How to Get Rid of Mold On Your Mattress

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 05/31/22
Reviewed by
Rhea Mehta
Dr. Rhea Mehta, PhD
Reviewed by Rhea Mehta
Rhea Mehta, PhD, is an award-winning toxicologist who has worked to empower people to lead healthier lives, starting in their homes, for over a decade. Rhea holds a PhD in Toxicology, with over 15 scientific publications, and a certificate in integrative health coaching. 
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Mold cleaned off mold on side of mattress with sponge and gloves

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 12 hrs

Discovering mold on the surface of a mattress is unsettling, as it can be an indication of a much deeper problem within the core. Mold appears on a mattress if the conditions in and around the mattress are too warm and humid. If the mold is discovered quickly and treated properly, small colonies may be suitable for safe removal. However, the mold should be identified before attempting to treat the mattress.

The molds that most homeowners encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.

  • Allergenic molds can require removal by a professional, but most allergenic molds can be removed with home disinfecting products.
  • Pathogenic molds can be controlled with disinfectants but large colonies require professional removal.
  • Toxic molds are the most harmful and require a professional to kill the mold and dispose of any affected materials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause many side effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.

Learn the best way to get rid of mold on a mattress surface and when you should dispose of the mattress.

How Often to Clean a Mattress With Mold

When mold is discovered on a mattress, it should be cleaned away immediately, or the mattress should be disposed of following the guidelines of the local municipality. As long as there are spores present and the mattress is at an optimal temperature and humidity level, they will continue to grow. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that if a porous item like a mattress has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be able to be cleaned and disinfected.

Warning

  • Once the mattress is cleaned and dried completely, it should be monitored for several days for any fungal growth or musty odor. If they reappear, the mattress should be discarded.
  • A mattress that is wet (with or without visible mold) from contaminated floodwaters should be immediately discarded.
The 15 Best Mattresses of 2023, Tested by The Spruce
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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Powerful hand-held vacuum
  • Floor vacuum with hose and an upholstery brush attachment
  • Circulating fan
  • Protective eyewear
  • Protective mask
  • Rubber gloves
  • Air purifier
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Small bowl

Materials

  • Phenolic disinfectant
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Pine oil disinfectant
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Disinfecting spray
  • Trash bag

Instructions

Materials and tools to clean mold off the side of a mattress

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  1. Wear Protective Gear and Improve Air Quality

    To reduce your chances of an allergic reaction to the mold spores, wear eye protection, a mask, and rubber gloves. Wear clothing that can be tossed in the washer.

    If possible, place an air purifier in the room to help capture mold spores that will become airborne.

    Protective green gloves, eyewear and white mask on top of mattress

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  2. Remove All Bedding

    Remove all of the bedding, including the mattress protector, and wash them in the hottest water suitable for the fabric. Add a disinfectant—chlorine bleach, pine oil disinfectant, or phenolic disinfectant (Lysol Laundry Sanitizer)—that is safe to use on the fabric.

    Dry the bedding at the highest heat appropriate for the fabric as a final step to be sure any mold spores have been eliminated.

    White bedding blanket removed from side of mattress

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  3. Vacuum the Mattress

    Use a powerful hand-held vacuum or a floor vacuum with a hose and upholstery brush. Start at one end of the mattress and vacuum the entire surface—even the areas with no visible mildew. Don't forget to vacuum the sides of the mattress.

    If possible, turn the mattress over and inspect the other side for mold growth and repeat the vacuuming process.

    When the vacuuming process is over, take the vacuum outside to reduce chances of spreading the mold spores and empty the disposable bag or dust bin into a trash bag. Tightly seal the trash bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin.

    Mold cleaned on side of mattress with hand-held vacuum

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  4. Treat the Mold Growth

    The areas with mold growth must be cleaned with a product that will kill the spores. You should not saturate the mattress with an excessive amount of a wet solution because that can damage the mattress. The cleaners will not address any mold spores deep in the core of the mattress.

    To kill mattress surface mold, mix a 50:50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently rub the moldy surface of the mattress in a circular motion.

    When the area is free of visible mold, dip a cloth in clean water and "rinse" the area.

    Rubbing alcohol rubbed on side of mattress with damp cloth

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  5. Use a Fabric Sanitizing Spray

    After cleaning and rinsing, spray the area with a fabric sanitizing spray like Febreze Fabric Antimicrobial that prevents mold growth on soft surfaces for up to 14 days.

    Fabric sanitizing spray applied to side of mattres

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  6. Dry Thoroughly

    Add a circulating fan or move the mattress into direct sunlight to help it dry as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

    Fan circulating air to dry cleaned mattress

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Tips to Keep a Mattress Free of Mold

  • Clean up spills and accidents on a mattress immediately.
  • Reduce humidity in the home with the use of air-conditioning or a dehumidifier.
  • Remove bedding frequently, especially during hot seasons, to allow the mattress to air out and dry.
  • Check the mattress platform frequently for mold that can transfer to the mattress.
  • If a mattress must be stored, use a climate-controlled space with low humidity.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Basic Facts About Mold and Dampness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  2. Mold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  3. Dealing With Mold and Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Home. Federal Emergency Protection Agency

  4. Water Damage Restoration and Clean Up Checklist. Texas A&M Extension Service