Why Does (Memory) Foam Turn Yellow?

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Are you bold enough to look down the mattress under your sheets? Have you ever wondered why your white (memory) foam is losing color? If you have spent so much on it and are now worried about its results. Please do not overthink.

After aging, your white (memory) foam starts yellowing due to oxidization, just like the paper becomes yellow over time. This is a completely natural process. Oxidization is not harmful or toxic in any way. 

Many people have a concern about their mattresses/pillows/cushions getting old. Are you also distressed about the discoloration of your foam products? Don’t bother. We can’t stop the foam from turning yellow, just like we can’t protect ourselves from getting old. But we can slow the process down. If you’re looking for the reasons why your (memory) foam is losing color. Or you want to slow down the process. You landed on the right platform. After reading this piece of knowledge, you will be free from all the worries.

Dose yellowing affect the usage of (memory) foam?

Are you considering throwing away your (memory) foam while it is slightly discolored? Or you may be thinking now they are useless or has become toxic? Don’t panic.

It is a completely natural process. It is no way resembles the quality or performance. If you notice any discoloration of your (memory) foam. It has no negative effects. It happens due to low oxidization. Your (memory) foam performance will be the same as it used to be. 

How can I stop (memory) foam from turning yellow?

Are you also concerned about the yellowing of your (memory) foam? Every memory foam consumer gets worried about discoloration.

Let’s figure out what causes the discoloration of your (memory) foam. Once you find out the reasons why it happens. You will know the solutions to the problem.

Avoid Direct Exposure to Sunlight:

The polyurethane foam is hypoallergenic, so there is no need to deal with allergies through exposure to the sun. Do not place (memory) foam under the sun for more than seven hours. It does not only compromise the overall lifespan of your memory foam but also damages the material. Leaving a foam product under the sun in the evening air will make it moisten. 

Use Washable Covers:

The use of a washable cover is the best way to prevent it. For the mattress, you can use a large waterproof fitted sheet. It will help you cover the whole bed easily. If your kid hasn’t quit the habit of peeing on the bed. The waterproof bed sheet is the best way to prevent your foam mattress from getting wet. For memory foam pillows or other small memory foam products, choose the one with a removable, washable cover. If it doesn’t have any zipper to remove the cover, you can put an extra pillowcase or simple cover on it to achieve that.

Do Proper Cleaning Of Your Memory Foam:

Oil, sweat, and mold can cause yellow stains on your foam. These stains are hidden at the beginning. Improper cleaning can make these pigments strong.

  • Sweat Stains:  The longer the sweat stays on your memory foam. The darker the stains become. It may have an awful smell as well.
  • Urine Stain: If you don’t clean your memory foam properly. Urine stains can turn yellow. It may also cause a pungent smell of ammonia. 
  • Oil Stains: when you eat on your mattress, dropping food on it can cause yellow stains. That can become permanent if left untreated. 
  • Mold Stain: Due to poor hygiene and improper cleaning, mold can grow. It will result in the growth of a single yellow stain.

Does the yellowing mean I need to buy a new mattress or pillow? 

Yellowing is not a signal that it needs to be replaced. The service life of the mattress is generally about 10 years, and the use of pillows and other smaller slow-rebound products is normally about 2 years. (Higher density will have longer using time.) If your mattress has served its time. Now you may think about buying a fresh one. The time also can be lengthened after good maintenance and proper cleaning. 

How to clean (memory) foam?

Consider, you spent almost 6 to 7 hours on a bed. Your skin releases dead cells while sleeping. Other body fluids, hair oil, and sweat invite bacteria, fungi, and other allergens to bed. These allergens can cause several diseases such as coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and skin rashes. You should clean your memory foam regularly. It is better to prevent any allergic reactions. We are going to discuss the general rules of cleaning memory foam. By following these tips and tricks, you can also enhance the lifespan of your memory foam.

Can I put foam in the washing machine?

As you are putting your bed sheets or pillow covers in the washer, You can not put your memory foam in the washing machine. It will damage the structure. The strong disruption may damage the foam, and may also make it unfit for use. You should also avoid putting your memory foam in the dryer. 

There are different methods to clean your memory foam. You can use it according to the situation. 

Vacuum Cleaning:

The vacuum cleaning process is one of the most convenient ways to clean your memory foam at home. Before cleaning, place your memory foam on the floor. The floor is hard and flat, it will make it easier to reach all the corners. If you’re using a water-based Vacuum. Make sure you dry your memory foam before placing it back on the bed. Memory foam is almost 3 to 4 inches thick; it will take 12 to 24 hours.

Use OF Laundry Detergents:

Avoid using low-cost detergents, it may damage the structure and texture of memory foam. Use delicate liquid detergent mixed with water. Gently rub a light-colored cloth on the stain in a circular motion. Leave it for 30 minutes. Make sure no detergent is residue on memory foam. 

Use Of Baking Soda:

Baking soda is the best odor neutralizer and a good stain cleaner. You can use baking soda in different ways:

  • For removing stains. Mix twice the baking soda with cold water. Rub this solution on stains.
  • Pour baking soda directly on the stain and rub gently. Vacuum it after 8 hours. Make sure no baking soda particle is left on memory foam.

You can watch these videos for a better understanding. One is for clean the mattress, one is for clean the small cushion.

FINAL WORDS:

Memory foam turns yellow due to aging. There is nothing to worry about. After yellowing, your memory foam serves you as it used to. Aging is a natural process. You cannot stop it. But you can slow down the process.

Don’t neglect the slightest stains on your (memory) foam. With the time being, these stains become stubborn and hard to remove. Avoid using low-quality detergent. Low-cost detergents damage the texture or structure of memory foam. Please make sure you completely dry your (memory) foam while placing it back on the bed.

Cleaning a mattress periodically provides us with more comfort and enhances the lifetime of memory foam. Please read the instructions given on the label care so you can learn what should be avoided while cleaning them.

I hope you’ll find this article helpful. Your suggestions are appreciated. Write any review in the comment section below.

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