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Mold on a Memory Foam Mattress: What to Do

Rachael Eslao • Mar 09, 2022

Mold on a Memory Foam Mattress: What to Do- Durham, NC 

Mattresses can harbor a variety of contaminants, including human fluids, hair, dirt, germs, and shedding skin. They operate as a barrier between us and the less-than-stellar goods they collect. Mold development is the worst thing that can happen to your memory foam mattress. You might not think of mattresses as a potential breeding ground for mold, but it is quite conceivable.

 

This article will teach you how to avoid mold from growing on mattresses as well as what to do if mold does appear.

 

Mold Can Develop on Memory Foam Mattresses?

Mold requires a high level of humidity to thrive. Because the surface of memory foam mattresses is porous, moisture from various sources can be absorbed by cotton covers or foam comfort layers. Normally, this is not a concern, but if a mattress remains damp for a lengthy period of time, mold may develop. A damp mattress might be caused by a number of factors.

 

  • Human sweat: When our body temperature rises during sleep, we sweat to cool ourselves down. Sweat can get into the mattress over time.
  • Spills: Memory foam mattresses are especially vulnerable to spills. The sponge in the mattress will quickly absorb moisture and it will be very difficult to get it out.
  • Living in regions with high humidity: As some regions are more humid, living in such regions naturally causes mattresses to be more humid.
  • Not allowing air to flow: When a mattress is placed in an area of the house where air does not circulate as well or on the ground, mold is more likely to grow.

 

Mold can grow on the glue and adhesives used to keep the mattress together during the assembling process. Mold can swiftly spread on certain surfaces. To avoid mold, choose a mattress that is free of glues and adhesives.

 

Mold on your mattress is extremely harmful to your health. On a daily basis, you probably don't want to come into personal contact with mold. Inhaling mold over lengthy periods of time might result in a variety of health problems. Allergies, sneezing, and coughing are examples, as are more serious conditions such as upper respiratory infections and asthma. If there is visible mold on your mattress, you should avoid sleeping on it immediately. 

 

Cleaning a Moldy Mattress

If the mold damage isn't too bad, try the options below. However, this does not rule out the possibility of the mold reappearing. The only solution is to replace the mattress if you notice mold all over it or if it is growing from within it.

 

  1. Place the mattress under the sun. Sunlight will kill the bacteria and the mold on the mattress. It will also sanitize the mattress.
  2. Vacuum the mattress, even if you don’t see mold in the particular spot, vacuum it. Make sure you clean the vacuum filter and dispose of the garbage so the mold spores don’t spread in the house.
  3. Mix baking soda with warm water for a cleaning solution. Use this solution to apply directly to areas affected by mold and dry the mattress under the sun.
  4. Use lemon juice. The acidity of lemons can effectively kill the mold. Squeeze some lemon juice and add a tiny bit of water to dilute the acidity and put it in a spray bottle. Apply to areas with mold and brush off the moldy sections.
  5. Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water to remove the mold. You can either use something to rub off the mold or apply the solution and place it under the sun for a long period of time.
  6. Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide and three parts warm water to remove the mold. Rub off the mold and place the mattress in a spot that is easy to dry, best under the sun.

 

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth in My Mattress?

Mold may grow on any mattress. Mold-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, can help keep mold away from your mattress. Natural latex, wool, and rubberized coconut fiber are among them. Mattresses with coils and springs also prevent mold from growing since they allow for greater airflow. There are also certain mattresses on the market with a charcoal layer to assist prevent mold growth since charcoal is moisture resistant.

 

If you suspect mold in your home, contact Restoration 1 of Durham immediately once for mold remediation services. Mold removal specialists will not be able to remove mold from your mattress, but they can remove mold from your house, which will help protect your mattress and other materials from mold development.

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