Mould on the Mattress: What to do and How to Clean it

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mattress cleaning.
mattress cleaning.

Considering the hours that humans allocate on average to sleep, how, but above all where, we sleep becomes a matter that is worth addressing!

Hygiene is important, but adequate cleaning is not always enough to prevent the dreaded mould from appearing. So what to do if mould occurs on our mattress?

The top-secret method for getting an odour-free mattress at home without the assistance of a professional expert. Here are some efficient and natural methods for removing odours and unpleasant odours from mattresses that can be done at home without the use of chemicals. The following are the explanations behind these effective secrets:

What you need to know and the possible causes

The mould is a multicellular organism belonging to the fungi family invisible and resistant, the spores reproduce and, through the air, move in the surrounding environment, settling on different areas. A dark place and a high humidity rate accelerate its proliferation. Initially, they appear as small black spots (hyphae); subsequently, these spots enlarge and compact, taking the name of mycelia and may have different colours depending on the variety: green, black, blue or red.

During the winter, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside favours the formation of condensation, which is followed by an increase in humidity which facilitates the propagation of the fungus.

Therefore, poor ventilation, humidity, darkness, lack of thermal insulation and dirt are ideal conditions for the spread of mould. Not only on walls, but it can also show up on other surfaces, such as clothing and mattresses. How many times, especially in summer, do you wake up hot or even sweaty? These episodes, which are responsible for raising the humidity level of the mattress, can also contribute to the formation of mould.

If we are faced with contamination the only thing to do is to act immediately! If left untreated, they can aggravate the health of people with specific diseases, such as chronic asthma and cystic fibrosis, but also irritate the eyes, and skin and develop allergies.

How to avoid this unpleasant inconvenience

It is understood that humidity is the first cause of fungi and moulds, therefore keeping the rate low in homes is a good idea to avoid their manifestation. Ideally, it would be below 50% with an internal temperature between 18 and 32 degrees centigrade. If this is not possible, the purchase of a dehumidifier will solve the problem, creating a hostile environment for these microorganisms.

Essential is the choice of a quality mattress, possibly removable and washable with the passage in the washing machine, most of the bacteria and mites that would favour the onset of moulds are eliminated. When buying, make sure it is breathable and made with hypoallergenic materials!

Prevention becomes the key to keeping the mattress safe and sanitized over the years. A good habit is to turn it continuously, at least once a week, in addition to cleaning the mattress at least once a month with a vacuum cleaner. This allows you to better sanitize the affected surface, eliminating mites, dead cells and sweat residues. After cleaning, you can add a few drops of essential oil to a damp cloth and wipe it over the entire surface of the mattress. Tea tree oil, for example, in addition to being an excellent natural antibacterial, releases a clean scent throughout the surrounding environment. Lavender oil also helps to induce sleep.

Another healthy habit is to open the windows every morning, remembering to completely remove the blankets from the bed for at least an hour, allowing for a change of air. The last trick is to air the mattress outside, once or twice a year, preferably by exposing it to the sun. It is necessary to put the mattress inside before the sun sets, to avoid getting it wet.

How to clean the mattress from mould

Prevention is better than cure, but sometimes it’s too late and you have to run for cover.

If the mould has spread over more than 30% of the mattress surface, the advice is to change it without delay.

If you have dented wool or a traditional spring mattress, it will take two or three simple steps to eliminate the unwanted guest. With the use of a vaporizer, the stain is wet and left to dry for about 8 hours.

After the necessary time has elapsed, the vacuum cleaner is passed to eliminate the spores responsible for the propagation of the fungus. Remember to be careful not to disperse the sucked content into the air, as it could spread into the environment and attack other surfaces. If there are any residues left, try to remove them with a cloth moistened with bleach to learn more read our article on how to disinfect mattresses and pillows.

If, on the other hand, a memory foam or latex mattress is damaged, the procedure is slightly different. Do not use any vaporizer as it could deform and damage the structure. The first thing to do is to moisten a cloth with water and bicarbonate and pass it on to the stain to best remove the stain from the mattress. With a brush then scratch it, making decisive but delicate movements. Finally, remove any residue with the aid of a vacuum cleaner.

Thanks to these measures, the mattress should be as good as new. If the mould were to recur, the cause is probably be found in the surrounding environment or in the need to buy a new mattress.

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