Mouldy Mattress? Here's How You Can Get Rid of the Problem
We are bound to experience some warm and humid days in Singapore, especially during the summer. These humid days don’t only cause discomfort but they can also affect your surroundings, including your safe space, the mattress.
Mould requires a warm and humid environment to thrive and can stick to surfaces like your walls, curtains, carpets, mattresses, and upholstery. The fungus can grow from the surface of your mattress down to its components, which can ruin it and affect your health.
Mattress mould buildups are not easy to detect for days or weeks, especially if your sleeping surface is covered in a flat or fitted sheet.
If you discover mould building up on your mattress, here are some ways to stop the infestation.
Why is Your Mattress Mouldy?
Mould spores thrive in warm areas where the air moisture is high, including Singapore. Poor bedroom ventilation, perspiration, and liquid stains also contribute to the eventual growth of mould spores inside your mattress.
The mould that you encounter at home can be put into three different categories: pathogenic, allergic, and toxic. Placing your mattress on the floor can also cause it to become mouldy, especially if it doesn’t receive proper air circulation.
Pathogenic moulds can be treated at home with cleaning solutions and disinfectants. However, deeper mould infestations should be addressed by professional mattress cleaners.
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and nose congestion, the mould on your mattress might be allergenic. This can cause allergy symptoms and worsen asthma attacks.
Toxic mould should be handled by professional mattress cleaners. In many cases, mattresses with toxic mould are disposed of.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mould from Your Mattress
Humidity, spills or liquid stains, body oils, and perspiration are some of the things that commonly cause mould growth on your mattress.
The best method to deal with mould is always prevention. However, when you start noticing the growth of the fungi on your mattress, there are several things that you can try to reduce their appearance. However, take note that some instances of mould growth on your mattress may require deeper professional cleaning or mattress replacement.
We advise you to clean your mattress on a warm, sunny day so you can quickly sun-dry your sleeping surface.
Prepare these items to treat the mould on your mattress:
- Face mask and gloves
- Clean cloth
- Warm water
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Mattress cleaner
- Upholstery disinfectant
- Vacuum cleaner
An upholstery or mattress cleaner is an effective cleaning agent to tackle mould growth on your mattress. However, make sure to check the care instructions before using chemicals on your mattress. Wear a face mask and protective gloves to prevent the possibility of allergic reactions when treating the mould on your mattress.
Based on the availability of cleaning items in your home, here are some methods that you can follow when cleaning your mattress.
Rubbing Alcohol
- Thoroughly vacuum-clean both sides of your mattress, including the bed frame. This will loosen up and remove dust from your mattress. Using a vacuum cleaner is a safer way to tackle dirt without spreading the infestation throughout your bedroom.
- Mix equal parts of warm water and rubbing alcohol.
- Dip a clean cloth in water and thoroughly scrub the mould off the surface of your mattress. Do this in a circular motion to fully tackle the stains on your mattress.
- Since you can’t rinse a mattress, get another clean cloth and dip it into clean water to remove the alcohol solution and any remaining residue from your mattress.
- Spray the entire mattress with upholstery disinfectant.
- If possible, sun-dry your mattress outside to thoroughly tackle the excess moisture on your sleeping surface. If it’s not possible, open the windows and let fresh air circulate inside your bedroom.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Thoroughly vacuum-clean your mattress to tackle dirt without spreading the infestation.
- Create a 1:3 hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that may affect the quality of your mattress, so always check the manufacturer’s label before trying out this method.
- Spray the solution and scrub the mould off your mattress with a clean cloth, sponge, or brush.
- Spray more solution on your mattress and let it dry.
- Repeat the process until the mould is tackled.
- Dry the mattress under the sun or open the windows of your room to quicken the indoor drying process.
How to Prevent Mould from Building Up on Your Mattress
The best method to tackle the mould on your mattress is prevention. From frequently cleaning your mattress to guarding it with a mattress protector, simple steps can go a long way in protecting your health as well as the quality of your mattress.
- Clean your mattress regularly.
- Wash and replace your bed sheets at least once a week.
- Protect your mattress with a waterproof mattress protector.
- Make sure that there is proper ventilation in your bedroom.
- Use a dehumidifier to tackle excess moisture indoors.
- Don’t eat or drink on your bed to prevent stains and liquid from spilling.
- Do not place your mattress directly on the floor.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Some mould stains are persistent and can grow deep inside your mattress. If the mould has already grown deep inside your sleeping solution, ask for a professional mattress cleaner’s help. In many cases, a mould-infested mattress should be replaced, as it can pose serious harm to your health.
When looking for a new mattress, search for a variety with anti-dust mite, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to prevent the easy growth of mould and allergens. Guard your new mattress with a mattress protector or opt for a mattress with a water-repellent cover to prevent moisture from penetrating your mattress, like the Somnuz Comfort Night mattress.
If you are looking for a comfy and affordable sleeping solution, we have a range of mattresses to create a safe space for your sleep. You may try our excellent selection of mattresses in our experience centres or shop conveniently online.
DISCLAIMER: All the information, including the texts, images, and other materials on this website, are for educational purposes only. Although we strive to present accurate information to our readers, no material on the Somnuz website is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with regards to your health. NEVER disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read in this article.
