How to Remove Yellow Stains from Mattresses and What Causes Them?

It’s no secret — we spend a big chunk of our lives on our mattresses. Over time, they go through a lot with us: sleepy Sunday mornings, late-night snacks, humid summer nights, and sometimes, accidental spills. Naturally, over time, they start to show signs of use. Those stubborn yellow stains on the mattress surface that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Yellow stains on the mattress are something most mattresses end up with over time. The good news? They're usually treatable. The better news? With a few habits and smart choices (like choosing the right kind of mattress), you can keep them from forming in the first place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through: 

• The causes of yellow stains on the mattress

• How to clean mattress stains effectively at home

• Tips to prevent stains on the mattress

What Causes Yellow Stains on a Mattress?

Before you reach out for the nearest bottle of cleaner, it’s worth understanding the causes of yellow stains on the mattress. They can show up for a variety of reasons, some more unexpected than you might think.

1. Sweat and Body Oils: Yes, your body plays a role. Even if you shower before bed, your body still releases sweat and oils through the night. Over time, these seep through your sheets and into your mattress, leaving behind yellowish marks. So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can sweat cause mattress stains?” - The answer is absolutely yes.

2. Urine or Bedwetting Accidents: This is more common if you have kids or pets. Urine stains start out as pale spots and turn yellowish as they dry. They’re not just tough on the eyes, if left untreated, they can start to smell too.

3. Spills and Moisture: That late-night tea or coffee spill? It might not leave a stain right away. But moisture that’s not dried out quickly can leave yellow stains on the mattress, especially on lighter-colored mattresses.

4. Mold or Mildew: If your room tends to stay humid or if your mattress is placed directly on the floor, trapped moisture can lead to fungal growth, which can show up as yellow or even greenish stains.

5. Oxidation Over Time: Even with regular use and no spills, some staining is just a natural result of aging. As materials oxidize (especially foam or latex), they tend to yellow. This doesn’t mean your mattress is dirty, but it can affect how fresh it looks.

How to Clean Yellow Stains from a Mattress

Now you know the causes of yellow stains on the mattress, you can take the right steps to treat them. Here’s a step-by-step method guide on how to clean yellow stains from mattress fabric using simple ingredients you may already have at home:

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
  

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
  

• Mild liquid dish soap
  

• Spray bottle
  

• Clean cloth or towel
  

• Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create the Cleaning Solution: In a spray bottle, mix about 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Shake gently until the baking soda dissolves.

Step 2: Spray the Stain: Lightly spray the stained area. Avoid soaking the area, a light spray is all you need to cover the stain. 

Step 3: Let It Sit: Let the solution sit for 15–20 minutes. As it sits, you’ll start to see the stain break down and fade. You might even notice it bubbling a bit, that’s a good sign.

Step 4: Blot, Don’t Scrub: Use a clean cloth to blot the area. Press gently to absorb excess moisture. Try not to scrub — that can actually drive the stain in further. Try not to scrub, that can actually drive the stain in further.

Step 5: Let It Air Dry: Make sure the mattress is fully dry before putting the sheets back on. If you can, place it near a fan or an open window to speed up the drying.

Step 6: Vacuum the Surface: Once dry, vacuum the area to remove any leftover baking soda or residue. This final step helps refresh the surface and completes your effort to clean mattress stains.

Repeat the process if needed, especially for older or deeper stains.

How to Prevent Stains on a Mattress

Cleaning is one thing, but it’s best if you prevent stains on mattress surfaces rather than clean them repeatedly. Here are some practical tips:

1. Use a Mattress Protector
A good-quality mattress protector can act like a shield. It blocks spills, sweat, and dirt from reaching your mattress. They're easy to remove and wash, which makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Air Out Your Mattress Occasionally
Every now and then, take off the bedding and give your mattress some time to air out. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and can reduce moisture buildup.

3. Rotate or Flip the Mattress
Depending on your mattress type, rotating it every few months can prevent uneven wear and discoloration.

4. Clean Spills Immediately
Blot out any spills as soon as they happen. The sooner you act on a spill, the easier it is to clean up, waiting only makes it tougher. 

5. Choose a Breathable Mattress
Mattresses from Kurlon are designed with comfort and breathability in mind, helping minimize moisture retention and reduce the need to clean yellow stains from mattress surfaces frequently.

Why Your Mattress Matters (How Kurlon Helps)

While cleaning methods are helpful, the type of mattress you use also plays a big role. Mattresses from Kurlon are thoughtfully designed with breathability and comfort in mind. Many mattresses come with breathable fabric layers that reduce heat and moisture buildup, which means fewer sweat stains over time.

Kurlon mattresses also offer support that minimizes sagging, so you’re less likely to end up with areas where moisture pools. And when paired with a good protector, you’ve got a setup that stays fresher for longer. 

Choosing a mattress brand that values durability and hygiene can save you a lot of hassle down the road.

Final Thoughts

Yellow stains may be common, but they don’t have to be permanent. With a few simple household ingredients and some care, you can clean mattress stains effectively. Even better, with the right habits and the right mattress, you can keep your bed looking fresh and feeling comfortable for years.

So the next time you notice a faint stain creeping in, you’ll know exactly what to do, and what to avoid.

Yellow marks might be a common issue, but they’re not permanent. Whether you're dealing with sweat, spills, or just regular wear, it’s easy to clean yellow stains from mattress fabrics with a little effort and care. More importantly, understanding the causes of yellow stains on mattress surfaces helps you tackle the problem at its root.

And remember, when you invest in a high-quality mattress and take small steps to prevent stains on the mattress, you’re not just protecting your bed, you’re making sure your sleep stays clean and comfortable, night after night.  

Explore Kurlon’s range of thoughtfully designed mattresses, built to stay fresher, last longer, and support better sleep every day.