Strip the bed immediately and blot out as much water as possible using dry towels. Elevate the mattress on its side to improve airflow, then use fans, a dehumidifier, or direct sunlight to dry it completely. Do not use the bed again until it is 100% dry to prevent mold growth.
A wet mattress isn't automatically ruined, but it is at high risk of mold, structural damage, and lingering odors if not treated immediately. You have a small window—typically 48 hours—to completely dry it out before irreversible mold and bacterial growth take hold.
“There are plentiful home remedies that work wonders for cleaning urine out of a mattress,” Officer says. “Better still, many of them use common household items, reducing the need to waste any time running out to grab extras. Baking soda and vinegar are two of the best go-to solutions for common urine accidents.”
Poor Circulation and Numbness
Waking up with tingling or numbness in your limbs can indicate that your mattress is restricting circulation. This happens when a mattress exerts too much pressure on certain areas of the body, cutting off blood flow and causing discomfort.
Yes, a wet mattress will eventually dry on its own, but you should not wait for it to happen naturally. Because mattresses are thick, dense, and trap moisture, leaving them alone allows mold and mildew to begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
To tackle moisture under a mattress—especially in RVs, boats, or on solid platform beds—the most effective solutions are airflow underlays, chemical desiccants, and routine airing.
Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Sprinkle baking soda on the wet area to absorb moisture and eliminate odours. Flip the mattress periodically to ensure both sides are drying evenly. Place the mattress in direct sunlight to speed up the drying process if possible.
In higher concentrations, VOCs released indoors can lead to immediate negative health effects such as eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and allergic skin reactions. These compounds will dissipate if you crack open a window and allow your mattress to air out before you sleep on it.
The 10-3-2-1-0 sleep rule is a popular sleep hygiene framework designed to help you wind down and get more restful sleep by cutting off specific activities at set times before bed.
Sleep paralysis is when you cannot move or speak as you are waking up or falling asleep. It can be scary but it's harmless and most people will only get it once or twice in their life.
Clean a mattress pee stain immediately by blotting up the liquid, spraying the area with an enzymatic cleaner or a mix of water and white vinegar, and covering it with baking soda to absorb moisture and odor.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide helps neutralize urine by breaking down odor-causing bacteria and uric acid, but it is often a short-term solution. Because peroxide simply oxidizes and converts into water (leaving behind moisture), uric acid salts can be left behind, potentially reactivating the smell later.
To dry a mattress after bedwetting, remove all bedding, thoroughly blot the wet spot with dry towels, and apply a thick layer of baking soda to draw out the remaining deep moisture. Let it air dry for 10 to 18 hours, then vacuum off the powder.
Strip the bed immediately and blot out as much water as possible using dry towels. Elevate the mattress on its side to improve airflow, then use fans, a dehumidifier, or direct sunlight to dry it completely. Do not use the bed again until it is 100% dry to prevent mold growth.
Experts advise against making your bed first thing in the morning because it traps body heat and sweat. This creates a warm, humid microclimate where millions of dust mites—which trigger allergies, congestion, and asthma—can easily thrive and multiply. Leaving the bed unmade allows the sheets to dry out.
While a bad mattress doesn't typically cause sciatica directly, it can heavily trigger or exacerbate underlying sciatic nerve compression. An unsupportive or sagging mattress pulls your spine out of alignment, putting direct pressure on nerve roots in the lower back and worsening leg pain.
Koalas are thickset arboreal marsupials with a thick grey fur. Found only living in Australia, they mainly live in the eucalyptus trees and spend around 22 hours of their time sleeping (90%). They spend the other 10% of their day eating and sitting around.
The 90-minute sleep rule suggests that humans sleep in natural 90-minute cycles. By timing your bedtime or wake-up time in 90-minute blocks, you aim to wake up at the end of a cycle rather than in the middle of deep sleep, helping you avoid morning grogginess.
The healthiest time to sleep for optimal heart health and circadian rhythm is between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Falling asleep during this window lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease compared to going to bed before 10:00 p.m. or after midnight.
5 Signs Your Mattress is Making You Sick (And What to Do About It...
First off, you may find lumps or sagging in the mattress. If your mattress starts to smell or you are struggling with allergies after waking up, your mattress may be harboring bacteria, germs, and allergens. Finally, if you're waking up with aches and pains, specifically in your back, it's time for a new mattress.
Yes, your mattress can definitely make you sick. It often acts as a trap for allergens, bacteria, and chemicals that lead to congestion, allergic reactions, and sleep deprivation.
As discussed in our mattress stain cleaning article, any type of liquid damage can completely ruin your mattress! Just like carpets and rugs, mattresses may be home to many allergens and provide a habitat for mold to grow, especially when it remains dampened for a long period of time.
Baking soda works to not only absorb moisture but also to prevent mold from growing in your mattress. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up using the wet-dry vacuum. For a very wet mattress, you can also use cat litter to soak up extra dampness.
Yes, a wet mattress can absolutely be saved, provided the spill consists of clean water or bodily fluids and you act quickly. Success depends on thoroughly extracting the moisture and preventing mold growth before it starts.