03-08-2025
Homeowners warned to check hidden ‘health hazard' in bedrooms this summer
Householders should clean this commonly used item twice per year, according to experts.
Householders are being warned to check a hidden 'health hazard' that could be lurking in their bedrooms. According to experts, if you have recently been waking up feeling groggy, congested, or under the weather, the problem might be right under your nose - and your bedsheets.
Washing and changing bed linen is a routine task, yet mattresses are often neglected. Dirty mattresses can become a hidden health hazard, harbouring bacteria, dust mites, and allergens that could cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and a bad night's sleep. To banish the problem or prevent it from happening, Dimitri Pappas from My Furniture has shared simple and effective hacks for a clean and stain-free mattress.
Dimitri said: "Yellow stains usually happen because of sweat and body oils that build up over time. When these mix with air, they cause the mattress fabric to slowly turn yellow, just like the stains you sometimes see on old T-shirts.
'They often appear in areas where your body touches the mattress most. Things like how much you sweat, what your sheets are made of, and how warm or humid your room is can all affect how quickly the stains show up.'
Household products to remove stains
According to Dimitri one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean yellow stains is by using common items like hydrogen peroxide, water, a bit of clear dish soap, and baking soda.
These products effectively eliminate odours, stains, and bacteria. Baking soda acts as a natural deodoriser, tackling smells from sweat, body oils, and accumulated dust on the mattress. To optimally prepare your mattress for cleaning, start with a thorough vacuum before applying the products.
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He added: 'The cleaning process is simple, but letting the mixture sit for a few hours, or overnight, makes a big difference. You might need to repeat it if the stain is stubborn, but this method often works well without the need for strong chemicals.
'Pillows can get the same yellow stains as mattresses, and you can clean them the same way. But because they're smaller and closer to your face, any leftover smell is more noticeable.
'Adding a few drops of essential oil to your cleaning mix, or making a light spray with water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oil, can help keep pillows smelling fresh.'
Dimitri recommends cleaning your mattress about twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn.
"This helps keep it fresh for longer. Mattresses usually last about eight years before fillings and springs start to wear out, causing lumps or sagging. You may need a replacement sooner if your mattress feels less comfortable or if you experience back or neck pain connected to your sleep.'
