Keep Your Mattress Dry
You should also keep your mattress dry. Even the smallest amount of moisture can result in a mold infestation. By keeping your mattress dry, youre also creating an environment where itll be difficult for mold to flourish.
First, make sure to clean any spills immediately. Remove the bedding and dab the area using clean towels. Using a hairdryer to remove excess moisture is also a good idea.
A mattress protector is also a good idea. Encasing your mattress in a waterproof protector sheet can prevent moisture from seeping in and keep mold spores at bay.
Aerating your mattress and letting it breathe can prevent mold growth. You can do this by removing the bedding completely and opening the bedroom window. Rotating and flipping your mattress may also improve air circulation to repel moisture and mold spores. Its recommended to aerate your bed every two months.
Lastly, consider getting mold-resistant mattresses. Now dont get this wrong, any type of mattress can grow mold, but mattresses made from natural materials, including latex and plant-based foams, tend to be more resistant to mold.
Why Is It So Important To Get Mold Off A Mattress
Being in a mold-infested environment for too long will have a serious impact on your health. Anyone can get nasal congestions, throat irritations, wheezing, coughing, itchy skin, or irritated eyes, but those symptoms will be more serious for people suffering from an immune system disorder or who are fighting lung disease.It can be extremely harmful to children, and can result in asthma, respiratory illnesses, or pneumonitis for both adults and children.The reason why mold has such a strong impact on the lungs and breathing is that mold-spores are airborne.
Dry Your Mattress In The Sun
If you’re trying to avoid using chemicals and want a natural option, then try drying your mattress in the sun. You will need to flip it over every few hours so that both sides can dry evenly – this is important because moisture often accumulates on one side of the bed more than another. It may also be necessary to rotate it 180 degrees so that the mattress can dry evenly on both sides.Airing your bed out in the sun will help you kill off mold naturally and is an excellent way to disinfect it too – this means any bacteria, fungi or other microbes which might be present are killed quickly as well.
The UV rays from the sun also act as a natural cleaning agent because they break down organic matter like dirt, dust mites and microorganisms. This helps prevent contamination of other surfaces nearby by reducing bacterial growth.
Beware that this method should not be used with natural latex mattresses because UV rays can cause them to dry out and become brittle.
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Saving Your Mattress From Mildew
If you notice mildew growing on your mattress, cleaning the mattress with a solution of disinfectant as soon as possible could save your bed, especially if the mildew appears to be only on the surface.
NOTE: If your mattress still smells mouldy or the stains continue to grow after repeating this process a few times, throw it out.
Your Mattress Always Seems Damp
A moldy mattress is a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, which will make the mattress wet or damp. If you seem unable to properly dry out your mattress, it is more than likely covered in mold.
Mold will grow rapidly if there’s high humidity and dampness, such as when a mattress constantly sits on wet carpet or springs are broken.
If you often sweat while sleeping, this may cause your mattress to be moist for long periods of time, which can lead to the growth of mold. It can also to your child’s mattress if he or she wets the bed often.
You can solve this problem by getting a mattress protector and dehumidifier to keep the moisture out of your bedroom’s air.
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Choose The Mattress Material Wisely
The type of material that your mattress is made from can also make a big difference in mold growth. There are some materials that are more resistant to growing mold. Memory foam has a very bad reputation for growing mold this is because the mattress doesnt have very good airflow, so it traps moisture inside the material. If you have a memory foam mattress you need to follow the memory foam cleaning instructions carefully.
Select fabrics that are natural, such as natural latex, wool, and rubberized coconut fiber. There are various splendid latex mattresses that will turn your nights sleep into a fairy tale.
Can You Machine Wash Mattress Pads
Yes, you can machine wash most mattress pads. But we recommend checking the instructions on the care label. While machine washing, its best to avoid warm or hot water, because it can damage the mattress pad. Wash it on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Tumble dry low or air dry it. Wash your mattress pad every other month to reduce dust and allergen build-up.
Read Also: How To Remove Mold From Leather
Cripes There’s Mold Growing On The Mattress
In the event that you have a mattress that’s developed mold, you should think seriously about replacing it. Mold spores aren’t things you want to be breathing in while you sleep, and mold can be particularly trick to eradicate entirely when it takes root in a mattress. However, there are cases where replacing a mattress isn’t an option. Lysol can be a good choice for blasting mold out of a mattress, though you can certainly also employ rubbing alcohol, bleach, or white vinegar. To use one of those options, apply to a sponge or rag and scrub at the moldy spots until they’re gone. Then allow the mattress to dry completely.
How To Avoid Mattress Mold + The Best Mold Resistant Mattress
By Jennifer First published: . This post may contain affiliate links.
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Mattresses are a gathering place forall kinds of nasty things youd rather not know about. One of the worstoffenders is mold. Yes. Mold.
There are very few things in this world that are immune to mold growth and mattresses are not the exception. They provide organic material for mold to grow on, in addition to the buffet of dirt, shedding skin, hair, body fluids, and more. So gross I know.
So how do you avoid mattress mold andis there a mold resistant mattress?
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Bathroom Ceiling Have Mold
Removing Mold Or Mildew
Removing mold or mildew can be very difficult. Mildew and especially mold can have serious health effects and should be taken seriously. These steps will help get rid of a mold or mildew colony, but we cannot guarantee they will completely eradicate the problem. If you cannot get rid of the growth, please get rid of your mattress.
First, take mattress outdoors. Direct sunlight will help kill mold and mildew. Brush the affected area with a broom or brush to remove loose spores, then use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any remaining loose spores. Be sure to wear gloves, eye protection, and breathing protection when doing this .
Next, sponge lightly with a solution of detergent and warm water, then dab with clean water and allow to dry in direct sunlight or with a hairdryer. Avoid touching moldy items with your bare hands.
If you can, apply either hydrogen peroxide or bleach directly to the affected area , then let it dry in direct sunlight or with a hairdryer.
A final vacuuming after the bed is completely dry is a good idea – even dead spores can cause allergic reactions.
How Often Should I Clean My Mattress
If youve covered your clean mattress with a good protector, you may never need to deep clean it again. Remove the protector and wash it monthly to remove odors and allergens. If you dont use a mattress protector, you need to vacuum your mattress every month to remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and surface allergens. Then deep clean it at least twice a year.
Recommended Reading: Mold In Ac Vent
Can You Remove Mold And Mildew Growing Inside A Mattress
No, theres no way to remove mold and mildew growing inside a mattress. All the steps to freshen and deodorize your mattress remove mold, mildew, dust, and germs from your mattress surface, but not the inside. If your mattress still emits a stale odor even after washing, chances are mold and mildew are growing inside. In such cases, its better to buy a new mattress.
How Do You Kill Mildew
There are a variety of ways to get rid of mildew once it starts growing. You can try soaking the affected area with white vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. You can also try applying hydrogen peroxide to the mildew, and wipe it away after leaving it alone for about 10 minutes.
If you use bleach to clean up mold, never mix it with ammonia or other household cleaners. Use a cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water to create an effective cleaning solution.
Also Check: Treat Mold On Drywall
Preventing Mold And Mildew
Its best to limit the chances of mold growing, rather than have to take steps to control mold once its taken root in your home. Recommended mold prevention measures include:
- Keeping your home well-ventilated, especially the shower, laundry, and kitchen areas. Make sure you have exhaust fans that vent outside of your home.
- Maintaining a 30 to 50 percent humidity level within your home. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner will help, particularly during the more humid months.
- Quickly fixing any leaks in your homes structure or plumbing.
- Removing carpeting from damp areas such as your bathroom or a basement.
Be especially careful if your home is flooded, whether its a natural flood or a human-made cause such as a burst pipe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency states that mold and mildew will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water damage and exposure.
How To Clean A Mildewy Mattress
If you notice mold only on the surface of your mattress, youre actually in luck, as this is whats known as mildew, which is fairly easy to clean. A moldy mattress may show signs of spots, which are usually green, brown or black in color. Sometimes, these spots may appear fuzzy, the same way a moldy strawberry might. If you notice any of these signs on your mattress, remove all of the bedding and get right to work removing this mildew.
To remove mildew from a mattress, start by vacuuming both sides of the surface of the mattress to remove any loose material and clean your vacuum afterward to prevent the spread of mold spores. Then, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a large dish, dip a clean cloth into it and apply this mixture to the affected area, scrubbing in a circular motion.
Once its clean, use a small amount of warm water to rinse the alcohol solution away and spray a household disinfectant onto the area you just cleaned. Allow everything to dry thoroughly, ideally outdoors on a sunny day if possible, before using your clean mattress again.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Out Of Grout
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Mattress Mold
- Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part water.
- Apply the solution to the moldy area of the mattress using a spray bottle, sponge or cloth and leave for 15 minutes before wiping off with a paper towel.
- Repeat until all visible areas are cleaned.
The key point is that you should never mix bleach into hydrogen peroxide as this will cause toxic fumes, which can be potentially fatal if inhaled in large quantities.
How To Prevent Mold On Mattress
Moisture can enter your mattress through excessive sweating, or if you have a humid room. And even though any mattress can get moldy, no matter how clean your house is, there are some things you can do to possibly prevent them.
- Get a waterproof yet breathable mattress protector
- If you live in a very humid climate, consider getting a dehumidifier
- Regularly check under your mattress
- Let your mattress air out, and make sure it is well ventilated.
- Dont go to sleep with wet hair, or put wet towels, clothes, or swimsuits on your bed
- Let air circulate even if you are not home. Whether that means opening a window or keeping the air conditioning on, it is up to you.
- Get an air purifier. This actively removes mold spores that fly through the air
Unfortunately, if you ever notice mold on the surface of your memory foam mattress, likely, mold is inside too. You will barely be able to dry a memory foam mattress on the inside. So for your health, it would be the more sensible decision to throw it away and replace it.Before you set up your new mattress though, figure out, what caused the old mattress to get moldy. Chances are, whatever it was that caused it might cause it again, and you wouldnt want to throw out a new mattress immediately.
Read Also: Mold On My Ac Vents
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Its best to wash your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases every week, eliminating sweat, skin cells, and allergens. Wash your sheets in hot water unless the care label states to do otherwise. The high-temperature kills germs. Fewer bacteria and allergens on your bedding means fewer chances of dust and germs permeating your mattress.
Wash your pillows once every three to four months to prevent allergen build-up. Putting your pillows and comforters out in the sun once in a while makes them fluffy because sunlight dries up the moisture in them. The UV rays from the sun also kill germs.
My Mattress Smells Like Mildew
If you notice your mattress smells musty or moldy, there is a good chance to have moisture or mold in there. Moreover, once youre sure that the smell is definitely coming from your mattress, it undoubtedly gets damp anyway. Aside from moisture or humidity, it could involve your lovely children or pets as well. They can pour water on the mattress. Sometimes, apart from above stated reasons, it could just be for a lack of ventilation in your entire house or only the bedroom.
No matter, whats the reason, just you have to get rid of this odor. In this content, were going to figure out precisely why my mattress smells like mildew & how to get rid of it properly.
Also Check: Best Cleaner For Mildew On Boat Seats
What Causes A Moldy Mattress
A moldy mattress is caused by high humidity and excess moisture. Moreover, poor ventilation and minimum light exposure can exacerbate the problem. The underside of a mattress is especially susceptible to mold because that part isnt exposed to much light and rarely gets aerated.
A number of factors can cause moisture build-up on a mattress. For example, the problem usually arises when theres a leak in your bedroom. If the moisture constantly seeps into your mattress, mold can grow in as quickly as three days.
Spills and sweat should be monitored as well. If not cleaned and dried properly, moisture can build up in the mattress, making it easier for mold colonies to develop.
The location of your mattress can play a huge role in mold infestations. Placing your mattress on the ground or close to the ground makes it more vulnerable to mold. This is because doing so limits airflow from reaching the bottom of your mattress.
Lastly, while all mattresses can grow mold, certain types are more susceptible. For example, foam mattresses tend to absorb more moisture and take longer to dry completely, encouraging mold to thrive.
How To Clean Mold On A Mattress
Finally, if your mattress has signs of mold infestation, dont worry:
You can efficiently clean it if its in the early stage of mold infection. However, be aware that its a temporary measure, and you will have to replace the mattress sooner or later.
General recommendations on how to treat the moldy spots are the following:
- You will need a rag or cloth, warm water, and one of these cleaning agents: Lysol, rubbing alcohol, bleach, or white vinegar.
- Make a cleaning mixture. For bleach, use a 1:32 ratio . For white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, use a 1:10 ratio. Lysol can be generously sprayed on the moldy area and then left for 10-15 minutes.
- After youve made the mixture, soak the cloth and then wring it out you dont want any excess liquid into your mattress. Blot the moldy spots, applying some pressure until they vanish. Thoroughly rinse the cloth after each blotting to prevent mold spores from spreading.
- Dry the mattress out and encase it in the mattress protector.
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How To Get Mold Out Of A Mattress In 2 Steps
It only takes two steps to master how to get mold out of a mattress. You might be thinking that cigarette stench is the only tricky issue one can face with mattress clean-up. Another problem that might arise is mold growth.
Sometimes, mold can still develop even if were being mindful of getting our mattresses wet. Perhaps its humid in your room, or you missed a spill. Regardless, you can still recover your bed and remove the mold using this two-step guide.
