying to remove.

Accidentally damaging your mattress could void the warranty, so keep that in mind.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Your Mattress

There are a few ways to get rid of yellow stains on a mattress. You can use a DIY cleaner, buy a stain-removing solution, or target specific stains.

Method 1 – DIY Cleaner with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

You might already have the ingredients to whip up a highly effective stain remover at home. 

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (a type of bleach, albeit a safe and less-harsh one) are a powerful combo. But some people swear by hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, baking soda and apple cider vinegar, or some other combination of these products.^7,8,9

Here's what to do:

1. Mix two parts warm water with one part hydrogen peroxide and one part baking soda. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution onto the stains so they're evenly coated but not overly saturated.
3. Use a clean cloth to gently rub the solution into the stain, focusing on darker spots.
4. Let it sit for up to an hour.
5. lot up excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.

If the stain has faded but is still visible, you can repeat the process. Just make sure your mattress never gets too wet and always has a chance to dry completely before making the bed.

Method 2 – Store-Bought Upholstery or Enzyme Cleaner

You can buy a cleaning solution online or at your local supermarket. Look for one intended for mattresses, upholstery, or the specific material of your mattress's exterior cover, like cotton or wool.

When it comes to how to deodorize a mattress, enzyme cleaners can also be a good option. These solutions can break down the oils and proteins in urine, sweat, vomit, and other common mattress stains while tackling odors.^10,11

Here's what to do:

1. Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the stain or apply it to a clean cloth and then dab it onto the stain.
2. Use a cloth to gently rub the solution into the stain, focusing on darker spots.
3. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
4. lot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the stain and remove any excess moisture.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. Follow the directions on the specific product you're using.

Method 3 – Targeting Specific Stains (Sweat, Urine, Vomit)

If you know what caused the yellow stains on your mattress, you can target them with an appropriate cleaning solution.

For instance, apple cider vinegar and baking soda can work remarkably well on sweat and body oils.¹² A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can combat discoloration while stopping mold in its tracks. Adding a few drops of dish soap can help get rid of greasy marks on a mattress.⁹

Meanwhile, enzyme cleaners are ideal for breaking down organic matter, so they're a go-to for vomit, sweat, urine, spilled drinks, and food stains.¹⁰

How to Prevent Yellow Stains in the First Place

Every mattress will eventually see its last day. But with proper care, a good mattress can last at least 10 years. One thing you can do to help yours hold up for as long as possible is prevent yellow stains from happening in the first place.

Use a Waterproof Mattress Protector

If you get night sweats (it's common)¹³ or need a solution for a child who occasionally wets the bed, consider a waterproof mattress protector. A good one will create a barrier to keep liquids and other substances off (and out of) the mattress without sacrificing softness or making a crinkly sound.

Our guide compares mattress protectors vs fitted sheets if you’re unsure of the differences.

Wash Your Bedding Frequently

Stains or no stains, wash your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week to prevent sweat and other bodily residues from building up. You can launder your mattress pad or protector every couple of weeks.

Choose Breathable Bedding Fabrics

Fabrics made from synthetic fibers (like polyester) can trap heat and result in sweating at night. If you run hot, breathable bedding might help you avoid night sweats. Cotton, linen, and TENCEL™ Lyocell tend to be best in terms of airflow and temperature regulation.^14,15

Learn more about the best material for cooling sheets in our blog.

Keep Pets Off the Bed

This is easier said than done. But if you can help it, keeping your fur baby off your bed can help prevent stains from urine, drool, and dirt. Plus, you can keep odor and allergens like pet dander at bay.

Limit Food and Drink in Bed

Having water nearby is fine if you're careful of spills. But the less you bring other drinks and food into your bed, the less chance you'll have of stains.

Reduce Moisture in the Room

If you live in a muggy climate or your indoor air is on the humid side, think about getting a dehumidifier for your bedroom. This can reduce moisture in the air and help prevent mold from accumulating.

Final Thoughts: Sleep Clean with Casper

Knowing how to get yellow stains out of a mattress can help you extend its lifespan and get the most out of your investment. Still, mattresses don't last forever. If you're in the market for a new one, Casper has just the thing.

Shop hybrid, foam, and cooling mattresses from Casper, and while you're at it, check out our selection of breathable, sweat-wicking bed sheets and bed pillows.

Sources:

1. Tom's Guide. 7 reasons why your mattress and pillow are turning yellow — and how to tell if they're still safe to sleep on. https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/yellow-stains-on-mattress-and-pillow-causes-and-how-to-get-them-out
2. International Hyperhidrosis Society. Chromhidrosis (Colored Sweat). https://www.sweathelp.org/home/chromhidrosis.html
3. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. Antioxidant and hydrophobic Cotton fabric resisting accelerated ageing. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092777572031654X
4. Sleep Foundation. How to Get Yellow Stains Out of a Mattress: Step-by-Step. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-get-yellow-stains-out-of-a-mattress
5. Good Housekeeping. How to Clean a Mattress Quickly and Easily. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a18944/cleaning-mattress/
6. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT). The Effect of Bleach on The Linen Fabrics. https://www.ijeat.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v11i3/C33330211322.pdf
7. Epitoanyag-Journal of Silicate Based and Composite Materials. Creation of "necessary" mixtures of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and warm water as a strategy for modernization. https://epitoanyag.org.hu/static/upload/10.14382_epitoanyag-jsbcm.2020.6.pdf
8. WikiHow. How to Clean a Mattress in 7 Easy Steps (And Tackle Deep Stains). https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Mattress
9. The Spruce. 10 Ways to Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Your Home. https://www.thespruce.com/baking-soda-and-hydrogen-peroxide-cleaning-7507790
10. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT). A Comparative Study of Sustainable and Commercial Stain Removers on Textiles. https://www.ijert.org/a-comparative-study-of-sustainable-and-commercial-stain-removers-on-textiles
11. American Cleaning Institute. The role of enzymes in detergent products. https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/sites/default/files/documents/Enzymes-factsheet.pdf
12. Southern Living. I'll Never Go Back to Bleach After Learning This Stain Removing Tip. https://www.southernliving.com/home/vinegar-and-baking-soda-stain-remover
13. Journal of Family Practice. Prevalence of night sweats in primary care patients: an OKPRN and TAFP-Net collaborative study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12019054/
14. Polymers (Basel). Assessment of the Impact of the Surface Modification Processes of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics with Various Techniques on Their Structural, Biophysical, Sensory, and Mechanical Properties. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8962984/
15. NC State University. Regenerated cellulose by the Lyocell process, a brief review of the process and properties. https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/regenerated-cellulose-by-the-lyocell-process-a-brief-review-of-the-process-and-properties/
16. American Cleaning Institute. Stain Removal Guide. https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide