Yellow mattress stains are definitely unpleasant but they are - whether we like it or not - an inevitability. 

Caused by sweat and sebum, it's very normal for our mattresses and pillows to turn yellow but that doesn't mean that we have to live with it.

In fact, experts warn that you shouldn't.

Excessive moisture from body sweat can form mould and may even welcome critters such as dust mites and bed bugs, according to the team at Winstons Beds.

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Between 24p limes, white vinegar and baking soda, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get rid of the unpleasant stains and smells for good. 

How often should a mattress be cleaned?

“Yellow stains are foul, repulsive and frankly disgusting, but unfortunately it’s a normal occurrence when it comes to beds," according to Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons Beds.

Rebecca added: “Sweating during the night can’t be helped so it’s important to give the mattress a clean otherwise you run the risk of ruining it and making the bed unhygienic to sleep on.

“Try using items such as white vinegar, washing up liquid and even limes, which only cost 24p per fruit.

“Make sure to give the mattress a deep clean once a month to prevent the problem from returning.”

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How to clean yellow mattress stains

The team at Winstons Beds have rounded up six tips and tricks to help you get rid of the stains on your mattress:

Limes

The high amount of citric acid in 24p limes makes it an effective method for cleaning yellow stains.

You can use the fruit itself to scrub on the mattress. Squeeze it gently and wipe it down with hot, soapy water.

White vinegar

Use a quarter of a cup of white vinegar with three parts distilled water and mix to create an effective cleaning solution.

Use a sponge to soak up the mixture and scrub on the stains. Don’t make the surface too wet otherwise, it can cause internal dampness.

Baking soda

Sprinkle the substance onto the material and leave it to set for an hour. After it’s settled, scrub the stains again for better results.

The baking soda should help lift the stains up from deeper crevices of the mattress.

Recommended reading

  • How often you should wash your bedding and 5 things that happen if you don't
  • Try this 'game-changing' hack for banishing yellow stains from your pillows
  • How often should you replace your mattress? How to make it last

Washing up liquid

Hot water with a dab of washing-up liquid is a great cleaning source to use on dirty mattresses.

It’s an effective way to banish unwanted stains and will help to remove the musty scent.

Lemon juice

A mixture of two tbsp lemon juice with baking soda can create a fizzy solution to help banish the foul stains.

It’ll also leave a refreshing citrus smell on the mattress.

Hydrogen Peroxide

The substance is an effective way to remove the most stubborn, deep stains. It also works as a disinfectant to make the mattress more hygienic.

Only use a small amount mixed with water and wipe it down.