How To Dry A Wet Mattress? Step-By-Step Process

After a flood or water catastrophe, drying damp mattresses can be quite challenging. While a wet mattress can be dried, it’s important to look into where the water came from first. Mattresses may be dried even if they were soaked by rain, a leak, or a burst pipe. However, you may need to discard it on sometimes. Cleaning stains and bad odors from a mattress is covered in this article. When it’s time to get a new mattress, we explain why.

5 Benefits of A Good Mattress

1. Achieve Adequate, Quality Nighttime Sleep

The most important benefit of a good mattress over a bad one is that you get a decent night’s sleep, rest, or nap every time. There are a wide variety of mattress types available that give different levels of comfort and support, depending on the sort of sleeper they are aimed for.

In order to get a good night’s sleep, your mattress should be supportive, rather than ruining it. A new mattress may be necessary if you wake up in the morning with discomfort in your body after a bad night’s sleep. The greatest mattress recommendations for people with persistent back pain can be found right here, right now.

2. Promote Good Form and Posture

It’s possible that people aren’t even aware that they have varied sleeping positions. You may keep or improve your posture and form by having the proper mattress, not simply a decent one. If you sleep in the same position every night, you’ll need a mattress that helps you maintain good alignment while you’re asleep.

To provide one example, side sleepers are at a higher risk of back pain because the fetal position they adopt while sleeping places stress on the back and neck. When placed against the mattress, it can also put pressure on the arms and shoulders, which can cause blood flow to be restricted. Your organs may be put under more strain if you like to sleep on your right side.

Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, have you covered, side sleepers. Spinal alignment may be maintained and pressure spots padded thanks to the material’s reactivity. But if you choose a mattress that isn’t suitable for side sleepers, your joints and spine could be at risk. Consider your sleeping position before making a mattress purchase.

3. Keep Your Mental and Emotional Health in Check

It’s true that a lousy mattress can disrupt your sleep. Sleep deprivation might result from sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t support your body properly. Short-term and long-term implications of sleep deprivation have been connected to a wide range of mental and emotional health issues.

The following are some of the most typical affects on your mental and emotional well-being of getting insufficient or bad sleep:

• Absence of focus and acuity.
• It makes you drowsy during the day and causes you to yawn a lot.
• Increases irritation and moodiness.
• Anxiety, sadness, and bipolar disorder are just a few of the disorders that are made worse by this medication (ADHD).
• This causes a decrease in cognitive abilities as well as effectiveness in the workplace.

By using a high-quality mattress, you will have a better night’s sleep, and you will be less likely to suffer from the health issues listed above. You should, however, keep in mind that a comfortable bed isn’t enough to ensure a pleasant night’s sleep.

4. Develop an Inclination to Your Sleeping

Sadly, some people find it difficult to sleep for a variety of reasons, including a terrible mattress. Some people, on the other hand, are so occupied with their work, school, and other responsibilities that they fail to obtain adequate rest. You might be able to get your sleep back on track with the right mattress.

Those who don’t feel rested after a good night’s sleep might want to look into their mattress for the problem. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment can also help you get more shut-eye.

A good night’s sleep is an absolute necessity. Take a look at these suggestions for creating a peaceful sleeping environment in your bedroom:

• Intimate moments should be reserved for your bed.
• Reduce the amount of noise and distractions around you.
• Set the temperature to 65 °F or 18.3 °C.
• Keep all electronic devices out of the reach of children.
• Decrease the amount of visual noise in the environment
• Colors that are softer and warmer should be used in the bedroom.

5. Get the Most Out of Your Purchase

Today’s mattress prices are no laughing matter. Budget mattresses can be difficult to come by, even if you’re living on a tighter budget due to additional household and personal expenses.

Hence, a decent mattress is a long-term investment that pays dividends for years to come. If you take good care of your mattress, it will endure for several years, so you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Take a peek at the average mattress lifespan:

• 5 to 6.5 years for the innerspring
• 6 to 7 years for foam
• Years of Latex: 5 to 8.5
• Five to seven years for a hybrid

What Are the Causes of Under Mattress Moisture?

Causes

Because of excessive amounts of humidity, your mattress’s underside can become soaked with moisture. 25 percent of the moisture your body releases at night is absorbed by your mattress, according to University of Central Florida engineering professor Waldemar Karwowski in his 2006 “International Encyclopedia of Ergonomics and Human Factors.” Moisture buildup under the mattress can be exacerbated by high relative humidity, especially if the airflow beneath the mattress is inadequate.

Issues

Mold can grow under the mattress if there is a lot of moisture under the mattress. Mold can create health problems by releasing allergens into the air. As can dust mites, which breed more quickly and thrive in warm, humid conditions.

Solution

The underside of your mattress should not be enclosed, especially if it is foam. It’s possible that a foam mattress will be more prone to mold growth than a regular one. Dutch researcher Evert Hasselaar said in 2006 that operating a dehumidifier and increasing the room’s air circulation can help prevent moisture from building up under the mattress.

How to Dry a Wet Mattress Quickly

Mold and germs can grow on a wet mattress, so it’s crucial to start drying it out right away. This guide will show you how to dry a wet bed as quickly as possible, regardless of what caused the problem.

1. Clean Dirt and Remove the Bedding

The first step is to get rid of any dirt or bedding that may be left behind. Plaster and drywall can be disposed of in heavy-duty plastic bags if there is significant damage. To avoid the growth of mold, you should promptly wash the bedding. Hang the bedding outside until you can wash it if you have to turn off all the water in the house.

2. Soak Up the Water

Clean towels can be used to extract as much water as possible from little puddles on the mattress. A towel that’s overly damp should be replaced with a new one.

First, sprinkle kitty litter on the damp area, then use towels to press it down. The kitty litter will aid in removing more water and speeding up the drying process. Remove saturated kitty litter with a shop-style vacuum.

3. Suck Up Water With a Wet-Dry Vacuum

You can also use a wet-dry vacuum to dry your mattress. Suck up as much water as possible from the mattress by moving the hose across its surface. It’s best to work in parts until you can’t remove any more water from the surface.

4. Remove Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

It’s better to remove stains while the mattress is still slightly damp, as drying might cause them to set in. With an old toothbrush, mix one part liquid dish soap with two parts hydrogen peroxide and apply to the discoloration. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for at least five minutes before removing the stain. After that, simply use a moist cloth to wipe it clean.

5. Dry It With a Hairdryer

After that, blow dry the mattress with a hairdryer. The wet area should be dried for ten to twenty minutes with the hairdryer held a few inches from the mattress surface. Allow your mattress to cool for a few minutes before checking to see if it’s still damp.

6. Prop the Mattress and Use a Fan

Even if the mattress appears dry on the outside, it could still be wet on the inside. Placing the damp mattress against a wall or other solid surface will allow it to be aired out. A two-foot gap should be maintained on both sides of the mattress. After the wet area has dried fully, place a fan over it and run it on high for 6 to 8 hours. The mattress should be placed near a dehumidifier and kept running during the drying process if possible. When it comes to drying your mattress, it is usually preferable to over-dry it rather than keep it slightly damp.

7. Move It Outside

If you can, try to dry your mattress outside as often as you can. In addition to speeding up the drying process, sunlight and fresh air can also prevent or even erase odors. Prop it up so that it gets as much sunlight and airflow as possible. You should still use fans to speed up drying and prevent the growth of mold and germs, but this is not an absolute necessity.

8. Disinfect Your Mattress with Alcohol

After it has dried, use a solution of rubbing alcohol and water in equal parts to disinfect your mattress. Use a spray bottle to distribute it evenly on the mattress. Make sure to inspect the rivets and seams as well. Using a rag is an alternative to a spray bottle in the event that you don’t have one handy.

When Is It Safe To Dry a Mattress?

In spite of the fact that you can always dry your mattress, doing so is not always a good idea. The mattress may get infested with mold and bacteria, making it dangerous. Groundwater and storm surge floods and sewage backups are the most typical causes of this. Even if the water is clean, it will eventually become infested with mold. Drying it out as soon as possible is therefore imperative.

It is safe to dry and clean if it got wet from:

• Drying and cleaning it after it was exposed to water from:
• A burst or leaking water pipe
• a sink or bath that is overflowing
• Spilled water, food, or other liquids
• Bedwetting

However, if any of the following is true, you should toss it away:

• A toilet overflow, groundwater flood, or sewage backlog caused it to become wet.
• The mattress has been wet to the point of saturation.
• It’s been raining nonstop for the past 48 hours.
• Drying it rapidly is impossible.
• It has already been infested with mold.

How to Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape Longer

Care for your mattress and avert disasters before they happen with these ten tips from our team of experts.

1. Make sure your mattress is properly supported.

The appropriate kind of support for your mattress is critical, even if you don’t have to buy a matching box spring or foundation when you buy a new one. Materials are preserved and early wear is prevented as a result.

If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer or check the warranty policy. In general, spring mattresses are supported by box springs, while memory foam mattresses and other speciality mattresses typically require a strong, solid foundation.

The weight of sleepers and the mattress should be supported by a bed’s frame, and queen and king beds should have center support bars for added stability. Mattresses that are too heavy or too light may require additional support from platform beds that have large slats.

In order to ensure that your mattress isn’t affected by damaged slats or springs, you should examine the stability of your bed once a year or so.

2. Use a mattress protector from the beginning.

Mattress protectors are one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of your mattress.

In addition to protecting your mattress from spills and mishaps, a high-quality mattress protector reduces the amount of dust, debris, and filth that enters your bed.

Skin oils and sweat are kept away from the bed, which helps keep allergens like mildew and dust mites from growing and damaging the materials inside your mattress. Many current protectors are just as comfortable as a fitted sheet, making cleanups a breeze when mishaps do occur.

3. Wash bed linens regularly.

Hair and skin cells are shed along with sweat and oils when you sleep. In addition to the crumbs that are left behind when one eats in bed, pets can bring in all kinds of other items. Aside from the fact that it’s unpleasant, all of this can seep into mattress layers, increasing the growth of bacteria and mites.

Most housekeeping professionals recommend washing bed sheets and blankets every week to every two weeks. Even if you use a mattress protector, you should still wash your sheets regularly. Mattress protectors should also be washed on a regular basis, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4. Get pets separate beds to snuggle in.

Giving pets their own beds rather than having them snuggle on your mattress is preferable when it comes to bedding.

Even well-groomed pets, like people, go outside, slobber, and shed hair and cells, which all ends up on your pillow and blanket. Pets can often have accidents, which can damage a perfectly excellent mattress completely.

5. Rotate the mattress regularly.

No matter the size or the material, rotating a mattress is always a good idea. While some manufacturers claim that rotating is not necessary, the lack of rotation can lead to depressions and weakening.

Turn the mattress head to foot every two to six months so that the top and bottom are facing each other. During the first few of years of using a new mattress, this is very critical.

6. No jumping on the bed!

Your mother was right when she said you shouldn’t jump on the bed. Spring, water, and air mattresses are the most susceptible to harm from rough wear, but foundations, frames, and even foams can all wear down more quickly if you’re harsh on the mattress.

7. Take care when moving your mattress.

When moving, avoid bending or folding your mattress to prevent damage. Instead, wrap it in plastic to keep it safe. Heavy-duty mattress bags, which can be taped shut to keep dirt and water out, are commonly available at moving and box stores.

In general, it’s better to move a mattress upright on its side to avoid creases or sagging during transport. Moving or dragging the mattress is generally discouraged when utilizing mattress covers with handles.

8. Don’t bring home unwanted hitchhikers.

An infestation of bedbugs is one of the fastest and most damaging ways to damage a mattress.

Check for bed bugs and keep luggage off the floor if you’re staying away from home. You can avoid taking bedbugs back to your own home by following these precautions from Texas A&M University.

Bedbug-proof mattress encasements are an option for those living in flats or rural locations where these pests are frequent. To keep pests out of your mattress, these aren’t your typical mattress covers. They have impenetrable zippers and cover the entire bed.

9. Let the light in occasionally.

Once or twice a month, on a sunny and dry day, remove your mattress and let the sun shine in to freshen up your mattress (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on).

According to a Kingston University study, this may also help control dust mite populations by preventing excessive moisture from sleepers and humidity.

10. Follow manufacturer cleaning directions.

Every mattress should be cleaned on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy sleeping environment and a long-lasting mattress.

In order to remove surface dust from most beds, use a vacuum attachment with a hose to remove stain removal and general cleaning instructions.

Before making the bed, treat any stains with a gentle water and soap solution and wait for them to dry. Foams should not be cleaned using powerful chemical cleansers, since they can weaken the foam’s structural integrity.

Every 1 to 3 months depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal choice, vacuuming should be done and stains should be cleaned if necessary.

All mattresses require the same fundamental care, despite the fact that different types and brands of mattresses may require slightly varied approaches to this task. As a general rule, keep the bed clean, protect it from accidents and damage, make sure it’s supported, and rotate it so that it wears evenly.

If you follow these tips, you can ensure that your mattress lasts as long as possible and that you get the most out of your investment. Any mattress retailer worth their salt will offer a 10-year warranty on their products, regardless of whether you buy your mattress online or via a storefront.

FAQs

It’s normal to wonder if water would damage the mattress or if pee odors can be removed. Frequently asked questions regarding wet mattresses include the following.

What To Do If You Spill Water on Your Mattress?

A hairdryer and a towel are all you need if you accidentally splash water on your mattress. To dry the mattress, press the towel into it. Then, for ten to twenty minutes, use your hairdryer to dry the damp area. Check for dryness after allowing the area to cool.

Is a Mattress Ruined if It Gets Wet?

The source of the water determines whether or not a wet mattress is destroyed. Mold and germs can make you severely sick in sewage and flooding. Throwing away your mattress is the greatest option in this situation. However, if the water comes from a clean source and hasn’t been sitting for more than 48 hours, you can dry your mattress.

How to Dry a Mattress After Bedwetting?

Bedwetting is a common occurrence, and you can use the same methods to dry it as you would any other liquid. The problem with urine is that it stains quickly, so you’ll need to act swiftly to remove it. To remove as much urine as possible while still wet, sprinkle baking soda on a towel and dab it around the area.

Then use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to remove the stain. You may also use this to get rid of pee scents, as well. For tiny spills, use a hairdryer; for larger ones, a fan.

Be sure to inspect your box spring, too. After cleaning and drying it, you can hang it to dry in the sun.

How Do You Remove Odors From a Wet Mattress?

Baking soda can be used to eliminate unpleasant scents from a wet mattress. Sprinkle baking soda on it after it is entirely dried. Allow the baking soda to settle for at least a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Before drying, it is best to get rid of urine odors. Absorb as much pee as possible with baking soda. Then use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to clean the spot.

It’s also possible to take the mattress outside for some fresh air to dry it. Prop the mattress up in the sun whenever you can to improve airflow.

How Long Does It Take Mattress to Dry?

You can dry a damp mattress in six to eight hours if you follow the instructions above. When drying with house fans, it can take two to three times longer, and it can take up to a week if you leave it out in the open.

Mold and bacteria growth increases exponentially with the length of time it takes to dry. Because of this, you should only use drying equipment if it is absolutely required. Replacement is preferable in this case.

How Do You Dry Wet Box Springs?

Your damp box springs can be dried in the same way. The box spring, on the other hand, contains wood that, if not thoroughly dry, can rot. While you’re at it, let a damp box spring air dry in the sun while you work on drying your mattress.

Turn the fans and dehumidifiers on your box springs after you finish using them on your mattress. To ensure that the wood is thoroughly dry, let them run for longer than you think is required.

You can use the same isopropyl alcohol/water solution you used on your mattress to clean the box springs. Baking soda can also be used to get rid of unpleasant smells in the house.

Can a Mattress Get Moldy?

Mold can grow on a mattress that is moist. After a mattress is moist, mold can grow inside of it. After drying it properly, mold can stay in your mattress even if it is completely dry.

Just a drop of water can bring back the mold. Even if you don’t generally suffer from allergies or sleep issues, this can cause them. Respiratory issues and diseases might occur in rare circumstances due to exposure.

Conclusion

As long as you keep it dry and don’t overdo it, you should be able to bring it back to normal. In four simple steps, you may learn how to dry a mattress in the most efficient manner. To begin, see if it can be dried or if it’s best to discard it.

In order to avoid odors, spots, and mold, thoroughly dry and sterilize your mattress after you’ve done this. To finish it off, let it air dry for at least 24 hours before using. It’s dangerous to sleep on a wet mattress.