If you want to know how to tell if your mattress has mold, we will discuss using your senses. We are talking about your visual and olfactory senses, to be exact. To avoid irritation and allergies, you must know if your mattress has fungal growth, so never neglect check-ups like this.
We have always talked about the importance of keeping your mattress dry. Unfortunately, dampness and humidity people sometimes overlook and can lead to mould growth. Here is what you can do if suspicions arise:
How To Tell If Your Mattress Has Mold And The Potential Risks To Look Out For
Sight
Even though the naked eye does not readily see fungi, mould presents itself with visual signs. The best way to check for mould growth on your bed is to see black spots on it. The common areas where they are present are those that touch the foundation or ground.
Over time, they can spread all over the bed. This particular appearance is from mildew and generally present on the surface compared to mould. On the contrary, mould growth is more profound, but you can see a fuzzy white or black layer on the surface.
When you try to wipe these growths, the spots from mildew are more accessible to remove than mould. However, mould is more common than mould, and UK homeowners confuse all multi-colour stains or growths in mattresses as mould. Once you see these visual signs, the following test confirms your suspicion of mould by using your sense of smell.
Smell
We have taught you before how to address your bed if it smells musty. Unfortunately, this very odour is a telltale sign of mould growth. Have you ever noticed that damp areas tend to smell stale?
If your mattress has the same smell, you need to check for multi-colour stains of dots or fuzz. The reason why mouldy mattresses smell musty is because of the spores from fungi. Often, the smell is the first thing you`ll notice more than the growths since you can`t see them yet, being microscopic.
Over time, the smell might become more intense when you didn`t address the mould growth immediately. A helpful tip to remember is that even if it`s the room that smells musty, you should also clean the mattress. This way, you can ensure that you will prevent the spread of spores in the room.
Other signs of mouldy mattress
Besides the mattress itself, please check your overall well-being. You might notice feeling more congested lately, or you`re exhibiting flu symptoms such as sore throat and headache. Spores contribute to health problems, so it`s not surprising that you`re getting sick often when using a mouldy mattress.
Is It Safe To Sleep On A Moldy Mattress?
We don`t recommend sleeping on a mouldy mattress for different reasons regarding your health and wellness. You don`t need to have existing health conditions to avoid mould, and it`s best to fix the mattress or get a new one instead of sleeping on something with fungi. For one, mould growth can exasperate respiratory issues.
The spores can contribute to allergies and asthma. Even if you think you`re a healthy individual, you will notice difficulty breathing and develop wheezing each time you lay in bed. And not only that, but do you also see rashes lately?
Contact rash is another symptom of sleeping on a mouldy mattress. It will even be worst if you have an existing skin condition like eczema. Finally, mould exposure can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to illnesses.
What Type Of Mattress Resists Mold?
We recommend maintaining your mattress clean and dry to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. You should also regularly aerate it outside on a sunny day to ensure it`s not damp inside. It`s even better that you vacuum your bed weekly to eliminate any build-up on the surface.
But if you want a specific mattress type that is mould-resistant, some materials like wool and natural latex are excellent choices. If you found a bed that uses rubberised coconut fibre, it will also be more resistant to mould growth than other materials. Still, please maintain your bed correctly, as prevention is straightforward yet effective in preventing the risk of mould and mildew.
Is your mattress at risk for mould?
Mould growth is possible in your typical mattresses like innerspring and memory foam. Remember that if your mattress has moisture that settles and won`t dry out, fungi will thrive. A helpful practice to prevent dampness and promote dryness is to place your bed over something that provides air circulation underneath.
You can also maintain the humidity of the UK room and occasionally open the windows to provide good ventilation. But if you got your foam mattress wet, moisture could seep deep into the layers. Therefore, it`s crucial to dry the bed throughout and even use a heatless blow dryer to target some spots.
Conclusion
It would help if you addressed mould and mildew in the bed as soon as possible. But do you know how to tell if your mattress has mold? In conclusion, fuzzy growth and dark spots are visual signs of fungi in the bed.
You will also notice a musty smell and general feeling of discomfort from inhaling and contacting the spores. Therefore, always keep your mattress dry and clean to avoid mould and mildew.