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Blog > How To Test A Mattress For Mold – What To Do About It (Cleaning & Prevention)
Musty smell? Weird stains? Waking up with a stuffy nose?
You might be sleeping on mold - and not even know it.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to check your mattress for hidden mold, how to clean it (safely), and what to do so it never comes back.
Let’s get into it.
Mold on a mattress isn’t always easy to spot. In early stages, it might look like faint spots, stains, or patches. You might see:
Sometimes, mold grows inside the layers of the mattress - not just on the surface. That’s why regular mold inspection is important, even if there’s no visible mold.
Mildew is usually gray or white and lives on the surface. It smells musty.
Mold can be black, green, or orange. It grows deeper and smells stronger - earthy or sour.
Mold needs three things to grow: warmth, moisture, and darkness. A mattress provides all of that - especially if the bedroom is humid or not well-ventilated.
High moisture in the air (above 60%) creates the perfect environment for mold growth. This is common in basements or hot, sticky climates.
When the mattress is pressed against the wall or airflow is blocked, moisture gets trapped inside.
We lose moisture through sweat and breathing while we sleep. The mattress absorbs it and mold begins to form.
Water, juice, or pet accidents that soak in and don’t dry properly can create moldy patches inside foam mattresses.
Air can’t flow underneath, and moisture builds up at the bottom of the mattress — a perfect recipe for mold growth.
Dust, skin cells, and body oils feed mold. If the mattress isn’t cleaned regularly, mold can thrive.
Sleeping on bedding that isn’t fully dry - or lying down with wet hair or clothes - adds even more moisture to the mattress.
Wondering “Is there mold on my mattress?” Look for these red flags:
Sleeping on a moldy mattress means breathing in mold spores all night. That’s bad for your health - especially for kids, seniors, and people with allergies or asthma.
Even if you can’t see visible mold, it could be hiding in the layers. Mold affects your sleep, breathing, and overall air quality in the bedroom, which is why switching to a hypoallergenic mattress can be a smart choice for sensitive sleepers.
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Before you start cleaning, check the entire surface and underside of the mattress. Look at your bedding, pillows, and nearby furniture too - mold can spread.
Use a HEPA vacuum to trap mold spores and lift dust and debris from the surface of the mattress.
Sprinkle it across the moldy area. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors and moisture, then vacuum again.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Lightly spray and scrub the spot. Let the mattress air dry in sunlight if possible - sunlight can help kill mold.
Use a 1:1 mix with water. Dab onto the spot to disinfect and kill surface mold.
Good for small, visible stains. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide, but test it first - it may bleach some fabric.
Great natural option for lighter mold removal. Mix with salt to scrub the affected area.
If you suspect deep mattress mold or mold keeps returning, contact a mold remediation specialist.
Once you’ve removed mold, keep it away by cutting down on moisture and boosting air quality:
Yes, mold on a mattress is dangerous to your health. Breathing in mold spores can cause coughing, sneezing, and even serious health problems. This is especially risky for kids, seniors, and people with asthma or allergies.
You’ll usually smell something musty or feel allergy symptoms before you see mold. Do a full mold inspection - check under and around the mattress for stains or fuzz. Even if mold is hiding inside, the signs are still there.
Yes, if the mold is deep inside and cleaning doesn't help, it's best to replace the mattress. Mold that spreads inside the foam or springs is hard to remove completely. A new mattress is safer and healthier for your sleep and air quality.
Yes, memory foam mattresses can grow mold just like any other mattress. They trap moisture more easily, especially in humid bedrooms or if placed on the floor. Regular cleaning and airflow help prevent mold growth.
Mold isn’t just gross - it’s a real health hazard. If you smell something off or wake up feeling sick, check for mattress mold.
With the right cleaning steps and smart prevention, you can stay safe and sleep better.
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.