Mold on Mattress: Signs You Have It and How To Remove It

Key Takeaways

• Mold can create dark spots that are fuzzy or slimy and have a musty smell. It can also exacerbate bedroom allergies and respiratory symptoms.
• Maintain low humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation in your bedroom to prevent moisture buildup that fosters mold growth.
• Use a breathable, slatted bed frame and a waterproof mattress protector to promote airflow and shield your mattress from spills and excess moisture.
• Regularly air out your mattress, clean spills immediately, and keep bedding dry and well-ventilated to reduce the risk of mold developing over time.

Mold on mattresses is more likely to develop when there's humidity or insufficient airflow.¹ Typically, you’ll be able to notice an unpleasant smell, spots, or fuzzy growth — but how do you determine if these instances are mold growth or something else? 

The telltale signs of mold include black or green spots that are fuzzy or slimy and are typically accompanied by a musty smell.² Understanding how to store a mattress and controlling humidity levels are key to preventing mold growth.

If you’re ready to take control of mold issues, our guide below has all the information you need. Learn more about how to spot mold on a bed, the difference between mold and mildew, and tips on how to get rid of black spots on a mattress.

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What Does Mold on a Mattress Look Like?

Knowing what mold looks like and understanding the differences between mold vs. mildew is key to recognizing signs of a bad mattress. Mildew appears as white or gray fuzzy patches and is generally less dangerous than mold on a mattress. Mold is darker and more harmful.

Here's what to look for to identify mattress mold and distinguish it from other issues.

Spots

Mold can cause the mattress material to turn a different color. Look for dark spots that are irregular. The most frequently seen mold on mattresses is black mold. Early-stage black mold on mattresses indicates ongoing moisture problems. Other common colors include blue or green molds.

Purple molds are less common but still seen in some cases. Mold can also cause yellow stains on a mattress or appear in black or pink shades. The color depends on the type of fungi and the material it grows on.³ Mold tends to be fuzzy or slimy to the touch. Be sure to wash your hands if you touch it.

Smell

Mold has a distinct smell. Think of it as funky and slightly damp, much like a place before or after rainfall. If you notice that your mattress smells musty, it’s probably a sign of mold growth. 

If you’re worried about removing moldy smells and other odors, read our guide on how to deodorize your mattress.

Health Issues

Exposure to mold can cause bedroom allergies and respiratory symptoms, especially in young children and sensitive adults.⁴ Common symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Sneezing
• Skin rash
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Eye irritation
• Lung irritation
• Runny nose and congestion⁵

Why Does Mold Grow on My Mattress? 

Mold grows in places where there is excessive moisture and in damp, warm environments. If you live in a humid climate and lack adequate ventilation, there's a higher likelihood of mold growing on your mattress.  

Here are some common reasons why mold tends to grow within mattresses:

• Poor air circulation
• Spilling liquid on a mattress
• High bedroom humidity
• Leaking water from home
• Extreme warm environments
• Keeping a mattress on the floor

You can reduce the likelihood of mold growth by addressing these issues. For instance, instead of keeping your mattress on the floor, consider using a bed frame. The Purple Upholstered Bed Frame is a lightweight and sturdy option with ample air circulation, and you can easily set it up as a foundation for your mattress.

How To Remove Mold From Mattress in 2 Steps

Disclaimer: It is best to consult with a professional to remove mold. This article is for informational purposes only.

You can try to remove mold by learning how to clean a mattress. 

We’ve outlined the cleaning steps to follow below. Note that this method may be more effective for mattresses with limited mold growth. If there’s an abundance of mold on your mattress, it's most likely time to replace it with a new one.

1. Treat the Mold Area

In some cases, you can start the cleaning process by vacuuming both sides of your mattress, but you should only attempt this if the mattress is dry and you use a HEPA filter vacuum. Otherwise, begin by treating the moldy surface.

There are three ways you can treat the mold on your mattress: dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol.⁶ 

Here’s how each of these three methods works:

H4: Dish Soap Spot Treatment

1. Mix one part dish soap and three parts water in a spray bottle, then spray this on any visible mold spots.
2. Gently dampen a clean cloth and use it to lightly scrub the moldy area. Don’t forget to scrub past the visible edges of the mold spots so you also clean off invisible spores.
3. Once you’ve removed all the visible mold, get a new clean cloth and dip it in clean water. Then, wipe the affected areas clean.

H4: Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment

1. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water.
2. Dip a cleaning brush into your hydrogen peroxide mixture and use it to lightly scrub any moldy spots. Keep scrubbing past visible edges to kill invisible mold spores.
3. Once all the moldy spots have been scrubbed clean, put any remaining hydrogen peroxide mixture into a spray bottle and spray your mattress surface.
4. Allow these spots to dry in direct sunlight.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 one more time.

H4: Rubbing Alcohol Treatment

1. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
2. Soak a clean cloth in the rubbing alcohol solution, then wring the excess solution out.
3. Use the dampened cloth to scrub off any visible mold, taking care to scrub past edges to kill invisible mold spores.
4. Dry your mattress in direct sunlight.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 one more time.

Tip: Keep the room well-ventilated during cleaning to avoid breathing in chemicals and trapping the spores indoors.

2. Air Out the Mattress 

Once you’ve thoroughly spot-treated and washed your mattress, you need to let it dry in an airy space exposed to direct sunlight. Studies have shown that UV (ultraviolet) rays are effective mold killers, and the sun is a natural source of this light.⁷ Note that it can take anywhere from one to three hours for UV rays to break down the mold and make it inactive.

Let your mattress dry fully in the sun. Placing damp mattresses on bed bases is a surefire way to expedite mold growth once again. Once you’re done airing and sunning your mattress, put your dry, clean bedding and pillows back on and keep an eye out for mold in the next few days. Don’t take the risk of sleeping on your bed if the mold spots return, as mold can have serious short and long-term effects on your health.⁸

How To Prevent Getting Mold on Mattress 

You can prevent mold growth in your bed with the following tips. All of these steps are meant to keep moisture at bay and increase airflow in your room.

Switch to a Slatted Bed Foundation 

A slatted bed foundation can keep the underside of your mattress well-ventilated. If you’re using a solid bed base and worried about mold, switch to a slatted bed frame instead. The slats will leave open space underneath, exposing more air to your mattress.

Use a Mattress Protector 

Waterproof mattress protectors can keep moisture from penetrating the mattress surfaces. The Purple Mattress Protector® can protect your mattress from fungus infestations, dust, and debris with its five-sided dual defense and stain-resistant properties.

Consider getting one to cover your mattress and mattress toppers — it’ll keep your mattress sparkling clean for much longer. If you don’t know which type to get, read our guide on how to choose a mattress protector to pick the best one for your needs.

Note that you still need to wash your mattress protector regularly, as you would other bedding.

Clean Up Spills and Accidents Immediately 

It’s important to immediately clean up any liquid spilled on your mattress. An immediate clean also keeps a stain from setting, so whatever the fluid,  be sure to wash immediately to prevent permanently discoloring your mattress. 

Need tips for cleaning blood from your bedding? Try the DIY solutions in our guide on how to get blood out of your sheets.

Air Out Your Mattress and Bedding Frequently 

A dry, well-ventilated environment is the enemy of mold. Make sure you air out your sheets, pillows, blankets, and other forms of bedding. If you’re unsure how often you should wash and air-dry your pillows, read our guide on how to wash your pillows for cleaning tips.

Store Your Mattress Correctly

If you need to store your mattress, it’s best to put it away in a place with low humidity, far from dust, debris, and other things that would damage your mattress. Climate-controlled storage units are a good option for this.

Control Your Bedroom Climate 

Maintaining the right bedroom environment is crucial to preventing mold growth on your mattress. High humidity creates a damp environment that allows mold and mildew to thrive. You can use a dehumidifier for this problem. 

Air purifiers can also keep air constantly circulating in your bedroom, preventing moisture from building up and creating an inhospitable environment for mold. If it's practical, you should also keep electric fans on in your room. This will allow air to circulate freely from your bedroom to your household and prevent moisture from getting trapped.

Protect Your Mattress With Purple

Mold on the mattress can be a serious health concern if not addressed early. Consider preventive measures like using a bed foundation, controlling your bedroom’s humidity levels, and recognizing the signs you need a mattress protector before mold growth becomes a problem.

A mold-free sleeping environment is essential for a healthy and good night's rest. If you notice mold on your mattress and decide it's time to replace it, we're here to help. 

Purple offers an array of innovative mattresses that conform to the contours of your body for a soothing night of sleep. Shop now and experience the Purple difference for yourself.

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