Cornflour, a kitchen staple costing about 8p per application, can help reduce yellow and greasy mattress stains left by sweat and skincare products, according to interiors specialist Suzanne Hayes of Headboards & Interiors.
The method requires no water or scrubbing. Suzanne explained that after a hot summer, people may notice yellowish or greasy patches where sweat and skincare products have transferred through bedding.
How cornflour works
Suzanne said: "Cornflour works differently to the usual bicarbonate of soda mattress hack because the aim is to absorb oily residue rather than deodorise the whole surface."
A 500g packet of cornflour retails for approximately £2.55. Cleaning a stain requires only a couple of tablespoons, which amounts to roughly 8p per treatment. This method works particularly well on smaller stains where oily marks have seeped onto the mattress. While it won't substitute a thorough mattress clean or address deeper stains, it's excellent for light grease marks and yellowing.
Steps to clean your mattress
To tackle a stain, scatter cornflour onto the dry mark. Resist rubbing it in; allow it to settle and soak up excess oil. After it has absorbed the residue, carefully vacuum up the powder.
Suzanne explained: "Let it sit on the surface and do the absorbing, then vacuum it away carefully. Scrubbing can push residue further into the fabric and make the area harder to deal with."
If the mark persists
Should the cornflour prove unsuccessful, avoid drenching the mattress with water or cleaning solutions, as mattresses can take considerable time to dry thoroughly.
Suzanne advised: "If the mark is still there afterwards, check the mattress care instructions before using any wet cleaning method. Use as little moisture as possible and blot rather than scrub. Soaking a mattress can create a much bigger problem than the original mark."
