3 Simple Ways to Remove Mould from a Mattress

We all know how harmful mould can be to our health. Getting rid of it from your walls and bathroom is an obvious solution, but the fungus can be lurking in places you wouldn’t even think of! Namely – your mattress.

Having mould infest your bed can cause a number of health issues, especially if you already have a health condition such as asthma. Not to mention the bad smell that the fungus emits. So, in this guide, we will give you three easy tips on how to remove mould from a mattress.

How to remove mould from a mattress

There could be many reasons for your mattress to be targeted by mould. Sweat, humid air, untreated spills and damp stains can all contribute to its appearance.

The best way to deal with mould is prevention. There are some simple steps you can take to try and do this: avoid drying clothes indoors, keep up the airflow and ventilate your room regularly by opening the windows. You can also use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in the bedroom to a minimum.

There are several methods you can try to get rid of mould on a mattress. However, keep in mind they might not work well enough if the fungus has penetrated deeper inside the foam. These techniques are most effective when removing surface mould.

The best time to clean your mattress is a warm, sunny day, as you will need to put it out in the sun to dry.

Rubbing alcohol

This method is very effective when tackling mould growth on fabrics. It’s a simple and quick solution that can rid your mattress of the fungus.

You’ll need:

How to do it:

1. Vacuum. Vacuum both sides of the mattress to loosen and remove dirt.
2. Prepare the cleaning solution. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and warm water.
3. Scrub the mould. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, wring it out and scrub the stain in a circular motion.
4. Rinse. With a new cloth, dipped in warm water and wrung out, rinse the area. Make sure the cloth is not too wet, as that can only encourage mould growth.
5. Spray with disinfectant. After rinsing, spray the entire mattress with an upholstery disinfectant.
6. Dry the mattress. Place the mattress out in the sun to air dry. Sunshine helps speed up the drying time and prevents additional mould growth.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective solution to a mould problem. However, this method takes a bit longer, due to the fact that you need to repeat the procedure.

Before using this method, always check your mattress’ label. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent and most manufacturers advise not to bleach the mattresses. If that is the case, stick to one of the other methods mentioned in this post.

You’ll need:

How to do it:

1. Vacuum. First, vacuum the mattress on both sides.
2. Prepare the solution. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide and three parts warm water in a bowl.
3. Scrub off the mould. Remove the mould using the cleaning solution and a nylon brush.
4. Place the mattress in the sun. Put the mattress out in sunlight and spray a small amount of the mixture on the surface.
5. Repeat. Once dry, repeat the process to eliminate any remaining spores and bacteria.
6. Dry. Let the mattress dry in the sun.

Mattress cleaner

Sometimes, the fungus will be too persistent and these solutions may not work. In this case, you can opt for a commercial cleaner. Make sure that it is designed specifically for mattresses or upholstery. Always follow the instructions and remember to test the product on an inconspicuous area first.

Stubborn mould stains?

Some stains are persistent and difficult to remove. If you’re struggling, it’s best to turn to professionals. They will work with specialised equipment and use the steam cleaning method to ensure your mattress is cleaned and sanitised properly. Steam cleaning allows deep cleaning of the material and is very effective when removing stains.

Did you find this post useful? Did you manage to tackle the mould on your mattress? Share your experience with us in the comments below!