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 04/01/24
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 its 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, like a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have more severe reactions, while immune-compromised people and those with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.

Here's the best way to get rid of mold on a mattress surface (and when it's time to dispose of it).

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 11 Best Mattresses of 2025, According to Testing

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 the bedding, including the mattress protector
    • Wash the bedding in the hottest water suitable for the fabric.
    • Add a laundry-safe disinfectant like chlorine bleach, a pine oil disinfectant, or a phenolic disinfectant (Lysol Laundry Sanitizer).
    • Dry the bedding at the highest heat appropriate for the fabric to ensure any mold spores have been eliminated.
    White bedding blanket removed from side of mattress

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  3. Vacuum the Mattress

    • Grab a powerful handheld 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.
    • Turn the mattress over and inspect the other side for mold growth and repeat the vacuuming process.
    • Once you've finished vacuuming, take the vacuum outside to reduce chances of spreading the mold spores.
    • 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. Remove Mold With Rubbing Alcohol Solution

    • The areas with mold growth must be cleaned with a product that will kill the spores.
    • 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.
    • Don't saturate the mattress with an excessive amount of the cleaning solution as it can damage the mattress, and the cleaner will not address any mold spores deep within the mattress anyway.
    • 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 or Clorox Fabric Sanitizer 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

How Often To Clean a Mattress With Mold

When mold is discovered on a mattress, it should either 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 can still be cleaned and disinfected. If your mattress has been wet for longer than that, you may need to dispose of it.

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.
FAQ
  • Does bleach kill mold on a mattress?

    While bleach can kill mold on a mattress, its harsh nature means that it can also damage it. Instead, use a solution of one part rubbing alcohol to one part water and gently blot it against the surface of the mattress. This solution will be just as effective, but far less tough on your mattress.

  • What's the difference between mold and mildew on a mattress?

    Mildew is more common than mold, and it's generally both easier to deal with and causes fewer allergic reactions. It's often green or black, and it can appear slimy in texture. Mold on a mattress is a more serious problem that's harder to get rid of. Mold is typically gray, white, or yellow, and it will likely have a fluffy texture.

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

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