Steam cleaning is a great method of cleaning and extracting grime and bacteria on surfaces, but it is not enough to completely eradicate mould spores permanently.
While it might remove surface stains, it has its own set of issues. Steam introduces moisture into the mattress, which can affect its longevity, and worse, it can create a breeding ground for mould among other issues. Mould not only damages your mattress but also exacerbates the problems you're trying to combat.
The areas with mold growth must be cleaned with a product that will kill the spores. To kill mattress surface mold, mix a 50:50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water.
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.
If the manufacturer's washing instructions approve using a steamer, you can steam clean the mattress to sanitize it. Otherwise, the high temperatures may damage the mattress. Use a temperature of at least 212°F or more to sanitize your mattress.
Leave the mattress for about four hours to dry. Steam cleaning a mattress does not leave behind water, but it's possible there's still a bit of moisture left deep inside from the initial spill. It's best if your mattress can dry in a warm spot out in the sun.
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.
In addition to physical signs, an infestation of mold in your bedding could cause sneezing and coughing fits at night due to its airborne spores. Allergy-like symptoms such as watery eyes and runny noses can also occur if you have been exposed to large amounts of mold spores for extended periods of time.
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.
If you don't have a specific mould spray, bleach can be used instead. Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Take a cloth and wipe this solution across the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mould has been removed. You can then wipe the bleach away and dry the area using a separate cloth.
To use this cleaner, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the mouldy areas of the mattress and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, scrub the area gently with a brush and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Moisture Barriers
Using a moisture barrier like a polyethylene sheet can prevent mold from making your mattress its new home.
The high temperatures kill mold while the bristles of brush attachments can help remove it from cracks and hard to reach places. And because steam actually penetrates the pores of the surface you are cleaning, it cleans deep to kill and remove mold, instead of just bleaching it invisible.
Professional mattress cleaning costs $130 on average. Depending on the number and size of mattresses being cleaned, it can range from $65 to $150.
To get rid of mold on a mattress, vacuum the mattress thoroughly, scrub away visible mold with a rubbing alcohol solution, and leave the mattress in direct sunshine. To prevent mold, use a dehumidifier in humid climates, keep your bedroom well-ventilated, and choose a mold-resistant mattress material.
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.
Some molds can release mycotoxins which have been known to induce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system. The consequences can be myriad, including nasal congestion, throat irritation, and a disconcerting struggle for breath.
Steam cleaning – sweat, dirt and stains can easily penetrate beyond the top layer of your mattress so treat it to a steam clean every few months. Vacuum the mattress first, run the steam cleaner across the whole surface then allow to dry.