How to Get Rid of Mold on a Mattress

Mold present in a mattress is a serious problem that unfortunately some people might not be aware of. Mold can turn up in various places, be it on the inside or outside of a building, but when it’s discovered on mattresses, it can be even more dangerous as it can cause severe health issues. Below we will delve down on the ultimate signs of mold on mattresses and how to get rid of it effectively.

Signs and Symptoms of Mold Growth on Mattress

The most noticeable sign of mold growth in a mattress is a musty smell that emanates from the mattress itself. For comprehensive signs and symptoms, check out below!

1. Flu-Like Symptoms - Moldy mattresses can lead to respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Some might even experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and wheezing when trying to sleep on a moldy mattress.
2. Development of a Rash on the Skin - Sleeping on a moldy mattress can also cause a skin rash, especially for people with sensitive skin. Your existing skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis may have worsened due to sleeping on a moldy mattress. If your prescribed medication no longer seems effective in treating your condition, the reason why it happens might be because of the mold in the mattress.
3. Not Getting Quality Sleep - With mold crowding your mattress space, you might not be able to get a restful sleep. Most times you will wake up feeling tired with stiff joints and muscles. Mold in mattresses can trigger allergies, and asthma, making it harder to breathe during sleep. Moreover, mold particles can release toxins into the air that potentially might lead to symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
4. Black or Brown Spots Emerge on the Mattress - Another sign of mold in a mattress is the presence of black or brown spots on its surface. These dark spots can be found in clusters, but they can also appear as larger patches. These spots occur when mold spores spread from hidden moist areas or when dust mites seek nearby food sources. 
5. The Mattress Color Is Changing  - You may observe your mattress slowly changing color; usually to green or blackish color. This could be a sign of mold presence in mattresses. Your mattress’s surface may also show discoloration resembling water stains, but in reality, they are mold spores. 
6. You Discover Insects on Your Mattress - A moldy mattress can attract insects such as ants or critters. These pests may be found near or inside the mattress, especially in the seemingly damp areas where mold usually thrives. Insects are particularly drawn to moist environments as they feed on the decaying materials. 

Mold in a mattress is a concern that can affect any home. It is also highly contagious, once it appears on one surface, it can rapidly spread throughout your home. Thus, it’s wise to keep them away from your home to safeguard your overall health and well-being.

What Are The Causes of Mold Growth on Mattress?

1. High Humidity Around the Mattress - Mold in a mattress can be caused by tiny fungal spores that are present in the air. When these spores land on a damp surface or in a humid setting, they can rapidly multiply; especially if they have access to a good food source, such as the dead skin cells which usually present on mattresses.
2. Exposure to Moisture - If you sweat a lot while sleeping, it can also be the ultimate reason why mold grows on your mattress. Due to the sweating, your mattress can stay moist for extended periods thus potentially leading to mold growth. The same can happen to a child’s mattress if they frequently wet the bed.
3. Dirty Environment & Poor Air Circulation - Another ultimate cause of mold growth in mattresses is a dirty environment and poor air circulation. As mentioned earlier, mold will need moisture to thrive, and when a room lacks proper ventilation, the moisture can get trapped creating a favorable environment for mold. To prevent mold it’s crucial to maintain home cleanliness, keep it tidy, and ensure sufficient air circulation to reduce humidity inside the room.

How to Remove Mold on a Mattress?

Wondering how to remove mold on a mattress effectively? Worry not, here’s the ultimate guide you can follow to do it!

Step 1: Evaluate the Situation

It’s crucial to act promptly when dealing with mold. Many DIY cleaning methods can be effective, especially if the mold hasn’t deeply infiltrated your mattress. If you think that the mold issue is not extensive, you can remove it yourself.

Step 2: Rely on the Cleaning Guidelines

Before using any DIY cleaning methods, you need to check your mattress manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. You can read the manual, or check out the manufacturer’s website.

Step 3: Vacuum the Surface

A standard household vacuum can be used to remove dust, dirt, and some surface mold. But if you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter, it will be much more effective to clean mold on the mattress. Do not forget to clean the inside of the vacuum cleaner with a mold-killing product to prevent spores from spreading in your home.

Step 4: Apply the Cleaning Solution

For most mattresses, a 50:50 mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol or bleach works well to kill mold spores and their pathogens.  These two are the best cleaners for mold on a mattress. To apply the solution, you can use an absorbent cloth to soak up the liquid, then wring it out until it’s damp. Gently rub the cloth in a circular motion with moderate pressure.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide solution to clean moldy mattresses. Begin by mixing two parts of hydrogen peroxide with one part of water. Apply the solution to the moldy area using a spray bottle, a sponge, or a cloth. Let it sit for 15 minutes, before wiping it off with a paper towel.

Step 5: Rinse the Area

Dampen another cleaning cloth with plain water and blot the treated area. This will help remove any remaining mold traces and the cleaner residues.

Step 6: Dry the Mattress

After thorough cleaning, it’s crucial to dry the mattress to prevent further mold and bacterial growth. Place your mattress in a well-ventilated area, preferably with direct sunlight exposure.

How to Prevent Mold Regrowth?

To prevent mold regrowth on your mattress, here are some of the straightforward things you can do.

1. Keep Mattress Clean - Prevent mold regrowth by cleaning your mattress regularly. Quickly clean up any spills and maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Changing bed sheets every other week is also a good practice as it can help remove food sources for mold-like dead skin cells.
2. Control Room Humidity - Mold thrives in warm and damp conditions. Thus, to prevent mold you should control your home’s humidity level. Keep humidity below 50%, and if the humidity gets too high, you should use a dehumidifier to lower it.
3. Purify the Air - Air purifiers and sanitizers can help enhance indoor air quality by filtering out mold spores, dirt, and other irritants. The most effective filters for mold are those with HEPA or UV-C light. They can help eliminate mold spores effectively! But if you don’t have an air purifier, worry not because you can open the windows to lower humidity in your room or home.
4. Dry Mattress Under the Sun - Drying your mattress in the sun is another effective way to prevent mold from growing on your mattress. This method can naturally kill mold, disinfect the mattress, and reduce bacterial growth on the surface. 
5. Use Barriers - Protect your mattress by using a fabric cover and never sleeping directly on the surface. This will prevent the accumulation of sweat and dead skin cells that mold spores feed on. Using a waterproof mattress protector can also help to keep the mattress dry at all times!

Book Luce MG Service Today!

Don’t underestimate mold growth on your mattress, as sleeping on a moldy mattress can lead to severe health problems if not dealt with promptly. Hire Luce SG's professional mattress cleaning services to keep your mattresses free from any mold growth!