Alex,
The main problem with matress staining is celulostic browning from or exaserbated by the (often recycled) cotton wadding immediately beneath the face fabric.
All that is required to produce this is water and this, apart from the occasional beverage spillage or burst hot water bottle, is supplied by perspiration, urine and a certain 'damp patch' which I hesitate to mention to one of your tender years
Before cleaning any matress I explain the problem to the customer and make it quite clear that there is no guarantee of removal.
The first requirement is the pre-vac, preferably with a vibrating vacuum or the most powerful you can muster aided by 'beating' with a suitable blunt instrument.
Then Prochem B175 Browning Prescription is my product of choice. Dilution rates and dwell time should be adjusted dependant on the level of staining and extraction is with B109, preferably with a CFR tool or other upholstery tool with a very fine jet.
Because matresses are, by design, many times more absorbant than lounge suites the technique needs to be adjusted to suit. Extraction strokes should be faster, followed by several slow drying strokes and this repeated as required. I then stand the matress on its' side and turbo dry thoughly.
I would strongly recommend that practice is not carried out on a customers' matress. I also recommend that you consider that Nicks' approach may be better than mine !
There are other tecniques that I sometimes apply, including dry steam but I have tailored the above to match the equipment you already have.
John.
