By adhering to the following steps, you can restore your mattress to a clean, mould-free state: Vacuum Thoroughly: Begin by vacuuming both sides of your mattress meticulously with a HEPA filter vacuum. A HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum captures spores to prevent them from spreading during the cleaning process.
Mold on a mattress is not salvageable. Please buy yourself a new mattress. Why should you wait for your landlord to buy yourself a mattress? You're allowed to buy one yourself for yourself that you'll keep if you move. Adding more water, vinegar or enzymes only adds more moisture to a mattress that has mold in it.
Vacuum all sides of your mattress. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and warm water. Saturate a rag in the rubbing alcohol solution and wring it out. Use the rag to scrub away all visible mold.
Get rid of mold with vinegar
Vacuum the surface of the mattress to grab any lingering mold spores. Mix three parts vinegar and one part water in a bottle, coat the affected areas, and let it sit for one hour. Use a dry, clean cloth to blot any excess moisture on the surface of the mattress.
Mold on a mattress can be a health hazard, causing short- and long-term health issues such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, headaches, and respiratory problems. Mold is a fungal growth that thrives in damp and warm environments, such as a mattress that accumulates body heat and sweat.
As we sleep, we naturally sweat and shed skin cells, which can encourage mould to spread and take over your mattress within a few weeks. The danger lies in those microscopic mould spores that float freely around our bedrooms. Once inhaled, they can trigger allergies or even lead to serious lung infections.
Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.
Quality sleep is essential for our overall health, and a good mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring a good night's sleep. Experts recommend replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years, but there are factors can influence this timeframe.
Moisture Barriers
Using a moisture barrier like a polyethylene sheet can prevent mold from making your mattress its new home.
Mildew has a gray, white or light brown color and generally rests flat on the surface of a moist area. It has a powdery appearance that may have a distinct, foul odor. Mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance and in unaired areas has a strong, musty smell. It often appears in darker shades of black, green and red.
Sunshine will help to kill any remaining mildew spores and deodorize the mattress. If you can't take the mattress outside, use a fan or dehumidifier to aid in drying. Deodorize: After the mattress is dry, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface, let it sit for several hours, and then vacuum it off.
What does mold on a mattress look like? Mold is typically white, brown, orange, yellow, green, or purple in color. It can be fuzzy-looking or slimy—as opposed to mildew (a relative of mold), which is often more fluffy or powdery. Most of the time, the mold that is found on mattresses is brown, green, or purple.
Another homemade cleaning agent is hydrogen peroxide that you can also mix with baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. It is useful for removing sweat, urine, or blood stains. The simplest way is to make a 50:50 solution with water and rub it in the mattress stains with a soft brush so as not to damage the fabric.
Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
In short, yes, a 20-year-old mattress is definitely too old and should be replaced. At that age, it's highly likely that it's filled with a buildup of dust mites, allergens, and potentially mildew or mould. The structural integrity is also likely compromised, leading to sagging and less effective support.
Mattress lifespan FAQs
A mattress should be replaced, on average, after 7-10 years. Not all mattresses are made the same, so replace your mattress as needed, especially if it no longer offers the same comfort and support at night. A good mattress typically lasts 7-10 years. However, this is a general guideline.
If really advanced mould is found on your mattress then the best option is to replace the mattress.
Yellow mattress stains are discolorations caused mainly by sweat and oxidation of body oils that accompany the aging of the mattress materials. When you sleep on the same mattress night after night, sweat can accumulate and start to leave a yellowish stain.
Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Leave the baking soda on for several hours, preferably overnight, to absorb the musty smell. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the baking soda.
1. Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.