Looking at mysterious yellow patches or stubborn marks on your mattress? You’re not alone! Most Aussies don’t realise how easily treatable common mattress stains actually are – from those telltale sweat marks to coffee spills and general discolouration that builds up over time.
The good news? How to get stains out of a mattress doesn’t require expensive professional cleaning or harsh chemicals. With the right approach and a few household items, you can restore your mattress to looking fresh and clean again. Whether you’re dealing with old yellowing, recent spills, or just want to give your sleep surface a refresh, this guide will walk you through gentle, effective methods that work on foam, hybrid, and traditional mattresses.
Ready to transform that stained mattress back to its former glory? Let’s dive in!
Why Do Mattresses Get Stained?
Before we tackle the cleaning, it’s helpful to understand what causes those unsightly marks in the first place. Most mattress stains fall into a few common categories:
- Sweat and body oils are the biggest culprits – especially in Australia’s warm climate. Over months and years, natural perspiration seeps through sheets and creates those characteristic yellow stains that seem to appear out of nowhere.
- Spilled drinks like coffee, tea, or wine can leave stubborn marks if not treated quickly. Even water can cause discolouration on certain mattress materials.
- Humidity and moisture from our climate can cause general discolouration, particularly on memory foam mattresses which tend to show stains more visibly than other materials.
- Dust and general ageing also contribute to that dingy, yellowed appearance that makes even a comfortable mattress look past its prime.
The key thing to remember? Different mattress materials react differently to stains and cleaning methods, so knowing what you’re working with makes all the difference in getting great results.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these gentle but effective cleaning supplies:
- White vinegar – nature’s deodoriser and stain fighter
- Baking soda – absorbs odours and lifts stains
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) – for light-coloured fabrics only
- Mild dish soap – gentle but effective on oils
- Spray bottles for easy application
- Clean towels and microfibre cloths
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush works perfectly)
- Optional: Enzyme cleaner for tough organic stains
- Optional: Mattress protector for future prevention
Most of these items are probably already in your cleaning cupboard – no need for expensive specialty products!
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Mattress Stains
Sweat Stains and Yellowing
How to get yellow stains out of mattress surfaces is probably the most common question we hear. Those yellow patches are typically a combination of sweat, body oils, and time – but they’re definitely treatable.
The Gentle Vinegar Method:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Lightly spray the stained area (don’t soak!)
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes
- Blot with a clean towel
- Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area
- Leave for 8-10 hours or overnight
- Vacuum thoroughly
For Stubborn Yellow Stains: Create a paste with 3 parts baking soda, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and a drop of dish soap. Apply gently with a soft brush, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum. Always test this method on a hidden area first!
Pro tip: If possible, let your mattress get some sunlight exposure after cleaning – natural UV helps break down yellowing compounds.
Drink Spills (Coffee, Tea, Wine)
Fresh spills are much easier to tackle than set-in stains, so act quickly if you can.
- Blot immediately – never rub, as this pushes the liquid deeper
- Mix cold water with a few drops of mild dish soap
- Dab the solution onto the stain with a clean cloth
- Blot with a dry towel to absorb moisture
- For wine or tea stains, follow up with an enzyme cleaner if needed
- Allow to air dry completely
Important: Memory foam and latex mattresses shouldn’t be over-wetted, so use the spray-and-blot method rather than pouring cleaning solutions directly onto the surface.
Moisture Stains and Water Rings
These often appear as circular marks from glasses, plant pots, or general humidity buildup.
- Start with a dry brush to lift any surface residue
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water
- Spray lightly and let sit for 5 minutes
- Blot with a clean, dry towel
- Use a fan or open windows to speed drying
Old or Set-In Stains
How to get old stains out of mattress surfaces requires a bit more patience, but it’s definitely doable.
The Deep-Clean Method:
- Create a solution: 1 cup hydrogen peroxide + 3 tablespoons baking soda + 2-3 drops dish soap
- Apply with a soft brush in gentle circular motions
- Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour for very old stains)
- Blot with a damp cloth to remove residue
- Vacuum once completely dry
- Repeat if necessary – sometimes old stains need 2-3 treatments
Remember: patience is key with old stains. They didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t disappear overnight either!
How to Get Stains Out of a Mattress When Dry
How to get stains out of a mattress when dry is trickier because the stains have had time to bond with the mattress fibres. The key is gently re-moistening the area with your cleaning solution.
Old, dry stains often look set-in and permanent, but don’t give up! Here’s the approach:
- Vacuum first to remove any surface debris
- Re-activate the stain with a light mist of your cleaning solution
- Work in sections rather than trying to clean the entire mattress at once
- Be patient – you may need to repeat the cleaning cycle 2-3 times
- Never soak foam or hybrid mattresses – always use the spray-and-blot method
The most important thing with dry stains is avoiding the temptation to use harsh chemicals or bleach. These can damage mattress materials and often make stains worse by setting them permanently.
Onebed Mattress Care & Appearance Tips
Keeping your mattress looking fresh is easier when you start with quality materials designed for Australian conditions. Onebed mattresses are available in all standard Australian sizes – Single, King Single, Double, Queen, and King – and each is designed with care and maintenance in mind.
The Onebed Original Gen3 features a removable, washable cover that makes deep cleaning much simpler. When stains do occur, you can often just unzip and wash the cover rather than treating the mattress itself.
All Onebed mattresses benefit from quality mattress protectors, especially in our warm climate where sweat stains are more likely to develop. A breathable, waterproof protector acts as your first line of defence while still allowing the mattress to regulate temperature properly.
Remember: a clean, fresh mattress isn’t just about appearance – it’s about creating the optimal sleep environment that Onebed mattresses are designed to provide.
Prevention Tips to Keep Your Mattress Stain-Free
The best stain removal strategy? Preventing stains in the first place! Here are some simple habits that’ll keep your mattress looking fresh:
- Use a quality mattress protector – choose one that’s waterproof but breathable. This single step prevents 90% of potential staining.
- Wash your bedding weekly to reduce the buildup of oils and sweat that eventually transfer to your mattress.
- Avoid eating and drinking in bed when possible. If you do enjoy a morning coffee in bed, use a bedside table rather than placing drinks directly on the mattress.
- Let your mattress breathe – don’t keep it tightly covered with non-breathable materials for extended periods.
- Air it out monthly by stripping the bed and opening windows. Fresh air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps everything smelling clean.
- Rotate your mattress every few months to ensure even wear and prevent concentrated staining in sleep areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my mattress turning yellow?
Yellow stains are typically caused by sweat and body oils that accumulate over time. In Australia’s warm climate, this is completely normal and happens faster than in cooler regions. The good news is that these stains respond well to gentle cleaning with vinegar and baking soda.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide on any mattress?
Hydrogen peroxide works well on light-coloured fabrics but can bleach darker materials. Always test on a hidden area first, and never use it on memory foam or latex without checking manufacturer guidelines. Stick to 3% solutions only.
What causes sweat stains on a mattress?
Sweat stains develop when perspiration seeps through bedding and into the mattress surface. The proteins and salts in sweat create yellow discolouration over time, especially when combined with body heat and humidity.
How do I get rid of old mattress stains naturally?
For natural cleaning, combine white vinegar, baking soda, and mild dish soap. This combination breaks down organic stains without harsh chemicals. Be patient – old stains may need several treatments to fully disappear.
Should I vacuum my mattress after cleaning?
Absolutely! Vacuuming removes cleaning residue, baking soda, and any loosened debris. Use the upholstery attachment and vacuum in overlapping strokes for best results. This final step leaves your mattress looking and feeling fresh.
Conclusion
Most mattress stains – from how to get sweat stains out of mattress surfaces to removing old discolouration – can be successfully treated with gentle, household methods. The key is using the right technique for your specific stain type and mattress material, plus having realistic expectations about timing.
Remember that regular maintenance and prevention will keep your mattress looking fresh for years to come. With the right care routine, even foam and hybrid mattresses can maintain their appearance and comfort throughout their lifespan. If you’re tackling tougher spots, make sure to check our separate articles on removing blood and urine stains for targeted tips.
Looking to start fresh with a mattress that’s designed for easy care and long-lasting comfort? Onebed’s range of foam and hybrid mattresses combines Australian-made quality with practical features like removable covers and enhanced breathability. From Single to King size, each mattress is built to handle our climate while providing the deep, restorative sleep you deserve.
