The mattress stains that are harmless and the ones you should never ignore

Using a mattress means it will inevitably get stained — you can't just stop sweating — and in most cases, a quick blot and a light vacuum is enough to remove the mark and keep your bed fresh.

But there are some mattress stains you should never ignore, including early signs of bed bugs and mold. If you've spotted one of these marks, it's critical; you need to deep clean immediately.

We're mattress cleaning experts so we've encountered every type of bed stain and below we've rounded up the most common marks you can expect to find on your mattress, plus what to do about them.

If you've left stains too long, it might be time for a bed replacement — our guide to this year's best mattresses can help you find the perfect one.

5 most common types of mattress stains

Light colored, wide reaching stains

Danger level: Low
Cleaning needed: Part of your regular cleaning routine

Everybody sweats, even during the night and especially during a hot night. Over time this will inevitably lead to some mattress staining.

A typical sweat stain is pale yellow and wide spread, and while sweat does contribute to the inevitable break down of your mattress, it's considered normal wear and tear.

You can guard against sweat stains in your mattress with a regular cleaning regimen; a baking soda and vinegar solution is an easy, affordable mattress stain removal method.

Frequent cleaning can prevent sweat stains from becoming set-in, therefore prolonging the lifespan of your mattress.

Dark stains contained to specific areas

Danger level: Medium-low
Cleaning needed: Quick blotting, regular cleaning

From vomit to urine to blood, the body contains many fluids and sometimes they make their way to your mattress (especially if you have kids or pets.)

The best way to prevent these stains from harming your mattress is with a mattress protector. This affordable bedding essential sits underneath your fitted sheet to act as a protective wall. They're good at absorbing (or repelling) moisture.

Our mattress cleaning guide has a hack for removing every type of stain and in most cases, household ingredients are suitable (baking soda and white vinegar are essentials.)

For deep set stains, try steam cleaning your mattress (although be aware this isn't suitable for all mattress types.)

As with sweat stains, these marks are unlikely to cause any immediate damage but the can contribute to the long-term degradation of your bed.

Food and drink stains

Danger level: Medium
Cleaning needed: Quick blotting, regular cleaning

We recommend you don't eat or drink in your bed but we won't deny you the occasional morning coffee curled up on your mattress.

But if a spill occurs, you need to deal with it immediately. Food and drink stains soak into a mattress, leaving behind an enticing stain for pests — and a smelly mark for humans.

Act quickly by blotting away the excess and applying a cleaning solution. A water stain might seem less serious than a coffee mark but you should still act quickly or risk developing mold.

And if you've been eating in bed and left crumbs, wipe away what you can and vacuum your mattress as soon as possible.

Rusty flecks and black spots

Danger level: High
Cleaning needed: Immediate deep clean

Identifying bed bugs in your mattress can be tricky but the sudden appearance of clusters of rusty flecks is an indicator bugs have moved in — and they're using you as a food source.

Yep, those rusty marks are bloodstains resulting from a late night bed bug feast. These pests see humans as a their meal ticket, coming out at night to nibble at any exposed skin they can find, leaving behind small flecks of blood.

Another mattress stain that can indicate bed bugs are small, dark spots that look like ink but are actually bed bug feces.

If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, you need to deal with it immediately. Common forms of bed bug control include diatomaceous earth and glue traps, while vacuuming your bed and washing the sheets in a hot wash (at least 90 F) can help stop the early stages of an infestation.

Dark, patchy stains

Danger level: High
Cleaning needed: Immediate deep clean

Green, black, or white spots are early indicators of mattress mold and if you see these stains, you want to get cleaning immediately — or sleep somewhere else. These patches can spread quickly and are often found on the underside of the mattress, particularly if you use a divan bed frame (which limits air flow.)

In the early stages, mold can be spot treated with a 1:1 rubbing alcohol and water solution. Alternatively, mix white vinegar with equal parts water, spray on the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. Blot the moisture and apply a thin layer of baking soda. Leave to dry for a few hours and, once fully dry, vacuum up.

To prevent mold, it's important to regularly air your mattress and never allow stains to sit. Mold can cause sneezing, skin irritation and even trigger respiratory issues.

While a small patch of mold might seem harmless, if it's not treated it's likely to grow over time. Once the mold has spread, you'll have no choice but to replace the mattress.

How to keep your mattress cleaner for longer

Mattress stains can impact both the longevity of your bed and the quality of your sleep. Wear and tear is inevitable but regular cleaning can keep your mattress in best condition for longer. Here are our top tips:

• Wash your sheets regularly: Bedding protects mattresses from sweat and grime. To keep things fresh, change your bedsheets once a week.
• Use a mattress protector: (Or a mattress encasement.) These protective sheets are a must — it's the first thing you should buy after investing in a new mattress.
• Vacuum your mattress: Vacuuming your mattress is a quick freshen up and an easy task to incorporate into your weekly cleaning routine.
• Allow your mattress to air: Airing a mattress helps moisture dissipate, preventing mold and bad smells. Rather than making your bed first thing in the morning, pull the sheets back and let overnight moisture evaporate.
• Clean around the bed: That means your headboard, your bed frame and the space under your bed. These are prime areas for dust mites and bed bugs.
• Deep clean twice a year: We recommend deep cleaning your mattress every six months. It's a time consuming task but a lot easier if you've kept to a regular light cleaning schedule in between.