Mouldy Mattress

[nilrac52]

Our bedroom has condensation problems particularly the wardrobes fitted on an outside wall. However I have just noticed that the double bed mattress has mould on it and a slight dampness on touch. Can the mattress be cleaned or is it safer to get rid of it. Any suggestions. Many thanks.

[B00]

Urgh, get rid!

However, it'll happen again to a new mattress unless you sort out the condensation problem.

[Old_Geezer]

Whilst I suspect it could be cleaned, might need a professional, then depending on how old it is I'd be inclined to sling it in case breathing in the mould caused health issues. Just my personal opinion.

[Old_Geezer]

Please replace the word "then" with something like "however" since this place STILL doesn't allow editing of words which one can not understand how they got into the sentence.

[nilrac52]

Thank you both very much. Looks like it would be safer to get rid. I think the problem started when the mattress was in storage but the bedroom condensation hasn't helped. Thanks again for replying.

[TonyV]

You need to try to sort condensation out otherwise same thing will happen. Do you rent or own the property & what type of property ie terrace, semi, flat or house coverition

[nilrac52]

Hello TonyV. The property is owned. A detached bungalow. The problem is an exterior wall that seems to attract the condensation. There are built in wardrobes on the exterior wall so there could be spores behind it. I think I should get it removed.

[TonyV]

Some airflow and background heating will reduce condensation

[TonyV]

+ good idea to remove wardrobe and wash walls with some soda crystal or bleach solution to kill spores

[ladybirder]

If you can't afford to get the wall sorted out at the moment, buy yourself a dehumidifier and put it in the bedroom for now. I have seen the black spores disappear from conservatory blinds within a week so I wouldn't be surprised if the same happens to your mattress. It's not a long term solution but it will sort your present dilemma out.

[ladybirder]

Plus what tony said:-)

[TonyV]

As ladybirder says mattress may still be useable once it is dry - spores need damp to live + maybe a spray with fabreeze or similar

[ladybirder]

and make it damp again with Febreeze LOL - only kidding Tony.

[The Builder]

The wardrobes badly need ventilation, nilrac. A 9" x 3" (225mm x 75mm) through the wall to outside, and the same in the ceiling of the wardrobe.

Cavity wall insulation would help against the mattress damp. A small vent in the bedroom ceiling wouldn't hurt, either.... or window trickle ventilation.

I fixed this very problem recently in an unheated bungalow, by fitting a very small storage heater on overnight tariff.

So, it's heating or ventilation, or best of all, both :o)))

[TonyV]

Ladybirder I'm smiling lol

[nilrac52]

Hello to all who have taken time to reply and thank you all. Great contributions and very helpful advice. I will start with the dehumidifier to try and control the problem and then I will arrange for other ventilation tips. Once again thank you for this extremely helpful thread.