Prevent and Remove Mould from a Mattress

Mould thrives in a dark, moist environment. If we’re not careful, a mattress could provide the perfect conditions for mould to grow.

We took a look at “The Mould blogger’s” website to see specifically what conditions mould needs to grow. (yes, someone blogs exclusively about mould)

The key ingredients are:

• Moisture – generally humidity above 60% and you should aim for 30-50% humidity to prevent mould growth
• Food – the mould is alive and needs material to feed itself – carbon atoms – carbon part of every organic substance.
• Warmth. Mould can’t grow in a deep freeze or conditions below freezing. The ideal temperature for mould growth is between 25 and 30 degrees centigrade. However, it can grow in temperatures just above 0 degrees C, and as warm as 35 degrees C.

Most people sweat while sleeping. Yes, it’s true. The sweat may create the moisture that mould needs. It’s also dark under the mattress. Together, the moisture and darkness can cause mould to breed.

What are some Health Hazards of Mould?

A mouldy mattress exposes one to some serious health risks. Mould can cause respiratory problems such as breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and the development of asthma. The medical term is Aspergillosis.

Another common side effect of mould exposure is wheezing. Unfortunately, too many people with this problem fail to realize that it’s a result of mould exposure.

A rash may appear on areas of skin exposed to mattress mould. A person might experience irritation or notice an aggravated rash at the contact site.

There are other severe risks. For example, people exposed to mould can develop severe lung infections and chronic lung illnesses. It’s hard to predict how someone will react to mould, so it’s wise to take steps to prevent mould exposure.

If you think you have health issues with mould, see your physician as soon as possible.

How Do You Prevent Mould Growth On Your Mattress?

• Filtering and purifying the air in the bedroom using an air purifier. High-quality purifiers can reduce the amount of mould spores present in the room atmosphere. Even though purifiers cannot kill mould that has already formed, reducing the mould spores in the air helps to prevent further proliferation of the fungi.
• Preventing the mattress from becoming damp using a dehumidifier. Reduce the humidity in the room helps prevent accumulation of moisture under the mattress thereby prevent growth of mould which thrives in the dampness.
• Maintaining proper airflow under the mattress. For maximum aeration, the mattress needs to breath on both sides. For this reason, we recommend a slatted bed base, like our Stemma Frame, that allows air to flow unrestricted under the mattress—something flat top bases do cannot achieve. High quality slatted bed bases like Stemma Frames, have adjustable torsional sleeves for customizing the firmness of the support system.
• One thing to keep top-of-mind – if you try a mattress on a support system like a Stemma Frame, it will feel very different (firmer) on a ‘solid top base’ without any suspension or spring to it.
• Keep the air circulation systems on while you’re away. This is especially important in areas where the climate is hot and humid. Don’t make the mistake of switching off air purifiers, humidifiers, and conditioners when you leave because this only creates an environment conducive mould growth. If you’re concerned about safety, use a time-controlled switch.
• Using a mould-resistant mattress. Natural Latex mattresses like the Fawcett Model 1 are ideal because the surface is not conducive to growth of mould. That said, mould will grow on Latex if it is kept moist. Latex mattresses also promote proper alignment of the spine, which ensures that you get good sleep and reduces the chances of developing back pain problems. Bonus.

A mattress protector keeps a mattress dry and therefore plays a role in preventing the growth of mould on the mattress.

However, only high-quality mattress protectors can offer this benefit. Poor quality pads may make the mould problem worse.

What Can You Do to Remove Mould from a Mattress?

• Vacuum the mattress on both sides. Clean the dust catchers in the vacuum immediately to prevent spreading mould spores.
• Dip a cloth into a mixture of equal amounts of warm water and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Wring out the cloth and use it to blot the mould off the mattress. Be sure to use a blotting or dabbing action, on the mouldy areas and the areas surrounding them so that you don’t damage the mattress outer layer of organic cotton ticking.
• Wring out a cloth in warm water and use it rinse the scrubbed areas. Make sure the cloth is properly wrung out to avoid adding excess moisture on the mattress and encouraging the growth of more mould.
• Spray upholstery friendly disinfectant sparingly and evenly on the mattress surface.
• Dry out the mattress outside under direct sunlight. Drying out the mattress curbs further growth of mould as sunlight impedes the breeding of mould.

We hope you never have to deal with removing mould from a mattress with this information. But if you do, at least you’ll be informed and ready to combat the issue.

Check out more Health related articles on Fawcett Mattress Talk!

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