How To Clean Mold Off Mattress? Step-by-Step Tutorial

A musty odor, itchy eyes, and dark stains are all telltale signs that mold is present in your home or business; you can always tell. Unfortunately, it can grow in mattresses as well, which is why it’s important to get rid of it immediately away. We’ll show you how to do just that.

Reasons for Mold Growth

All fungi live best in a warm, dark, and moist environment, and mold is no exception to this rule. Because of the following factors, your mattress might rapidly become a hostile environment:

• Humidity is high. For people who live in humid areas, extra moisture can soak through mattress layers and condense inside foam pores, causing your mattress to become uncomfortable. Because of this, mold can grow on even long-lasting mattresses made from cooling or natural materials.
• Breathability is low. Putting your mattress on the floor, keeping it out of fresh air, or using synthetic bedding can all reduce the amount of air circulation in your mattress and increase the risk of mold formation in the mattress.
• There is a spillage of liquid. Mold spores can swiftly grow in the mattress’ deepest layers if liquids leak in. You’ll have to get a new mattress if the mold on your old one spreads to the surface and becomes visible.
• Type of mattress. In comparison to other mattress types, memory foam has a somewhat higher risk of developing mold growth. This is due to the porous structure of memory foam, which may absorb moisture. In addition, because it is a heat-sensitive substance, it creates ideal circumstances for mold growth.

As previously mentioned, mold growth is a concern with RV mattresses due to their lack of air circulation caused by their rigid and flat support systems. In this instance, a waterproof mattress protector should be used from the start to reduce the risk of mold formation and extend the life of the mattress.

The Main Signs of Mold Infestation

One thing you should know about mold is that it is a fungus.

Fruiting bodies are visible in the black or pink dots on the mattress surface. These are the fungi’s reproductive organs, which contain the spores necessary for subsequent growth.

However, there is also mycelium, which is a branched network of threads, and this network can occupy far more space than the visible section does.

Because of this, catching indicators of mold infection early is critical. The following should be on your radar:

• Smell. The scent is the most obvious sign of mattress mold. If the mold in your mattress is of the musty, stale variety, the odor will either build slowly or be quite strong. This fragrance may rapidly become apparent if something has been spilled on your mattress.
• Asthma or respiratory issues are a common occurrence. Mold spores and mycelium are both inhaled when exposed to the air. Your lungs may be irritated by these particles, which can lead to hypersensitivity. Mold has been shown to induce or aggravate asthma (2) or other breathing problems in people.
• Spots of visible mold. The final sign of mold in a mattress is the appearance of dark gray, crimson, or black spots on the mattress surface or near the seam. In this case, a chemical treatment or a total mattress replacement is necessary to rid the mattress of the mold.

In addition, some molds create mycotoxins, which can harm a person’s liver or kidneys if they are exposed to them for an extended period of time. As a result, it’s critical that you keep an eye out for any signs of mold growth on your mattress and take action as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Steps To Clean Mold Off Mattress

Do you want to know how to remove mold from a mattress?

For removing mold from a mattress, try these seven tried-and-true techniques:

Method #1. Sun exposure

Natural anti-microbial sources like the sun can successfully kill mold and mildew on surfaces exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) and heat rays.

If your mattress is moldy, try leaving it out in the sun for a while to dry it out.

Because of this, the rays can go deep into the mattress and eliminate any microorganisms that have accumulated there.

Exposing your mattress to the sun can also aid in drying out your beddings when using liquid solutions to eradicate mold from your mattress further.

How to dry a mattress is explained in this article.

Method #2. Vacuuming

Do you own a vacuum cleaner? Use it to get rid of mold and mildew!

Determine where these moldy areas are on your mattress and remove them.

After that, use a vacuum to remove any mold or debris that may be visible on the surface of the beddings.

The collected garbage/vacuum filter must be disposed of quickly to prevent future mold growth.

Method #3. Rubbing alcohol

Mold on your bedding can be removed with a solution of one part water to one part rubbing alcohol.

In addition to disinfecting and sanitizing your mattresses, rubbing alcohol also kills germs and other microbes.

Applying the solution after vacuuming and letting it dry in the sun for an extended period will improve its efficiency.

Allow the alcohol to go deeper and be more effective by using these strategies

Method #4. Hydrogen peroxide

Wound healing isn’t the sole application for this substance! As a bonus, it makes your mattress look and smell better, too.

Mold can be removed at any moment with hydrogen peroxide.

Measure three parts warm water and one part hydrogen peroxide in order to lose its potency.”

Beddings should be cleaned of any mold and allowed to dry in the sun to prevent mildew growth.

If the mold hasn’t been eliminated, keep going through the motions described above.

Method #5. Baking soda

This common household item doubles as an effective mattress cleaner, thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Baking soda is a sodium bicarbonate compound that, when turned into a thick paste, is good at removing tough stains.

The paste can be made by combining baking soda and warm water.

It is then necessary to apply the paste and scrub until all of the dirt has been removed. Leave the area outside to dry after cleaning it.

Method #6. Lemon mixture

Do you prefer a product that is made from organic and natural ingredients? Mold can be removed with a lemon mixture, so keep this in mind.

Naturally occurring anti-microbial qualities in lemons make them an effective mold-removal tool for any surface.

Additionally, the citrus aroma of lemon will permeate the entire room, allowing you to have a good night’s sleep.

Lemon mattress cleaner can be made by diluting the acidity of lemon juice with a small amount of lukewarm water.

Spray the solution on the afflicted region using a spray bottle.

Nylon brushes can be used to clean up these moldy areas and make them even more presentable.

Immediately after completing the above steps, place the bedding outside and let it to dry in the sun.

Method #7. Mattress cleaning solution

Were any of the choices listed not suitable for your situation? If that’s the case, this final option is for you.

Mattress cleaning solutions may be found in many stores, and these substances are specifically created and prepared for the purpose of removing stains and odors from bedding.

You have a wide range of options for brands and scents to pick from.

Use a soft brush to remove all of the mildew and filth from the mentioned area of the mattress after applying these cleaning solutions there.

Mold and mildew can be removed from bedding by exposing it to the elements and bright sunshine.

Can these methods also remove mildew on a mattress?

Mold and mildew are related organisms. As a result, the above-mentioned methods can also be used to remove these types of stains.

How To Prevent Mattress Mold Growth?

Because mold spores cannot be removed from your home, you must apply a different strategy: creating an environment in which mold cannot survive. In order to do so, here’s how:

• Make adjustments to the room’s humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier if your bedroom is excessively moist. Many various versions are available that are effective in reducing humidity while using little or no electricity.
• Mattresses should be aired out frequently. A mattress aeration is also a wonderful alternative. Your mattress will thank you if you open the windows, use an air conditioner, and remove the bedding from time to time.
• Mattresses that are resistant to mold should be considered. Mold is less likely to form on mattresses composed of natural materials, such as latex or plant-based foams. However, coil mattresses are ideal for a no-sag mattress because of the coil unit’s ability to circulate air.
• Protect the mattress by encasing it in a mattress pad. Moisture cannot get into the mattress and mold can’t grow, which extends the life of the mattress by keeping it dry.
• To avoid damaging the floor, do not set a mattress on it. Because it is not a sanitary surface, the floor may contain some airborne spores. Secondly, the floor surface restricts airflow, which encourages mold growth. Bed frames, plywood sheets, or thick rugs can all be used to keep the mattress from coming into direct contact with the floor.
• The mattress should be cleaned and rotated regularly. When you vacuum your mattress every two months, you are removing mold spores and keeping it in good condition for longer. You may assist keep your mattress fresh and dry by rotating and flipping it, if your mattress permits it.

FAQs

Can a moldy mattress make you sick?

No, not right now, but definitely. Allergies, asthma, breathing difficulties, migraines, and other health disorders can be exacerbated or triggered by mold spore exposure.

What mattresses are immune to mold growth?

Certain materials, such natural latex and plant-based foams, can slow down the formation of mold on mattresses.

How quickly mold spreads inside the mattress?

Mold begins to form on surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and it spreads swiftly, especially if the humidity level is high.

Conclusion

Mold may cause a lot of damage, even if it’s only in your bathroom, and it doesn’t even take into account the mattress you sleep on every night. To avoid or eliminate the problem, use the advice provided above.