How To Stop Mould Spreading To Your Mattress

You’ll often hear these two used interchangeably, but you might not know the difference.

Mildew is a type of mould that can grow in moist and enclosed areas. While it is a mould, mildew cannot be used to refer to all kinds of mould. They are similar, however, in that they can cause skin infections and difficulties for those with asthma, allergies and other respiratory issues.

You can tell them apart by their appearance. Mould is darker - green or black - and has a fuzzy, slimy-like texture. Mildew, however, is flat and can be lighter, such as grey or white, and its texture can be described as powdery.

Another key difference is the smell. Mildew can smell like damp laundry and is much more musty than mould, which has a more earthy smell.

Both mould and mildew thrive in moist areas, meaning warmer weather can be bad news for those who have found it in their homes.

Mildew typically grows in humid spaces, such as windowsills, radiators - mainly where damp clothes are hung - and shower areas. It should be removed immediately when you spot signs of mildew. Strong cleaning products are usually sufficient to remove mildew, which doesn’t penetrate as deep as mould.

Mould, however, is best examined by a professional as it can go deeper into the surface areas you spotted it.

Mould needs a humid environment to grow. So, think about how much moisture is released from the body at night from your sweat and other body oils! Many people will likely not air out their mattresses in the morning, so it's unsurprising that mould will take advantage of all this moisture to grow on your mattress!

Signs of mattress mould include:

• Dark spots and discolouration
• Musty odour
• You may also be experiencing difficulty breathing at night, especially if you have a respiratory illness

Always keep your mattress elevated and away from the floor, as mould is more likely to develop in close contact with other surfaces. Similarly, if your bed is against a wall, ensure it is not directly pressed against the wall. It’s also best to ensure that your furniture does not cover radiators that can trap heat and moisture.

What if you notice mould spots?

Before tackling the mould, vacuum the mattress to remove any debris and crumbs you could scrub into the mattress. You can attempt to remove mould by rubbing alcohol by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol with warm water (the concentration must not be too low). Use a cloth to scrub at the mould spots, but be careful not to use a too-damp cloth, as this will add more moisture to the area. While scrubbing, also look at cleaning the area around the mould spot to ensure you stop it from spreading.

Once you have done this, it’s important to air out your mattress before making the bed. This could take some time, but it has to be dry before being used again, or the mould will continue to spread.

Underbed storage - which can be found in the likes of divan beds and ottoman beds - can be handy if your home lacks additional storage. It can be used for suitcases, bedding, shoes, you name it. But what you store in your under-bed storage can make a difference.

1. Empty, clean and dry your suitcase EVERY time before you store it

Remember to do these three steps if you tend to store your suitcases under your bed as it is easier to access than your attic - or if you don’t have an attic. First things first, always empty your suitcase. Avoid storing things there for your next holiday, particularly if the clothing is damp.

Next, vacuum the inside of your suitcase to remove any debris and even dead skin cells, which can accumulate over time and contribute to bacterial growth. If your suitcase starts to smell, sprinkle baking soda on it and allow it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Don’t forget, your suitcase can pick up germs as you travel to different countries. So, it’s essential to clean it. You can use mild soap and water to clean hardshell suitcases. You can also use this on a softshell suitcase; however, ensure the case is left out until completely dry to avoid storing something damp under your mattress.

If your suitcase is placed under your bed - while damp - bacteria and mould can continue to thrive and grow, spreading to other items under your bed. This can eventually spread up to your mattress and cause issues for you and anyone else sleeping on the mattress.

2. Winter bedding can spread bacteria and mould if stored incorrectly

It’s commonplace for winter duvets and bedding to be stored in under-bed storage and vice versa. This is an easy storage solution, particularly if you lack space. But storing them wrong can ruin your bed set.

All duvets, pillows, and bedding must be washed before storing them. These bed sets can be stored for up to six months, during which dead skin cells, bacteria, moisture, and dust mites can thrive and grow, spreading through your bed and to your mattress. This could compromise the lifespan of your mattress.

Instead, wash your duvet and pillows and air them to dry. Next, store them in breathable cotton bags that ensure moisture does not build up. Never store your duvets or other bedding items in a bin bag, as the material can lead to bacteria growth.

3. Coats must be properly dried and stored in breathable bags

Large, bulky coats occupy considerable space in your wardrobe, so you might be looking for alternative storage solutions. Cotton is highly susceptible to mould. If spotted immediately, you can attempt to remove mould from your clothes - diluted vinegar can be used to treat mould - but if left, mould can grow and spread, and, unfortunately, you will have to remove the damaged items.

To get ahead of this, wash and dry your coats before storing them. When you do store them, use breathable bags that allow the clothes to breathe. Avoid using plastic storage as they can stain the clothing due to the gases released. Likewise, do not store them in the plastic bags that clothes return in when dry cleaned as they are not meant to be used long term.

4. Store towels in an airing cupboard and dry areas

Towels and other bedding items are best stored in an airing cupboard, away from moisture. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dry before storage as any moisture in these items can spread quickly to other areas - putting your mattress at risk.

However, storing towels under your bed can be helpful if you do not have an airing cupboard. Again, you must store the towels and any other bedding in breathable bags to ensure that moisture does not accumulate and lead to more bacteria and potentially mould.

5. Ideally, avoid overloading your under-the-bed storage

You do not want to put too many items under your bed. Too many items not cleaned properly can build up dust and other bacteria, spreading under the bed and to your mattress. Always use breathable bags and materials instead of plastic storage, which can emit gases and yellow items you store under the bed. Avoid overloading and packing too many items on each other, leading to clutter.

Your bedroom should be an area of peace, and clutter can destabilise that peace, affecting your ability to relax in the area you should be able to. Similarly, if you have bed slats, too many items could damage those slats, which means you may need to buy a bed sooner than you think.

6. Use a dehumidifier to keep the room ventilated

If you have noticed signs of mould, a dehumidifier can help keep moisture out of the air. This is also particularly useful if you have noticed the signs of mould on your mattress and are currently airing out the room after cleaning the mattress. If it is not possible to get a dehumidifier, open your bedroom window for 30 minutes each day - more if possible - to ensure you keep moisture at bay.

7. Opt for a waterproof mattress protector to stop moisture from getting to your mattress

If you sweat a lot at night or have noticed damp patches on your bedding - or if you have a young child - a mattress protector can do what it says on the tin: protect your mattress. It can stop the moisture from seeping into your mattress and creating the perfect, humid environment for moisture to grow.

To keep your mattress protector in top condition for longer, wash it at least every two months - more if it is regularly damp - and dry it thoroughly before putting it back on the bed.

If you are looking for more information, we have tips on how to store bedding. You could also take our Bedding Calculator to reveal how long your bedding has left.