Why do foam mattresses turn yellow?

Author: Miss Mazie O'Connell  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Products like sofa, mattresses, etc. containing polyurethane may cause yellow discoloration of the entire foam block. This is because the polyurethane material itself has a property of turning yellow, depending on UV irradiation, temperature, and humidity.

How do you keep foam from turning yellow?

As we have concluded, the yellowing of memory foam is a natural process that cannot be stopped. However there are ways to help slow this yellowing down to keep your mattress better for longer. You can slow this yellowing down by ensuring that the mattress is rarely exposed to sunlight.

How do you get yellow stains out of a memory foam mattress?

  1. Step 1: Apply baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the yellow stains, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Vacuum. Thoroughly vacuum up all the baking soda.
  3. Step 3: Apply upholstery cleaner. Follow the instructions on the bottle. ...
  4. Step 4: Repeat as necessary.

Is it normal for a mattress to turn yellow?

It's normal for mattresses to get yellow over time, especially without a protector. It's mostly from body oils and sweat. Keep using the protector and try cleaning the mattress with a mix of water and mild detergent. Regular sheet changes will help keep things fresh. You're not alone in this!

Why are my mattress stains yellow but I don't pee?

Natural Oxidation

Yellow stains from oxidation don't have a smell and persist despite regular cleaning. Oxidation is natural and will eventually happen to any mattress, especially memory foam ones. However, you can slow oxidation down by keeping your mattress away from moisture and out of direct sunlight.

Why is my foam yellow? Oxidation explained!

Is it normal for memory foam to turn yellow?

containing polyurethane may cause yellow discoloration of the entire foam block. This is because the polyurethane material itself has a property of turning yellow, depending on UV irradiation, temperature, and humidity. You can rest assured that being yellowing is a natural phenomenon.

Why is my husband's side of the bed yellow?

Sweat and Sebum

It's a fact that everyone sweats and releases natural body oils while sleeping. Although sweat stains may not be visible immediately, they gradually accumulate, leading to unsightly yellowish stains. Sweat and sebum provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can cause unpleasant odours.

How often should you replace your mattress?

Quality sleep is essential for our overall health, and a good mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring a good night's sleep. Experts recommend replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years, but there are factors can influence this timeframe.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove yellow stains from a mattress?

Without a mattress protector in place, yellow stains caused by sweat, body oils, urine, dust, dirt and other debris will begin to build up. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning solution that helps shift stubborn stains in minutes. However, if you don't use it properly, you could cause lasting damage to your bed.

How do I get my memory foam mattress white again?

Mix one part baking soda and two parts cool water to form a paste. With a cool, damp cloth, apply the paste to the stained area of the mattress and lightly dab, working the paste into the stain. Let the paste dry for 30 minutes. Repeat the process with a cool, damp cloth.

Why is my foam mattress topper turning yellow?

Natural discoloration over time due to oxidation is completely normal for foam However, proper maintenance and care are required to reduce stains and discoloration not related to oxidation.

How do I get my memory foam mattress back to normal?

Rotate the Bed

However, you can still try to fix it. Rotate your bed so that you sleep in the opposite area of the mattress. This will cause a counter-pressure, eventually evening your sagging mattress. Again, please give it a few days or weeks for your mattress to return to its original shape.

Is a memory foam mattress ruined if it gets wet?

Is memory foam ruined if it gets wet? Short answer: yes. You should always avoid getting your mattress wet. Moisture in memory foam will weaken its viscosity.

Can I steam clean my memory foam mattress?

The main weakness of memory foam is its vulnerability to heat and water. You should never machine wash memory foam, as this will damage the fibres and cause it to lose its structural memory – it may also become lumpy and uncomfortable. For the same reason you should never steam clean memory foam or let it get too wet.

How to remove water stains from a memory foam mattress?

Blot away any excess liquid with a clean cloth and allow the mattress to dry completely. If the stain is stubborn, use a pinch of baking soda on top of the stain and let it sit for eight hours. Once the stain is neutralized and the mattress is clean, vacuum any remaining baking soda and allow the mattress to air dry.

Is a 20 year old mattress too old?

In short, yes, a 20-year-old mattress is definitely too old and should be replaced. At that age, it's highly likely that it's filled with a buildup of dust mites, allergens, and potentially mildew or mould. The structural integrity is also likely compromised, leading to sagging and less effective support.

How often should you wash your sheets?

"Regular washing, or about once every one to two weeks, is recommended to maintain cleanliness and a healthy sleep environment," says Harris. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet. Once a month if you do. Once a week if you don't use a top sheet.

What are signs that you need a new mattress?

11 Signs You Need a New Mattress
  • You Wake Up Feeling Stiff and Sore. ...
  • You Have Trouble Falling Asleep. ...
  • You're Tossing and Turning All Night. ...
  • You Sleep Better at a Hotel Than at Home. ...
  • You Can Feel Springs Poking Through the Mattress. ...
  • The Mattress Is Sagging in the Middle. ...
  • The Edges of the Mattress Are Sagging or Drooping.

How to remove yellow stains from a memory foam mattress?

Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap: Mix a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dish soap. Lightly dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Rinse the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue, and allow it to dry completely.

Why do wives sleep on the left side of the bed?

Almost everybody has a side of the bed they sleep on, and most couples need to establish this as soon as they decide to start sleeping together. Research shows that men often tend to sleep on the right as it makes them feel dominant while women prefer the left as it makes them feel safe.

Is mattress yellowing normal?

This is a normal phenomenon resulting from the oxidation of the foam. This process does not affect the functionality of the mattress, and it is also unavoidable. Generally, the yellowing of the mattress is a result of a natural chemical reaction. It occurs in every type of foam, although in slightly different ways.

How can you tell if a memory foam mattress is bad?

Some indications that your memory foam pillow or mattress is not as supportive or comfortable as it used to be are:
  1. Visible sagging or indentations. ...
  2. Lumps or uneven surface. ...
  3. Difficulties getting comfortable. ...
  4. Body aches and pains. ...
  5. Unpleasant odors. ...
  6. Allergies or respiratory issues.

How do you make memory foam white again?

Using harsh chemicals such as bleach will damage the foam materials. Instead, use a homemade solution of 1 part mild detergent and 2 parts water shaken in a spray bottle until dissolved. Lightly spray the mixture on the mattress. You only need enough to make the fabric surface lather slightly.

Does sweat cause yellow stains on a mattress?

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.

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