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How To Remove Mold From Memory Foam Mattress

How To Remove Mold From Memory Foam Mattress

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

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Key Takeaways

Mold on your mattress is nearly impossible to remove.

It leaves you with 1 main option - to buy a new mattress that is less likely to cause mold over time.

An innerspring hybrd with great natural airflow and little-to-no heat pockets is your best bet.

More specifically, the Saatva Classic is the best brand you can buy that is incredibly comfortable and will prevent mold.

Even your best efforts will not prevent mold spores from returning.

Mold spreads quickly and is insidious. Overall extremely harmful to your health.

Mold just needs (a) darkness, (b) warmth, and some (c) moisture (which are all present in most mattresses) to reak havoc on your mattress and in your bedroom.

The presence of mold is not always obvious at first glance. A strong musty odor is one indication that mold has become an issue in your mattress.

#1 Solution If You Have Mold On Your Mattress

There is not much you can do if you see mold on your mattress.

Mold can even spread faster if you try and clean it.

Your only true option is getting rid of your moldy mattress.

We recommend 3 options depending on your mattress-type preference.

1. Zenhaven: Features mold-resistant materials.
2. Saatva Classic: Provides good airflow (helps keep mold at bay).
3. Loom and Leaf: Extremely comfortable and built-to-last.

How Does Mold Grow On A Mattress?

Mold can easily grow on your mattress.

From latex to memory foam, mattresses often have open cells and air pockets where mold can colonize.

Darkness, warmth, and moisture are all that mold needs to thrive.

The following factors contribute to mold growth in mattresses:

• High-humidity regions.
• Not allowing air to flow (caused by dense foams and heat pockets).
• Glue or adhesive used to assemble the mattress.

Mold grows best in humid environments.

Memory foam mattresses can absorb moisture from cotton covers or foam comfort layers due to their porous surface.

Most people sweat while they sleep, some more than others, and this moisture can accumulate in your mattress, providing a perfect breeding ground for mold.

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

What Does Mold On A Mattress Look Like?

Mattress mold isn't always immediately visible.

Especially if you don't tend to give your mattress a thorough lookover on a regular basis.

Some indicators that might help you spot the problem sooner include smell, health indicators, appearance, and odor.

How To Remove Mold From Mattress

Follow these 10 steps to remove mold from your mattress:

1. Prepare materials: You will need a vacuum, sponge, two washcloths, dish soap, and baking soda for cleaning.

2. Vacuum the surface with an upholstery filter: then place the vacuum bag inside a trash bag and seal it tightly to prevent spores from spreading.

3. Remove any exposed mold with a damp cloth.

4. Use a sponge and bristle brush to clean the moldy area: Scrub the mold with rubbing alcohol and warm water then rinse with warm water and disinfectant.

5. Create a soap suds solution by mixing two tablespoons of mild dishwashing soap with a gallon of water.

6. Soap the moldy area: Dip a sponge into the suds, then wipe away the mold with a clean hand-cleaning cloth or sponge.

7. Dry the area: Dab a clean washcloth to absorb the liquids.

8. Sprinkle baking soda: Scrub baking soda in with a bristle brush. Let sit for several hours.

9. Use hydrogen peroxide separately from the rubbing alcohol during your second cleaning round.

10. Use a specialty mold cleaner if the above doesn't work: Get a commercial cleaner (like Lysol) that is designed for mattresses or upholstery.

Note: Don't hire a professional cleaning company to remove the mold from the mattress. Costly and unlikely to work.

A Few Tips For Future Mold Prevention On Your Mattress

To prevent mold from recurring in your mattress, try the following 5 tips:

• Invest in a waterproof mattress cover.
• Determine the cause of the mold.
• Pay attention to the moisture level in your home.
• Seal the window with caulk.
• Dehumidify your mattress.

However, your best solution would be to buy a new mold-resistant latex mattress and a slatted bed base (Zenhaven is our favorite pick) or a sturdy mattress that provides amazing airflow (like the Saatva Classic).

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

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

How To Remove Mold From Memory Foam Mattress

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Mold on your mattress is nearly impossible to remove.

It leaves you with 1 main option - to buy a new mattress that is less likely to cause mold over time.

An innerspring hybrd with great natural airflow and little-to-no heat pockets is your best bet.

More specifically, the Saatva Classic is the best brand you can buy that is incredibly comfortable and will prevent mold.

Even your best efforts will not prevent mold spores from returning.

Mold spreads quickly and is insidious. Overall extremely harmful to your health.

Mold just needs (a) darkness, (b) warmth, and some (c) moisture (which are all present in most mattresses) to reak havoc on your mattress and in your bedroom.

The presence of mold is not always obvious at first glance. A strong musty odor is one indication that mold has become an issue in your mattress.

#1 Solution If You Have Mold On Your Mattress

There is not much you can do if you see mold on your mattress.

Mold can even spread faster if you try and clean it.

Your only true option is getting rid of your moldy mattress.

We recommend 3 options depending on your mattress-type preference.

1. Zenhaven: Features mold-resistant materials.
2. Saatva Classic: Provides good airflow (helps keep mold at bay).
3. Loom and Leaf: Extremely comfortable and built-to-last.

How Does Mold Grow On A Mattress?

Mold can easily grow on your mattress.

From latex to memory foam, mattresses often have open cells and air pockets where mold can colonize.

Darkness, warmth, and moisture are all that mold needs to thrive.

The following factors contribute to mold growth in mattresses:

• High-humidity regions.
• Not allowing air to flow (caused by dense foams and heat pockets).
• Glue or adhesive used to assemble the mattress.

Mold grows best in humid environments.

Memory foam mattresses can absorb moisture from cotton covers or foam comfort layers due to their porous surface.

Most people sweat while they sleep, some more than others, and this moisture can accumulate in your mattress, providing a perfect breeding ground for mold.

What Does Mold On A Mattress Look Like?

Mattress mold isn't always immediately visible.

Especially if you don't tend to give your mattress a thorough lookover on a regular basis.

Some indicators that might help you spot the problem sooner include smell, health indicators, appearance, and odor.

How To Remove Mold From Mattress

Follow these 10 steps to remove mold from your mattress:

1. Prepare materials: You will need a vacuum, sponge, two washcloths, dish soap, and baking soda for cleaning.

2. Vacuum the surface with an upholstery filter: then place the vacuum bag inside a trash bag and seal it tightly to prevent spores from spreading.

3. Remove any exposed mold with a damp cloth.

4. Use a sponge and bristle brush to clean the moldy area: Scrub the mold with rubbing alcohol and warm water then rinse with warm water and disinfectant.

5. Create a soap suds solution by mixing two tablespoons of mild dishwashing soap with a gallon of water.

6. Soap the moldy area: Dip a sponge into the suds, then wipe away the mold with a clean hand-cleaning cloth or sponge.

7. Dry the area: Dab a clean washcloth to absorb the liquids.

8. Sprinkle baking soda: Scrub baking soda in with a bristle brush. Let sit for several hours.

9. Use hydrogen peroxide separately from the rubbing alcohol during your second cleaning round.

10. Use a specialty mold cleaner if the above doesn't work: Get a commercial cleaner (like Lysol) that is designed for mattresses or upholstery.

Note: Don't hire a professional cleaning company to remove the mold from the mattress. Costly and unlikely to work.

A Few Tips For Future Mold Prevention On Your Mattress

To prevent mold from recurring in your mattress, try the following 5 tips:

• Invest in a waterproof mattress cover.
• Determine the cause of the mold.
• Pay attention to the moisture level in your home.
• Seal the window with caulk.
• Dehumidify your mattress.

However, your best solution would be to buy a new mold-resistant latex mattress and a slatted bed base (Zenhaven is our favorite pick) or a sturdy mattress that provides amazing airflow (like the Saatva Classic).