Is There Mould on My Mattress?

Mattress Mould

Not everyone is concerned about mould on their mattress, but it can be a real problem for those living in warm, humid climates.

If you see signs of mould on your mattress, which can show up as black dots, we’ll tell you how you can get rid of it. It is not good to try to sleep on a mattress with mould; it can cause short and long-term health problems, like persistent headaches, allergies, colds with a cough or wheezing, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes. As soon as you notice any of these issues, you should remove the mould or, in some extreme cases, remove the mattress.

Spotting Mould on Your Mattress

If you suspect your mattress has mould, there are some signs to look for. First, your nose always knows. If your mattress smells musty, that’s a pretty good indication. Second, discoloration will be evident if your mattress contains an extensive mould problem. Third, mould can warp solid surfaces. If you notice this happening in your bedroom, your mattress will likely be affected. Fourth, as mould is quite common, if you start experiencing health issues like rashes or respiratory problems, a good place to start diagnosing the problem is by checking out your mattress.

Mildew is a kind of mould, but unless mildew grows out of control, it generally causes fewer health problems than mould. Appearing as a fluffy or powdery white, grey, or yellow area, mildew, unlike mould, grows on surfaces so that it can be easily cleaned off.

Why Does This Occur?

Humidity is the main condition for mould to grow, but other situations create a perfect environment when combined with humidity. Humidity combined with warm temperatures, poor ventilation, keeping the mattress on the floor, or liquid spills left unaddressed, are all conditions that cause mould.

Removing Mould

Prevention is a better way to save a lot of work and stress. Keeping your mattress dry and in a well-ventilated area is a good start. Use a dehumidifier, leave fans running to circulate air, and use a waterproof mattress protector and a slatted bed foundation. These are all good measures for avoiding conditions that encourage growth.

If mould shows up, rubbing alcohol is a good solution. Isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol) destroys fungus by penetrating the cell membrane. Here is a step-by-step process:

• Vacuum the entire mattress.
• Mix equal parts warm water and alcohol and ensure the mixture is strong enough to kill the mould.
• Saturate a rag with the alcohol solution and wring it out.
• Scrub away all visible mould, and scrub beyond the spots to get at the spores.
• Dry the mattress completely in direct sunlight.
• Spray upholstery-safe disinfectant on the mattress.
• Allow the mattress to dry.

Nature’s Embrace Latex Mattresses is Dedicated to a Healthier Night’s Sleep

Nature's Embrace Latex Mattresses offer an excellent selection of cost-effective organic mattresses for a healthier and more comfortable sleep solution. Each morning you can wake up feeling refreshed and rested. You can also be assured that our mattresses use only eco-friendly materials and processes. Contact us online or come by our showroom and test one out yourself. We know you’ll recognize quality when you feel it.