7 Simple Steps to Dry Out a Mattress
Sleeping on a Somnuz mattress means getting a cosy and restful sleep. However, things can happen, and your favourite mattress can go through stuff that can affect your sleep. Whether it’s an accidental spill or pee stain, a wet mattress is not only unpleasant to look at but can also cause mould and mildew. If it’s not dried promptly, it may end up with a nasty smell.
But don’t fret. There are many ways you can deal with wet mattress stains and save your sleeping solution from permanent damage.
In this article, we’ll list easy, doable, yet effective ways to dry your mattress. Let's begin.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying a Mattress
First of all, strip all the bedding off your mattress, including the mattress pad or protector. If it’s safe for the materials, you may put your bedding into the washer to remove all stains.
If your mattress isn’t entirely submerged in liquid, you can follow the steps below to treat your mattress as soon as possible. But first, here are the things that you need to dry out your mattress:
- Clean cloth, towel, or paper towel
- Mild soap or detergent
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vacuum cleaner
Step 1: Remove the Moisture from Your Mattress
Gently blot the wet area of your mattress with a clean cloth, a towel, or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Gently press the cloth on the wet area and let it absorb the moisture. You may place a heavy object on top of the cloth to aid the process. However, remember to blot and not wipe the surface to prevent stains and moisture from spreading. Replace the wet towels with new ones to effectively remove the moisture from your mattress.
Try to get as much moisture as possible before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Tackle Deep Moisture Within the Mattress
Note: If the liquid spill comes with deep stains, proceed to step 3.
Once you remove the excess moisture on the surface of your mattress, tackle the deeper moisture that sits within the structure. You can do this with the help of a vacuum cleaner. This cleaning appliance can help absorb liquid that regular blotting can’t reach.
Before getting excess moisture deep into your mattress, sprinkle baking soda on the surface. This helps absorb the moisture as well as the odour that comes with the liquid stains. Let the baking soda sit on the mattress, then carefully vacuum the surfaces, including the sides and crevices, to tackle all the dirt on your mattress.
Step 3: Treat the Stains on Your Mattress
If your mattress is wet from pee or period stains, make sure to tackle the stains immediately. Depending on the level of stains, you may use a mild soap or hydrogen peroxide to tackle the problem. Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water or mild liquid soap for the best results.
White vinegar is also a cheap, accessible, and effective solution to treat pee stains and odours. Simply dab the area with a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar until the stains are removed. You may use a toothbrush or a sponge to rub the area. Make sure to do this step carefully to prevent stains from spreading further.
Step 4: Prevent Mould Buildup
Even if you get rid of excess moisture on your mattress, there may still be areas where mould can thrive. To prevent mould and mildew buildup, create a 1:1 water and rubbing alcohol cleaning solution and dab it into the wet areas. Make sure to wring the cloth before rubbing the solution on the wet areas to prevent further soaking.
Step 5: Use a Dryer to Remove Moisture from Small Areas
If there are only small liquid patches on your mattress, like water spills, you can use a hair dryer to dry the spots with ease. Use the warm setting to gently remove the moisture from your mattress without damaging it.
If your mattress has been soaked with water, you will need a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the liquid.
Step 6: Vacuum Clean Your Mattress
After spot treating deep stains, vacuum your mattress to prevent mould from building up. This is important, especially for foam mattresses that absorb liquid more quickly.
Since you’re dealing with liquid stains, make sure that your vacuum is thoroughly cleaned before getting it in contact with your sleeping surface. You don’t want dust, webs, or pet dander to stick to your mattress.
Step 7: Air Out Your Mattress
Make your mattress fresh and free from mould and bacteria by airing it out naturally. If possible, you may let the mattress dry under the sun. Sunlight is a natural sanitiser that effectively tackles bacteria and mould growth while effectively drying the mattress.
You may also simply open the windows of your bedroom and let the air outside dry your mattress. Quicken the process by using a humidifier or a fan for a fresh and completely dry sleeping surface. Depending on the severity of the spill and the materials of the mattress, the complete drying process may take up to 24-48 hours.
Evaluating the Degree of Damage
Is your mattress soaked or submerged in too much liquid? If yes, then it is more prone to bigger damage. In this case, cleaning the mattress on your own might not be enough, so you may need to look for professional cleaning services or a mattress replacement, especially if it’s already old.
Is Your Mattress Growing Mould?
If your mattress is wet, it’s prone to mould and mildew buildup that can cause harm to your health.
Mould can trigger allergy symptoms and extremely damage your mattress, so you want to treat it as soon as possible. Some signs of mould buildup include white, green, or black spots on your mattress, a pungent smell, and persistent allergy symptoms.
If your mattress is growing mould, you are exposing yourself to a toxic sleeping environment. The best thing to do in this case is to completely change your mattress.
Takeaway
Unlike clothes and bedding, you can’t simply run your mattress inside a washer to remove stains. The best approach is to spot-clean stains and liquid spills as soon as possible without further soaking the materials. The process may be time-consuming but is necessary to preserve the quality of your sleeping solution.
Have a Safe Snooze with Somnuz
Is your mattress infested with mould? If yes, it’s time to get a new sleeping solution that can let you sleep without worries. Prevent accidental spills and deep stains by getting a moisture-repellent mattress. You may also check out our special range of premium mattresses in Singapore or visit our showroom to experience Somnuz quality.
