Will Getting Rid Of A Moldy Mattress Improve Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Unfortunately,

there really is no way to safely and thoroughly eradicate it

. The mistake most people make is cleaning off the mold on the surface and continuing to use the mattress. That mistake can lead to further mold growth and increased exposure to mold toxicity.

What happens if you sleep on a moldy mattress?

There are Health Risks to Sleeping on Mattress Mold


Exposure to mold can result in a host of respiratory issues

. For example, you could develop asthma, allergy symptoms, or have difficulty breathing. Wheezing is a common side effect of mold exposure.

Can a moldy mattress make you sick?

Can a moldy mattress make you sick?

Not immediately, but yes

. Exposure to mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma, breathing problems, migraines, and other health conditions.

Should you throw away moldy furniture?

If mold is observed growing into the surface of the material and cannot be cleaned off, then the item may have to be disposed of.

When in doubt, throw it out

. A high quality piece of furniture is an often considered a long-term investment.

How do you get rid of mold on a mattress?

Haul Away Your Mattress

Old, moldy mattresses can be hazardous to your health and should be handled by professionals. In these cases, you can

contract the services of a hazardous waste disposal company to haul away your mattress properly

.

Can you remove mold from a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam mattresses must be protected from mold. If you notice mold on your memory foam mattress, it is a sign that it’s time to throw it away. Although you can remove surface mold with a vacuum, household cleaners, and a bit of time in the sun,

there is no way to remove mold from deeper parts of the mattress

.

Can cleaning black mold make you sick?

The short answer for most healthy people is no, black mold won’t kill you and is

unlikely to make you sick

.

Why is the underside of my mattress mould?

The reason why the underneath of your bed is the most common spot for fungus growth is that

it gets practically no light exposure and the air circulation is limited

. While the top and sides of a bed see sunlight and artificial light, as well as receiving air every time, you lift your bedsheets.

Why is the bottom of my mattress moldy?

Mattress mould is

caused by a mix of humidity and bacteria

. Mattress maintenance can ensure mould never affects your bedroom. It is worth noting that mould spores are always present to some degree in the air, so a humid environment is what encourages growth. It’s this excess moisture that you need to combat.

How long does it take for mold to grow in a mattress?

Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within

24 to 48 hours

. They reproduce by spores – tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material.

What color is mattress mold?

Mattress mold will vary in appearance but is most commonly seen as

off-white, pink, or fluffy black

looking spots on the mattress itself. It’s important to note that any mattress is susceptible to mold growth if the environmental conditions are right.

How often mattress should be replaced?

Therefore, it’s important to invest in the best mattress possible, and replace it according to expert guidelines. But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced

every 6 to 8 years

. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

These symptoms usually first appear

2 to 9 hours after exposure

and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

What are signs of mold sickness?

  • sinus and nasal congestion.
  • nasal irritation.
  • itchy, watery eyes.
  • red eyes.
  • blurry vision.
  • wheezing.
  • trouble breathing.
  • coughing.

Can you vacuum mold up?

Vacuuming is an important part of the mold cleanup process, but

we don’t recommend using a regular vacuum

. Household vacuums and standard wet/dry vacs aren’t effective because they don’t have the right kind of filters to properly trap the mold.

Can you cut up a mattress?


Cutting up the mattress and box spring parts is best done outside

. You’ll avoid a huge mess from the cotton, foam, and wood frame. Get a helper or some people to assist you with removing the mattress from your home. If you must cut up the mattress parts in your home, lay down heavy tarps first.

Can you burn a mattress?

Many people put old furniture, mattresses, or clothing on bonfires, but

it’s illegal to burn treated wood, tyres, plastic, rubber, and oil

. These materials can give off fumes that damage the environment and health.

Will Costco pick up mattress?


Costco will pick the mattress up at your house

. Rule of thumb: If your item was delivered by a freight carrier, it’ll be picked up the same way it was delivered (curbside, threshold, or white glove).

How long does it take to detox from mold?

Indolent, chronic infections or exposures may take months to properly treat holistically and naturally but it can be done! Healing detox reactions should only last

2 weeks to a month

at the longest, at which point, the patient breaks through and their body begins to positively react to treatment.

Can mold grow in your lungs?


It’s also possible for mold to form a ball in your lungs

. This condition is called aspergilloma when caused by an Aspergillus mold. The ball most often stays in your lungs but can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood.

How do you detox from mold exposure?

Sweating. Some people recommend

sweating, or using a sauna

, to support the process of mold detoxification. No research confirms that sweating can specifically help address the effects of mold. But a 2020 review suggests sweating does play an important role in your body’s natural detoxification process.

Is mold cancerous?


There’s no evidence that mold causes cancer

. If you’re allergic to mold, your symptoms may be more severe, such as lung irritation.

How do I stop moisture under my mattress?

  1. Create an air gap between the floor and the mattress.
  2. Create more air circulation under the mattress.
  3. Add a dehumidifier to the bedroom.
  4. Wipe the area dry.
  5. Place an absorbent sheet under the mattress.
  6. Do regular checks on the mattress.

How do you remove mould from bed base?

Mix equal amounts of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and warm water in a disposable container. Dip a cloth into it, wring it out, and use this wet cloth to scrub the mouldy area of the mattress. Use a circular motion when scrubbing, and go well beyond the area of visible mould.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.