What is mattress mould & how do you remove it?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp or humid conditions. It is a natural part of the environment and can grow indoors and outdoors. It is beneficial outdoors because it breaks down organic materials, such as plant and animal remains, but can be problematic indoors.

Mould can enter your home through doors, windows, vents or by sticking to clothes, shoes, or pet fur. Once mould spores land on damp surfaces, they can quickly start growing.

Mould can damage your home and belongings and may harm your health. While most people may experience mild symptoms from breathing in mould, it can be dangerous and even fatal to others. Therefore, if you suspect mould, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading.

Why does a mattress get mouldy?

Mould needs water and moisture to grow. Mattresses are vulnerable to mould because each night, we lose around half a pint of moisture while sleeping, most of which ends up in the mattress. An unprotected mattress creates the perfect conditions for mould to thrive. Mould can also develop in bedrooms with high humidity, poor ventilation, or condensation.

Humidity

The ideal humidity level for the bedroom is between 30% and 50%. High humidity levels can cause mould growth, especially in the winter when heating your home and keeping windows and doors shut, as moisture gets trapped inside. Drying clothing, bedding, or towels in the bedroom can also increase humidity, especially if the room is poorly ventilated. Taking showers or baths and leaving the doors open can also increase the humidity in the bedroom.

Condensation

Condensation is the most common cause of dampness and occurs when warm, moist air contacts a cold surface.

Condensation typically occurs during colder months and is commonly found in bedroom corners, walls, windows, and sills. It can also build up in poorly ventilated spaces, such as behind beds and wardrobes pushed against a wall. Black mould often develops as a result of condensation.

Leaks and water damage

Any amount of water, whether from a spilt drink, a roof leak, or flood damage, can cause mould. If you notice water damage on your mattress or in the bedroom, clean and dry the affected area quickly to prevent mould from developing.

Poor ventilation

Mould can quickly develop in poorly ventilated bedrooms. It may also grow on a mattress if airflow underneath is restricted. Placing a mattress on a poorly ventilated bed base or directly on the floor limits the airflow. It can trap moisture, creating ideal conditions for mould growth.

Foam mattresses, especially those with a dense cell structure, can be more vulnerable to mould as they tend to retain moisture and prevent it from escaping. Many manufacturers recommend slatted bases for memory foam mattresses, as the gaps allow air to circulate freely underneath.

Signs your mattress is mouldy

Mould can develop anywhere in the home but is particularly prevalent in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Mould can appear as spots in various colours and often has a musty smell.

Visible mould

Check your mattress for visible signs of mould. There are many different types of mould that come in various textures and colours. Some have a fuzzy appearance, while others appear slimy or discoloured. Common colours of mould include white, black, brown, green, yellow, and grey.

Remove all bedding and carefully inspect the entire mattress, especially around the corners and seams. Once you’ve checked the top side of the mattress, flip it over and carefully examine the underside.

If your mattress has a removable cover, carefully unzip it and remove it from the mattress. Check inside the mattress, especially between the layers, for any signs of mould. Use a torch if necessary to inspect any dark gaps where mould may be hidden. Examine the removable cover for mould, paying close attention to the stitching and the zipper.

You should also check your bed base and headboard (if you use one) for mould. Lift the mattress off the bed base to inspect it thoroughly. Pull the bed base away from the wall to check for mould behind it. Use a torch where necessary, especially when checking for mould in dark areas underneath the base.

Remove the headboard from the bed base if necessary. Check the front and back of the headboard for mould, focusing on the seams, piping and inside any buttons.

Mould smell

A strong, unpleasant or musty smell can also indicate mould. The smell may be more noticeable when you lie in bed or change your bedding. Breathing in these smells may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

If you detect a musty smell but can’t see any evidence of mould, it could mean that mould is growing somewhere out of sight, like behind wallpaper, tiles, bedroom furniture, or underneath carpets.

Your allergies have worsened

Mould spores in the air can trigger allergies like a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing, especially at night when you’re in bed. Mould exposure can also affect sleep quality, causing you to wake up feeling tired, groggy, or unwell. 

Bedroom mould

Mould can quickly develop in bedrooms with poor ventilation or high humidity. If you notice mould developing on your walls, windows, carpets, ceilings, wardrobes, or bed base, your mattress may also be affected.

What are the risks of mattress mould?

Mould can affect your health, disrupt sleep, or damage your mattress. The longer you leave a mould problem, the worse it will likely get.

Health risks

Living in a home with mould can affect your health. Most people are exposed by breathing in tiny mould spores, which can affect the lungs and airways.

Some people may experience mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, itchy eyes, skin irritations, or coughing. Others, especially those with underlying health conditions (like asthma, allergies, or lung disease) or weakened immune systems, may have more severe reactions, including fever or shortness of breath. In some cases, mould exposure can even be fatal.

Mould exposure can also impact mental health, leading to depression and anxiety due to poor living conditions, health concerns, and delays in resolving the issues.

Excessive moisture also creates the ideal conditions for mildew, bacteria, and dust mites.

Sleep quality

Mould exposure can significantly impact your sleep quality. Studies have shown that dampness and mould in the home or workplace can contribute to insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness.

Mattress damage

Mould grows in damp environments. An unprotected mattress will quickly deteriorate when exposed to mould and moisture, affecting comfort and support.

How to remove mould from a mattress

If your mattress has mould, you will need to decide whether to clean it or replace it, as it may have some structural damage from dampness and moisture.

If there is a small area of mould on your mattress, you can attempt to remove it yourself. However, it is also important to address the moisture issue in the bedroom to prevent the mould from returning.

To limit mould exposure, take safety precautions like wearing gloves, a mask, and protective eye goggles. Ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors.

Long rubber gloves that cover your forearms will protect your skin from mould and irritating cleaning solutions. A protective mask covering your mouth and nose helps prevent inhaling mould spores.

Eye goggles protect your eyes from dirt, dust, chemical splashes and airborne particles.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning your mattress. If there is no specific guidance on mould removal, contact the manufacturer directly or speak to the retailer where you purchased the mattress.

Remove the bedding if you haven’t already. Then, use a vacuum to carefully clean both sides of the mattress to remove dirt, dust, and any mould spores. If the mattress contains loose fillings, avoid vacuuming as it may dislodge them. Use a clean, soft brush instead to clean the surface gently.

Mix equal amounts of mild detergent or rubbing alcohol and warm water, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for around 5 to 10 minutes. Gently blot with an absorbent cloth, working from the outside in. Then, use a slightly damp cloth with just water to rinse the area and remove any residue.

If your mattress has a musty smell, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda evenly over the surface and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the odours. Then, thoroughly remove the baking soda with a clean, soft brush or vacuum.

Allow the mattress to dry naturally in a well-ventilated room or, if possible, place it outside in direct sunlight.

For larger or difficult-to-clean mould issues, consider hiring a professional cleaning company with experience in mould removal.

How to prevent mould in the bedroom

It is not possible to completely eliminate mould from your bedroom, as some mould spores float in the air and in dust. However, there are steps you can take to prevent mould from spreading.

• Keep the bedroom clean and dry.
• Regularly clean your mattress and bedding to create a healthy and hygienic environment.
• Fix any water leakages in your home as soon as possible.
• Open your bedroom windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and improve ventilation.
• Regularly air your mattress by pulling back the bedding for a couple of hours after waking up to let moisture evaporate.
• Regularly wipe down surfaces affected by condensation, such as bedroom windows and sills, to prevent mould growth.
• Move your bed and bedroom furniture away from the walls to allow air to circulate.
• Consider using a dehumidifier to remove excessive moisture from the air and keep humidity levels low.
• Use a good quality, breathable, and waterproof mattress protector to protect your mattress from spillages, dirt, and moisture.
• Avoid drying wet clothes on radiators. The heat will get trapped under the radiator, and the clothes release moisture into the air, increasing the risk of mould growth.
• Ensure your clothes are completely dry before storing them in your wardrobe or drawers.
• Space clothes apart in your wardrobes and drawers where possible to improve ventilation.
• If liquids spill on your mattress or carpet, clean and dry them thoroughly as soon as possible to prevent stains, damage, and mould growth.
• Always place your mattress on a well-ventilated bed base to ensure good airflow underneath. Avoid placing your mattress directly on the floor, as poor ventilation underneath can encourage mould growth.

Final thoughts

Mattress mould is a serious issue that must be addressed quickly and efficiently. Check your bedroom thoroughly for mould, especially in damp areas or spaces with musty smells, to help prevent mould from returning.   

References 

• Learn about mould.
• Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home.