How to avoid mold on mattresses in winter – 5 ways to keep freshness in bed

The approach of winter makes the prospect of cozying up in your favorite blanket even more appealing, but it also increases the risk of one bed-related problem: mattress mold. Mattress mold will not only damage your mattress, it can also pose serious health risks to you, including allergic reactions and exacerbation of respiratory diseases.

Even this year best mattresses Since all sleepers are at risk of developing mold if not cared for properly and mold is present in 70% of American homes, it is important to know what to do to prevent it during the winter months and how to deal with it if you notice obvious signs of mold. growing in or around your bed.

We look at why it’s more common in winter, how to prevent it when the season changes, and what you need to know to get rid of it so you can stay comfortable and healthy all winter long.

What is mattress mold

Mattress mold is a nasty type of fungus that can grow on or inside a mattress. Because mold thrives in moist, warm environments with poor ventilation, your mattress can quickly become an ideal breeding ground.

Worse, it can spread quickly if left untreated. This means that not only will it ruin your mattress, but it can also seep into your bedding, carpets, and other soft furnishings in your home.

A sign that you may need to check your mattress for mold is a strong musty odor that is difficult to get rid of. Generally, mold on mattresses appears as dark spots or blotches that can range in color from light pink to black, although you may also notice multi-colored spots.

knowing how to detect mold on mattresses and quickly deal with it vital because mold spores can penetrate deep into your mattress, making it difficult to remove once it’s there.

A close-up image of a mattress with small black dots, a sign of mold

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Why does mold appear on mattresses in winter?

Your mattress can be at risk of mold throughout the year, but winter creates the perfect environment for mold to grow.

When it starts to get colder outside, we usually heat up our homes and keep the windows closed. As a result, the humidity level rises, creating a warm, humid environment.

Excess moisture, combined with sweat, body fat and dead skin cells that are deposited on the surface of your mattress every night, create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold and fungus.

“Mattresses can hold all kinds of toxins, including mold. Mold causes health problems including allergies, asthma, headaches and skin irritation, so sleeping on it can have serious negative consequences,” says Robert Weitz, Certified Microbial Researcher and Director RTK Ecological.

What causes mold on mattresses?

“Mattress mold can be caused by a number of factors, including poor indoor air quality,” Weitz adds, before offering advice on when to call in the professionals.

“If you have mold on your mattress, it should be thrown away. If you still have a musty smell, chances are you have a mold problem that goes deeper than your mattress. At that point, you should consider professional mold testing to determine the source of the hazard,” he says.

Mold can begin to germinate and spread within 24 hours of encountering a new moist environment, but the conditions in your home may not be the only cause of this. If you don’t notice signs of mold anywhere else in the room, then your mold problem may be caused by your mattress getting wet and not drying properly before use.

A woman cleans up a spill on a mattress

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Accidental spills or using a cleaning solution that doesn’t allow it to dry completely before reattaching the sheets can cause mold and mildew to appear on your mattress. Therefore, always check that your mattress is still wet before changing the bed linen.

And while it’s tempting to jump straight from the bath or shower into bed, washing your hair and not drying it before bed can cause problems, check out our investigation at how going to bed with wet hair can damage your mattress.

5 ways to prevent the appearance of mold on mattresses in winter

Winter means your home can become a perfect breeding ground for mold. But there are steps you can take prevent mold during the colder months. Here are five tips to make sure your mattress stays fresh.

1. Use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great mold control tool because they can significantly lower the humidity levels in your home, making mold more likely to grow.

Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be somewhere between 30-50%, but it’s often too cold to keep the windows open long enough to provide the right amount of ventilation in your home.

Therefore, best dehumidifiers a must have in winter. For best results, place the dehumidifier as close to the bed as possible and make sure there are no obstructions around it to block airflow.

Be sure to empty the water tank regularly, and before putting the water tray back into the machine, wipe off any excess moisture to prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the unit.

The good news is that a dehumidifier not only helps prevent mold and mildew, but it can also improve your sleep. They usually reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air and eliminate odors, improving the air quality in your bedroom.

A dehumidifier next to the mattress to prevent mold growth

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2. Invest in a mattress protector

A mattress protector is also particularly useful in the fight against mold, as it creates a comfortable barrier between moisture and your mattress.

Excessive moisture, spills, accidents, or bodily fluids can all contribute to moisture seeping into your mattress, and since mold needs moist conditions to thrive, keeping it dry and clean can make a big difference.

The the best mattress toppers should be waterproof, breathable and comfortable, and the good news is that they are machine washable, meaning you can clean yours regularly to keep it fresh and hygienic.

In addition to extending the life of your mattress and preventing mold growth, some mattress toppers are also hypoallergenic and can help reduce allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.

3. Improve air circulation

Someone opens the window

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While the idea of keeping your home toasty and letting the dehumidifier do all the hard work may be appealing, opening your windows for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate is also important to prevent mold growth.

“It’s tempting to sleep in a cozy cocoon in winter, but it’s important that your mattress breathes. Open the windows for a few minutes each day to reduce indoor humidity. You don’t have to turn your room into the Arctic; give me some fresh air. Your mattress will thank you, even if you have to put it together a little,” says Magda Calleri, founder of Style By Magda.

If you can’t open the windows, another option is to use fans to circulate the air in the room. And try to always leave space between the mattress and the walls so that air can move around the bed.

4. Make sure your mattress is on the right foundation

The location of your mattress can make a big difference when it comes to preventing mold growth. This is because a well-ventilated base means that air will circulate around your mattress, reducing moisture build-up.

Avoid posting yours mattress right on the flooreven if you’re going for a minimalist aesthetic, as it can trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. Even hybrid mattresses (which have both foam and coils to allow more airflow inside) ideally shouldn’t live in your bedroom without a frame or base.

Instead, buy a bed frame with slats or a spring base with enough space between the slats for air circulation. Providing the right base for your bed will not only act as an additional anti-mildew, but will also help maintain the comfort and support of your mattress and even extend its life.

Two testers unpack a memory foam mattress

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5. Control the temperature in your room

While it’s tempting to turn on the heating right before bed to create a cozy sleep space, it’s critical to maintain a consistently cool temperature in your bedroom.

Aim for 60-67°F and beyond perfect temperature for sleeping in accordance to the 2023 studybut it is also less attractive to mold.

Your bedding can also help create a temperate sleeping environment, as breathable materials such as cotton or linen are ideal for regulating temperature and limiting the amount of moisture produced.

A cool bedroom not only acts as a line of defense against mold, it can also improve your sleep cycle, as a hot room makes it harder to fall asleep and more likely to wake you up during the night.

How to get rid of mold on a mattress

You’ve noticed that your mattress has an unusual smell, or maybe you’ve even noticed some discoloration. There are signs of mold on mattresses, but don’t panic. Here how to quickly get rid of mold on a mattress.

1. Vacuum the bed

Someone is vacuuming the surface of their mattress

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A reliable vacuum cleaner is a very easy way to help remove any mold spores that may have started to grow on your mattress.

Start by removing the bedding and vacuuming the surface of the bed, paying particular attention to seams and crevices where mold has appeared (and dust mites) can hide. If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid spreading mold spores, and when you empty your vacuum, do so outside and place it in an airtight bag before throwing it in the bin.

There are several reasons why you need to vacuum Your mattress regularly and you should even consider making it part of your weekly routine.

2. Spot clean the area

After you vacuum the mattress, the next step is to thoroughly clean the affected area.

Use a to clear the area hydrogen peroxide solution or alcohol decision. Take a cloth (or a brush if you’re using hydrogen peroxide) and work the area in a circular motion. Avoid scrubbing the area as this can cause stains and avoid over-saturation (after all, we know moisture is mold’s best friend!).

Learn more here about how to create the right ratio for your washing solution and tips for protecting your skin.

3. Dry and deodorize

A mattress with white linens on the floor next to a window with lots of natural light

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After cleaning, it is important to let the mattress dry completely, preferably in direct sunlight. UV rays can help kill any remaining mold spores, but be aware that the color may change if you leave the mattress in the sun for too long.

If air drying is not suitable, try using a dehumidifier and fans to speed up the process.

Once your mattress is completely dry, it should be deodorized to neutralize unpleasant odors and absorb any unpleasant residual moisture. Kaspar recommends To do this, sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the mattress and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming it up.