Stained mattresses….

[SoPunkontheInternet]

Exciting, I know, but aibu to assume everybody’s mattress is stained?

I’m meticulous about washing bedding so beds always look
and smell fresh and clean, but as soon as I strip them the mattress just looked awful.
we had a new one about 6 months ago, yet it’s already got yellow and brown circles on.

Teen DS is even worse. I’d stripped the beds today then got caught at the door before I could re-make with spare bedding. MIL was visiting g and popped upstairs and I felt mortified that she might see the bare mattress ( MIL issues, I know). But this is the same for everyone; yes? MIL will have stains on hers too?!

I know I could use a mattress protector but I don’t, so here we are!

Oh yea and I once managed to spill and entire cup of coffee and that got though a small amount.

My mattress is 15 years old, no stains at all. But I use a good quality mattress protector, not waterproof as they are too sweaty, but well padded. It has a skirt which is fully elasticated all round and doesn't move at all. I use pillow protectors too. I can't imagine sleeping with just a sheet straight on the mattress.

@SoPunkontheInternet

Family Bargains: Astonish bicarbonate spray, smells lovely and dead cheap. Spray liberally on stain, soak a micro cloth in some diluted bleach (50:50) and scrub. You’ll need to leave mattress to dry. Then two not one mattress protectors, cheap as chips from Family Bargains.

Most bed stains are from sweat, body oils and natural oxidation.

Try sponging the stains with bio washing liquid dissolved in hot water.

Obviously don't get the mattress really wet and do it early in the day when it's mild and dry so bedroom windows can be left open all day to dry before remaking the bed

And buy mattress protectors! IKEA do some that have elastic at each corner to go under the mattress so it stays in place.

It’s completely normal, don’t worry. Much worse on DH’s side of the bed than mine - it’s a combination of sweat and oils from the skin, I’m pretty sure. I keep meaning to get a mattress protector…

I’m generally quite grim with my housework standards OP and even I’m grossed out by not using a mattress protector. All your sweat and sex wee etc going straight onto your mattress 🤢 (through a thin sheet that isn’t going to do much). For the record, I have a mattress protector and a waterproof sheet on my bed and the mattress looks brand new.

My mattresses aren't stained because I use mattress protectors.
Why don't you use them?

Same! I also have a good mattress topper. Life changer!

No stains, a blanket covering the mattress, mattress protector holding the blanket in place and then a fitted sheet,

I genuinely haven’t got a single stain on any of my mattresses. DS was a very refluxy baby and often sick, so we’ve had waterproof mattress protectors for the last 7 years. Within that 7 years, we’ve had new beds, so the mattress has always had a waterproof protector on and nothing gets through.

It will be a long time until there's any chance of me being a MIL (and obviously might not ever happen!) but I would be really upset to think my DIL might be worried about something like this. First, I'd never think the state of the house is just on her. Second, the old those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind is true. Third, yes most people do have stains anyway-I've got matress protectors on mine but I don't judge other people.

I have a flat mattress protector and a fitted one on my bed. Kids have waterproof ones and then soft fitted ones. DD wears fake tan and DS is a sweaty fucker. Pillow protectors too. No stains here

Some inexpensive mattress / pillows protectors from Dusk. Often they have offers on. I get pretty much all our beddings from there. Hope that helps

We have a stained mattress. Bought a new, good quality mattress 3 years ago when we moved house. We also bought a mattress protector, but it was a very cheap one. I was absolutely mortified to see stains very early on after buying it.

After reading this thread I feel I need to buy a vax spot cleaner (is that what it is called?). Are they good? Will it get rid of mattress stains? I also have a new carpet so will it work in any carpet stains?

Advice appreciated, but you are not alone OP!

No stains because we use mattress protectors on each bed. I’m sweating loads at night due to perimenopause, so much so that my sheet often has a sweaty/discoloured outline of my body in the morning like a murder scene of sweat, but the mattress itself is completely stain free. They were inexpensive and from IKEA.

Mine isnt a pleasant sight OP. It desperately needs replacing but I dont have the funds. I do use a mattress protector but its pretty useless.

@ridiculouslyridiculous I’m SO glad to read this. I’ve ordered a vac spot thing and am hopeful. I also have mattress protectors in my Amazon basket ready for when my mattresses are sparkling.

the marks are almost definitely from
sweat, judging by location, and DH side is worse than mine, though as peri menopause has just hit I’m not sure that will be the way for long 😬

Those of you with waterproof mattress protectors…. Do they make a crunchy noise? Flashbacks to a hotel stay where the mattress protectors made me sweat like crazy and sounded like greaseproof paper

Absolutely the same here! My partners side is fairly bad, but mortifyingly my side is worse. I put that down to pregnancies and all the things associated.

Thanks for making me feel normal and not gross. Will be ordering the vac spot immediately!

Honestly if they aren't waterproof they don't do much for the areas where you sleep every night (and I say this as someone who doesn't use one as I also find them a bit sweaty). They help a little bit.

Yup, i spill my morning coffee all the time, and on sunday mornings i bring my two rabbits in bed with me (actual living pet bunnies 😉), so there is the occasional little wee.

When i can be bothered i use some antibac spray and a handheld steamer, but stains are normal imo.

Our mattress was spotless at 8 years old until recently, but dh twists and turns so much the mattress protector pinged off the corner and left a drool/sweat stain. For all those struggling with sweaty waterproof protectors we have these on every bed. www.protectabed.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21722997337&gbraid=0AAAAADLDiP6ovTCuEMo6Bto_7eIwtWu5-&gclid=CjwKCAjw56zWBhB0EiwAdPOQOfmeUKHeYqd22DnBWK69K7WubDM9CfTvaO3gwmzRGeCuJv2BgYr4YRoCrdUQAvD_BwE.

Not at all sweaty and have been wee and vomit tested MANY times over the years.

We have the basic ones.

Wtf

Why would he ‘soil the bed’ and why would he not eat well while OP was away?