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How Long Does It Take For A Mattress To Dry

How Long Does It Take For A Mattress To Dry

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

A wet mattress can be dried in 6-8 hours by exposing it to sunlight or by using a kitty litter layer.

If you use house fans or let it air dry, it can take up to a week.

The longer it takes to dry, the greater the risk of mold and bacteria.

You should immediately toss the mattress if it has been wet for more than 24 hours.

Never put your health at risk.

The best alternative is to invest in a new mattress.

America's best-selling online luxury innerspring, the Saatva Classic is our #1 pick of 2022.

It's durable, comfortable, and has extremely friendly policies (365-night sleep trial).

Is A Mattress Ruined If It Gets Wet?

Water-soaked mattresses may not be salvageable.

They breed bacteria quickly, the bedding becomes unhealthy and the stuffing decomposes.

If the water comes from a clean source you can try and save your mattress.

Expose it to direct sunlight and air circulation, so it can be dried quickly.

Sewage and floodwaters carry mold and bacteria that can make you very sick. In this case, it's best to throw away your mattress.

Never put your health at risk.

Buying a new, high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic is the best option you have.

Saatva Classic is an affordable mattress that is built to last. Very comfortable. Our #1 pick of 2022.

Steps To Dry A Mattress

The following 6 steps will help you dry your mattress:

1. Spills or leaks should be quickly absorbed with clean, dry towels.
2. Clean with an enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide mixed with liquid dishwashing soap.
3. For small spots, use a hairdryer or wet/dry vacuum.
4. Kitty litter can absorb liquid from a wet mattress. Let the kitty litter layer sit for 1-2 hours, then vacuum.
5. Open as many windows as possible and put an old blanket or plastic sheeting underneath the mattress.
6. Direct sunlight is the best way to dry a soaked mattress.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

The Danger Of A Wet Mattress

Wet mattresses pose the following 5 health risks:

1. Allergies: Urine stains attract dust mites. They cause an allergic reaction resulting in sneezing, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
2. Bed bugs: Keep your mattress clean if you don't want some uninvited guests.
3. Mould and bacteria: Dirty beds breed mold and mildew. If breathed in, mold spores can cause severe lung damage.
4. Odour: Not only is it unpleasant, but it is also dangerous.
5. Poor sleep: Children prone to bedwetting can lose sleep if their beds are damp and itchy.

Risking your health over drying your wet mattress is not worth it.

In most cases, drying a mattress is an impossible mission.

The best alternative is to invest in a new high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and designed to last, it is our top choice at the moment.

How Often Should I Clean A Used Mattress?

It's recommended to clean a used mattress twice a year to prevent health issues. Dust mites, dead skin cells and other allergens can build up over time. Start by vacuuming the mattress with a HEPA filter to remove dust and debris and then spot-clean any stains with a solution of water and mild detergent. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on.

You can also invest in a mattress protector to prevent spills and stains from penetrating the mattress. Look for one made of breathable materials to stay cool while you sleep. If your mattress is over eight years old or showing wear and tear, consider replacing it with a new one to improve sleep quality and alleviate back or joint pain. Test different types and brands and compare prices to get the best deal.

Can I Speed Up The Drying Process Of A Wet Mattress?

You can speed up the drying of a wet mattress by removing the bedding and using towels or a wet vacuum to soak up the moisture. Then, set up fans around the mattress and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Never use heat sources like a hair dryer or space heater as this can damage the mattress and cause a fire. If the mattress has been wet for a long time, it may need replacement. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector and a dehumidifier for damp environments can help prevent future incidents. By taking care and prevention measures, you can ensure your mattress stays in excellent condition for years.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

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References

How Long Does It Take For A Mattress To Dry

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A wet mattress can be dried in 6-8 hours by exposing it to sunlight or by using a kitty litter layer.

If you use house fans or let it air dry, it can take up to a week.

The longer it takes to dry, the greater the risk of mold and bacteria.

You should immediately toss the mattress if it has been wet for more than 24 hours.

Never put your health at risk.

The best alternative is to invest in a new mattress.

America's best-selling online luxury innerspring, the Saatva Classic is our #1 pick of 2022.

It's durable, comfortable, and has extremely friendly policies (365-night sleep trial).

Is A Mattress Ruined If It Gets Wet?

Water-soaked mattresses may not be salvageable.

They breed bacteria quickly, the bedding becomes unhealthy and the stuffing decomposes.

If the water comes from a clean source you can try and save your mattress.

Expose it to direct sunlight and air circulation, so it can be dried quickly.

Sewage and floodwaters carry mold and bacteria that can make you very sick. In this case, it's best to throw away your mattress.

Never put your health at risk.

Buying a new, high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic is the best option you have.

Saatva Classic is an affordable mattress that is built to last. Very comfortable. Our #1 pick of 2022.

Steps To Dry A Mattress

The following 6 steps will help you dry your mattress:

1. Spills or leaks should be quickly absorbed with clean, dry towels.
2. Clean with an enzyme cleaner or hydrogen peroxide mixed with liquid dishwashing soap.
3. For small spots, use a hairdryer or wet/dry vacuum.
4. Kitty litter can absorb liquid from a wet mattress. Let the kitty litter layer sit for 1-2 hours, then vacuum.
5. Open as many windows as possible and put an old blanket or plastic sheeting underneath the mattress.
6. Direct sunlight is the best way to dry a soaked mattress.

The Danger Of A Wet Mattress

Wet mattresses pose the following 5 health risks:

1. Allergies: Urine stains attract dust mites. They cause an allergic reaction resulting in sneezing, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
2. Bed bugs: Keep your mattress clean if you don't want some uninvited guests.
3. Mould and bacteria: Dirty beds breed mold and mildew. If breathed in, mold spores can cause severe lung damage.
4. Odour: Not only is it unpleasant, but it is also dangerous.
5. Poor sleep: Children prone to bedwetting can lose sleep if their beds are damp and itchy.

Risking your health over drying your wet mattress is not worth it.

In most cases, drying a mattress is an impossible mission.

The best alternative is to invest in a new high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and designed to last, it is our top choice at the moment.

How Often Should I Clean A Used Mattress?

It's recommended to clean a used mattress twice a year to prevent health issues. Dust mites, dead skin cells and other allergens can build up over time. Start by vacuuming the mattress with a HEPA filter to remove dust and debris and then spot-clean any stains with a solution of water and mild detergent. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before putting sheets back on.

You can also invest in a mattress protector to prevent spills and stains from penetrating the mattress. Look for one made of breathable materials to stay cool while you sleep. If your mattress is over eight years old or showing wear and tear, consider replacing it with a new one to improve sleep quality and alleviate back or joint pain. Test different types and brands and compare prices to get the best deal.

Can I Speed Up The Drying Process Of A Wet Mattress?

You can speed up the drying of a wet mattress by removing the bedding and using towels or a wet vacuum to soak up the moisture. Then, set up fans around the mattress and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Never use heat sources like a hair dryer or space heater as this can damage the mattress and cause a fire. If the mattress has been wet for a long time, it may need replacement. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector and a dehumidifier for damp environments can help prevent future incidents. By taking care and prevention measures, you can ensure your mattress stays in excellent condition for years.