Why does the mattress turn yellow?

The importance of the mattress

The bedroom is one of the areas where you spend about a third of your life. Therefore, the mattress you sleep on must be also comfortable. Mattresses may change colour over time under the influence of various factors. The answer to the question of why the mattress turns yellow is a natural result of your daily life. Factors such as sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and moisture cause your mattress to change colour.

The problem of yellowed mattresses is not only an aesthetic problem but also an important issue in terms of hygiene. The yellowing of your mattress can create a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and mites. This is especially uncomfortable for people with allergies. Mattress protectors and anti-allergic pillows can help you minimise this problem. By establishing regular maintenance and cleaning routines, you can maintain both the appearance and hygiene of your bed.

What causes the yellowing of the mattress foam?

Yellowing of the mattress foam is a natural process caused by a combination of various factors. This yellowing is a result of the environmental and human factors to which the mattress is exposed during its lifetime. This discoloration over time can affect the structure and comfort of the mattress.

Sweat and body fluids:

Sweat and other fluids secreted from the body during sleep penetrate the mattress surface over time. This is one of the most basic answers to the question of why the mattress turns yellow. This effect becomes more pronounced when you sleep, especially on hot summer nights or after exercising. In addition, body fats and other fluids also penetrate the mattress surface. Over time, these liquids oxidize and form yellow-brown stains. To reduce the effect of sweat and body fluids, it is helpful to use breathable sheets and keep the temperature of your bedroom under control.

Skin cells and dandruff:

Every night while sleeping, skin cells and dandruff from the hair unknowingly penetrate the mattress. Over time, these organic substances accumulate on the mattress surface and cause yellowing of the mattress. Although high-quality mattress fabrics minimise this problem, regular maintenance is always important. The human body is constantly renewing itself and dead skin cells are shed in this process. This natural process creates an invisible layer on the surface of your mattress. In addition, hair dandruff also contributes to this build-up. Over time, this build-up of organic matter leads to discolouration and yellowing of your mattress. This is not only an aesthetic problem but also important for hygiene. Regularly cleaning and airing your mattress can greatly reduce this problem.

Skin cells and dandruff:

Every night while sleeping, skin cells and dandruff from the hair unknowingly penetrate the mattress. Over time, these organic substances accumulate on the mattress surface and cause yellowing of the mattress. Although high-quality mattress fabrics minimise this problem, regular maintenance is always important. The human body is constantly renewing itself and dead skin cells are shed in this process. This natural process creates an invisible layer on the surface of your mattress. In addition, hair dandruff also contributes to this build-up. Over time, this build-up of organic matter leads to discolouration and yellowing of your mattress. This is not only an aesthetic problem but also important for hygiene. Regularly cleaning and airing your mattress can greatly reduce this problem.

Sunlight and air pollution:

Mattresses exposed to sunlight for a long time tend to turn yellow over time. UV rays disrupt the molecular structure of bedding materials and cause discolouration. Therefore, it may be useful to keep your bedroom curtains or blinds closed during the day. Air pollution from city life can also affect the colour of your mattress. Airborne particles and chemicals can settle on the surface of the mattress and cause discolouration over time. Using appropriate mattress protection methods for double mattresses or single mattresses will prolong the life and maintain the quality of your mattress. Regular ventilation and cleaning play an important role in reducing the impact of these environmental factors.

Is it harmful to sleep on a yellowed mattress?

Sleeping on a yellowed mattress can pose potential risks to your health. Firstly, a yellowed mattress creates a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mites. This can be particularly dangerous for people with respiratory conditions such as allergies or asthma. Microorganisms can become airborne, irritating the respiratory tract and exacerbating existing health problems.

In addition, yellowed mattresses often emit bad odours, which can reduce the quality of your sleep. We know the importance of a clean and hygienic bed environment for better sleep. Bad odours can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause you to wake up frequently during the night, preventing you from waking up rested.

Sleeping on a yellowed mattress can also cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Dead skin cells, dust, and other allergens accumulated in the mattress can come into direct contact with your skin, causing skin problems such as itching, redness, and even eczema. This situation poses a greater risk, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Another answer to the question of why the mattresses turn yellow is that the mattress has been used for many years. This is related to the fact that yellowed mattresses are usually old and deformed. Such mattresses become unable to provide the necessary support to your body over time and prevent you from maintaining the correct body position during sleep. This can cause physical discomfort such as back pain and stiff neck when you wake up in the morning. In the long run, it can lead to chronic pain problems.
When you consider these points, you can see that regular maintenance of your mattress and replacing it with a new one when necessary is critical for your health. Among our mattress models, you can find the most suitable and healthiest option for you.

What should be done to prevent mattress yellowing?

Many measures can be taken to prevent mattress yellowing. Here are some tips to inspire you:

Regular airing:

Airing your mattress every day prevents moisture accumulation and prevents the growth of bacteria.

Use mattress protectors:

Waterproof mattress protectors from IKEA protect your mattress from sweat and other liquids.

Change your bed linen frequently:

Changing your fitted sheets and duvet covers at least once a week helps prevent bed yellowing.

The right cleaning products:

Clean your mattress regularly with laundry and cleaning products.

Humidity control:

Balance the humidity in your bedroom by using moisture-absorbing products in your bedroom.

By taking these measures, you can extend the life of your mattress and create a healthier sleep environment.
There are other solutions to prevent the yellowing of your mattress. For example, taking a shower before going to sleep can reduce the transfer of sweat and oils from your body to the mattress. It is also important to protect your mattress from sunlight. Keeping the curtains closed during the day or using a bedspread can reduce the risk of yellowing by preventing sunlight from direct contact with your mattress.

Don't forget the underside of your bed. Regularly cleaning under your bed prevents dust and mites from accumulating. By choosing ergonomically designed bedroom furniture sets compatible with these beds, you can easily clean under your bed, and using an air purifier in the bedroom helps both prevent bed yellowing and create a healthier sleep environment.

The material of your mattress is also an important factor in yellowing. Mattresses made of high-quality, anti-bacterial, and breathable fabrics minimise the risk of yellowing.

How to clean a yellowed mattress?

Cleaning a yellowed mattress requires attention and care. Managing this process correctly is critical to prolonging the life of your mattress and creating a healthy sleep environment. We offer the most effective mattress cleaning methods by guiding you on this subject.

As a first step, clean your mattress thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner. This process prepares the ground for a deeper cleaning by removing dust, dirt, and dead skin cells on the surface. While vacuuming, clean every corner and curve of the mattress.

Then, try to remove stains and yellowing by using a solution prepared with laundry and cleaning products. When preparing this solution, read the instructions on the product label carefully and, if necessary, test it on a small area first. When applying the solution to the mattress, take care not to over-wet it. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and new problems.

For those who prefer natural cleaning methods, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is also an effective option. To prepare this mixture, mix some baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the stained areas of the mattress. Then, pour the diluted apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spray the areas where you applied baking soda. This will help dissolve the stains by creating bubbling and foaming.

After cleaning, it is very important to ventilate and dry the mattress thoroughly. If possible, take the mattress out onto the balcony or in a sunny area to dry naturally. Sunlight also acts as a natural disinfectant and helps to destroy bacteria and mites.

If the yellowing is too severe or bad odours persist even after cleaning, you can start thinking about buying a new mattress. Among the mattress models, you can find one that suits your needs. A new mattress not only provides a clean sleeping environment but also has a positive effect on your body's health and sleep quality.

Regular maintenance and cleaning prolongs the life of your mattress and provide a healthy sleep environment. We are always at your side to offer you a better sleep experience.