How to Get Black Mold Out of Mattress: The Ultimate Guide
- By Jessica
- Last Update: July 19, 2023
Having mold in your mattress can not only be unpleasant but also harmful to your health. Black mold thrives in moist environments, and when it finds its way into your mattress, it can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get mold out of your mattress and ensure a clean and healthy sleeping environment.
Table of Contents
What Causes Mold on a Mattress?
There has several things can cause mold on a mattress, here is the common types:
High Humidity and Moisture
One of the primary causes of mold on a mattress is high humidity levels in the bedroom. When the air is humid, excess moisture can accumulate on the mattress surface, providing an ideal environment for mold to grow. This often occurs in regions with humid climates or during the rainy season.
Spilling Liquids on the Mattress
Accidental spills on the mattress, such as water, beverages, or bodily fluids, can lead to mold growth if not promptly and thoroughly cleaned. The moisture from the spills seeps into the mattress, creating a damp environment that fosters mold development.
Poor Ventilation
Insufficient airflow in the bedroom can contribute to mold formation on the mattress. When there’s inadequate ventilation, the moisture from our bodies and breath cannot dissipate effectively, promoting a moist atmosphere that aids mold growth.
Inadequate Cleaning and Maintenance
Neglecting to clean your mattress regularly can encourage mold growth. Dust, dead skin cells, and other debris that accumulate on the mattress provide nourishment for mold spores.
Without proper cleaning, these spores can multiply and lead to mold infestations.
Old or Poor-Quality Mattresses
Old mattresses, especially those with worn-out or damaged fabric, are more susceptible to retaining moisture and providing a conducive environment for mold.
Improper Storage
Storing a mattress in a damp or humid environment can contribute to mold formation. When not in use, it’s essential to store the mattress in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent mold infestations.
Bedding and Mattress Protectors
While mattress protectors can help prevent mold, using ones that are non-breathable or waterproof can trap moisture inside, leading to mold formation. Similarly, dirty or damp bedding can transfer moisture to the mattress.
What Does Mold on a Mattress Look Like?
Understanding what mold looks like in a mattress can help you identify it early on. Here’s what to look out for:
Discoloration
One of the most apparent signs of mold on a mattress is discoloration. Mold often appears as black, green, or brown patches on the mattress surface. These spots can be relatively small or cover a more extensive area, depending on the severity of the mold growth.
Fuzzy or Velvety Texture
Mold on a mattress typically has a fuzzy or velvety texture. When you touch the affected area, it may feel slightly damp and soft, unlike the smooth and dry feel of the rest of the mattress.
Musty Odor
Mold emits a distinct musty and unpleasant smell. If you notice a strong musty odor coming from your mattress, it could be an indication of mold growth.
Visible Clusters
In some cases, mold may form visible clusters or colonies on the mattress surface. These clusters can vary in size and shape and are usually more pronounced in severe mold infestations.
Stains and Spots
Mold-infested areas on the mattress may appear as stains or spots. These spots are often irregularly shaped and may merge together in severe cases.
Peeling or Cracking
In some instances, mold growth can cause the surface of the mattress to peel or crack. This can be particularly noticeable in older or poorly maintained mattresses.
Hidden Mold
Mold can also grow inside the mattress layers, especially if there has been a significant water leak or flooding incident. In such cases, the outer surface of the mattress may appear fine, but mold could be thriving inside.
How Can I Remove Black Mold from a Mattress?
There are several methods you can use to remove mold from your mattress, and they are as follows:
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Mold is not easy to destroy, but rubbing alcohol does an excellent job. You can also get rubbing alcohol at your nearest shop or online. Also known as isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol can kill fungus cells by destroying its cell membrane.
Steps to Follow When Using Rubbing Alcohol
Below are steps to follow when using rubbing alcohol to remove mold from a mattress.
- Vacuum the entire sides of your mattress
- Combine equal measures of rubbing alcohol alongside warm water
- Immerse a cloth in the rubbing alcohol solution
- Use the cloth or towel to wipe away all the visible mold
- Ensure you scrub around the edges and beyond to destroy any invisible spores.
- Afterward, let your mattress dry properly under direct sunlight.
- Then spray an upholstery-safe disinfectant on the entire mattress.
- Let it dry again.
Remember to use the appropriate strength of rubbing alcohol to destroy the mold. If you use a high concentration of rubbing alcohol, it can evaporate immediately without performing its job. Also, if the concentration is too low, the rubbing alcohol may take too long to fade.
If you use rubbing alcohol, opt for 50% concentration so that your solution is half rubbing alcohol and half water.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
You can also use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold on your mattress. It is a product that fizzes because of a chemical reaction that quickly extracts more oxygen. Whenever this reaction takes place on a moldy surface, it reduces mold cells and destroys them.
Steps to Follow When Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Here is a step-by-step process to eliminate mold using hydrogen peroxide.
- Vacuum the entire mattress, including its sides.
- Add one part of hydrogen peroxide to three portions of water.
- Take a cleaning brush and dip it into the mixture. Then use it to scrub the moldy area of your mattress.
- Place the remaining solution inside a spray bottle and lightly spray on the mattress surface.
- Let it dry under direct sunlight.
- Repeat the same steps if you can still see some mold traces.
It’s vital to note that hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient, especially in hair bleach. So, it may lead to discoloration on your mattress fabric, especially if designed using a darker color.
Using Vinegar
Here is how you can remove the mattress mold using vinegar.
- Remove the entire bedding and wash them using hot water alongside a cup of vinegar and detergent. This helps to kill all the mold spores on your fabric.
- Vacuum the entire mattress thoroughly to eliminate any lingering mold spores.
- Mix equal portions of water and vinegar. Spray the mixture on the moldy surfaces of your mattress and allow it to sit for one hour. This aids in destroying all the remaining mold spores.
- Use a clean cloth or towel to remove excess moisture from your mattress.
- Let your mattress dry entirely under direct sunlight before putting on the bedding again.
Tips for Preventing a Moldy Mattress
In order to ensure that mold does not return to your mattress, you can follow these preventive tips:
- Use a humidifier to regulate your sleep environment.
- Opt for a waterproof mattress protector to help to keep your new mattress dry.
- Get a slatted bed foundation to increase ventilation around your mattress.
- Let your fans stay on to assist with air circulation.
- Clean any spills and accidents on your mattress promptly.
- Remove your bedding occasionally, especially during hot seasons, so that your mattress can air out moisture and dry.
- If you must store your mattress, kindly use a climate-controlled area with low humidity.
- Inspect your mattress platform occasionally for mold which transfers to your mattress.
- Allow air to circulate well on both sides of your mattress.
FAQs
Can I use bleach to clean mold from the mattress?
No, bleach can damage the fabric and materials of the mattress. It is not recommended for mold removal.
How often should I clean my mattress to prevent mold?
Regularly clean your mattress every three to six months to prevent mold growth and maintain mattress hygiene.
Are memory foam mattresses more prone to mold growth?
Memory foam mattresses can be more susceptible to mold growth if not properly maintained due to their dense composition.
Is it possible to salvage a heavily mold-infested mattress?
In most cases, heavily mold-infested mattresses are challenging to salvage, and it’s advisable to replace them for health reasons.
Is it safe to sleep on a mattress with mold?
Sleeping on a mold-infested mattress can lead to health problems, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma. It’s crucial to remove the mold promptly and maintain a clean sleeping environment.
Can I save a moldy mattress, or should I replace it?
In most cases, you can salvage a moldy mattress with proper cleaning and maintenance. However, if the mold infestation is severe or persistent, it’s best to replace the mattress for your health and safety.
What are the early signs of mold growth on a mattress?
Early signs of mold growth include visible spots, discoloration, a musty odor, or experiencing allergy-like symptoms after sleeping on the mattress.
Can I use a steam cleaner to remove mold from my mattress?
While steam cleaning can be effective, it’s essential to ensure your mattress dries thoroughly afterward. Excess moisture can contribute to mold growth.
Summary
A mattress with mold can be uncomfortable to sleep because of the odor and discoloration your bed will have, you can use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar to eliminate the fungus and destroy any lingering mold.
Remember to frequently air out your mattress under direct sunlight, use a waterproof mattress protector, and get a slatted base foundation to reduce the chances of mold growth on your bed.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.