How To Clean Mould Off A Mattress

• What causes mould on a mattress?
• The signs of mould growth on a mattress
• How to remove mould from a mattress
• How to prevent mould under your mattress
• Book your mould remediation

Mould is a harmful fungus that can put your health at risk if you touch, inhale, or ingest it. Should it start growing on your mattress, it can put you in danger of prolonged exposure to it. You must bring in mould removal professionals as soon as you spot any mould growth in your home to protect your health as well as your property and possessions against potential damage. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould removal services nationwide. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians are available nationwide, day and night, 365 days a year to eliminate all the mould in your home, including mould in the air. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to remove mould on a mattress.

What causes mould on a mattress?

Mould thrives in environments that are moist, warm, and dark. It is usually caused by the following conditions:

• Humidity: High levels of humidity in your home can create an environment conducive to mould growth. Bedrooms with poor ventilation are particularly vulnerable as we exhale so much water vapour as we sleep. 
• Lack of air circulation: When a mattress is placed directly on the floor or is covered by heavy materials that do not allow air to circulate around the mattress, moisture can get trapped against the mattress surface.
• Bodily fluids and spills: Sweat, oils from our skin, and accidental spills enable moisture to settle into the fabric and get into the core of the mattress. This moisture can become trapped if not properly aired out or cleaned up promptly.

Porous surfaces are especially vulnerable to mould growth as mould can grow deep into the material and spread without you knowing it. Mattresses made of organic material also give the mould something to feed off of so it can grow quickly. 

You can learn more about what causes mould growth in the bedroom in this blog. 

The signs of mould growth on a mattress

The most obvious sign is visible stains or spots on the mattress. Mould is usually green, black, brown, or yellow, but it can be a huge range of colours. The discolouration usually appears on the surface but can also penetrate deeper into the mattress.

A musty, stale, or damp odour emanating from your mattress may indicate mould growth, too. It is caused by the fungus releasing microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). 

If you experience respiratory problems such as coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing while in bed, this could be a reaction to inhaling mould spores from the mattress, as well.

How to remove mould from a mattress

Although there are lots of DIY mould removal methods shared online, it is recommended mould remediation is always left to trained professionals. 

Removing mould requires more than just surface treatment – it involves eradicating deep-seated spores that may pose health risks if improperly handled. 

Without the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), you risk spreading the infestation around your property or exposing yourself and others to the harmful fungus, too.

You also will probably not have the specialist products and equipment required for thorough, effective removal, either. Bleach, for example, cannot penetrate porous surfaces and therefore cannot effectively tackle mould on fabrics and mattresses. Any mould left behind will simply grow back after treatment. 

Mould remediation professionals, on the other hand, have the equipment, PPE, and training to remove all traces of the mould from the property, including porous surfaces. They can even determine the specific cause of the mould growth in your home and advise on how to prevent it returning in the future. 

Specialist cleaners can give you peace of mind the affected area is safe again and the mould is gone for good. 

How to prevent mould under your mattress

Ensure proper ventilation in your bedroom

To stop moisture build-up on your mattress, ensure your bedroom has adequate ventilation. Regularly open windows, particularly in the morning after a night's sleep, to bring in fresh air and remove humid air.  

Use a dehumidifier

In areas with high humidity levels, dehumidifiers can be extremely effective in maintaining optimal humidity levels (between 30% and 50%) in your home. By doing so, you create an environment where it is difficult for mould spores to thrive. 

Clean up spills immediately

If any liquid spills occur on your mattress, act swiftly by blotting up as much liquid as possible with clean towels or absorbent cloths. Then, allow it to dry completely in a well-ventilated area or under direct sunlight if possible (UV light can kill mould).

Purchase a mattress protector

A quality waterproof mattress protector not only shields against spills but also minimises moisture absorption of body sweat during sleep.

Clean your mattress regularly

Frequent vacuuming of the mattress surface helps remove dust mites, dust, and dirt which are all potential food sources for mould spores. Airing out your bedding in sunlight periodically can kill off any lingering spores, too. 

Book your mould remediation

To learn more about our mould cleaning services, get in touch with our friendly team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. They will be happy to schedule your free site survey and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.