A water-damaged mattress is generally tricky to sanitize or disinfect. You probably think if you can salvage it or throw it away. But since a mattress is not a cheap home item, you do not want to discard it. However, you may also feel worried about dealing with mold growth on the mattress that could make you or your family ill. As you read this write-up, you will learn how to dry a wet mattress and know what your choices are when water damage has taken place. In some situations, you can save your bed and keep on using it without risk. Unfortunately, if it is a completely soaked mattress for more than 48 hours, consider discarding it.
Take Action Instantly
Make a move immediately to save your water-damaged mattress in the home. Do not delay if you do not want to throw it out. The first thing you have to do is check how damp your mattress is.
If the mattress is thoroughly soaked or immersed in a flood, you may only have one option: to throw it away, as stated above. But if the water damage to your mattress is manageable, you may clean and repair it yourself.
Whether you call a professional water damage restoration company to dry the mattress or do the repair task yourself, treating the mattress within 24 hours is necessary to prevent mold and mildew growth.
First Step: Decide Whether You Should Try to Dry Your Mattress or Discard It
Before you spend much of your time mending your water-damaged mattress or seek help from a professional to restore it, you need to think carefully if it is worth repairing or should be thrown out.
Look at these three main factors:
- The age of your mattress and its price: If you bought your mattress at a low cost or old already, restoring it will probably be more costly than purchasing a new one.
- The mattress material: A cotton, memory foam mattress, or rubber mattress is usually one you should discard because mold can penetrate and grow in it where you cannot reach to clean and disinfect. If the mattress consists of springs, you will have a higher chance of saving it because the springs let the air circulate adequately inside.
- The extent of the damage to your mattress: As mentioned above, decide to discard a fully-soaked bed and buy a new one.
How To Dry Your Mattress Thoroughly
It will be hard to move a soaked mattress since the water makes it heavier. So, you will have to get as much fluid out of it. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Rent a wet dry vacuum.
Use it on the whole mattress to suck as much fluid as possible. Do this process several times until the excess liquid or excess moisture is removed.
2. Cover the mattress with baking soda.
Baking soda is an effective cleaning solution that helps absorb excess moisture. Also, it helps remove unwanted odors and prevents mold growth. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your mattress surface and scrub it using a sponge.
3. Let the baking soda do its work.
Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it.
4. Use cat litter.
If your mattress is too wet, you can use cat or kitty litter instead of baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of it over the bed to absorb more moisture. Leave it for a small number of hours, then vacuum it.
Repeat the cat litter or baking soda process until you’ve removed as much moisture as possible.
Vacuum Your Mattress
Vacuum the mattress again once it is dry to get rid of any dirt or debris. You may do it a few times on both sides of the mattress. It may not only get your mattress cleaner but may even help remove the remaining moisture in it.
Clean Your Mattress
Formulate an alcohol solution by combining one cup of rubbing alcohol and one cup of water. Dip a clean rag into the solution, squeeze it, and wipe the mattress. This process helps prevent mold as well.
Expose Your Wet Mattress in the Sun
Moisture may still linger in your mattress. So, to ensure the bed is totally dry and clean, you may have to expose it directly to the sun. The sun is powerful enough to dry it out and sanitize it naturally.
Position your mattress by standing it up on its side, then place support to avoid getting it to fall over or lean against the wall. This procedure allows the air to circulate well on each side of the mattress.
If your situation doesn’t allow you to take the mattress outside, you can use fans and a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Your Box Spring
If the box spring and the wood frame have mild damage, dry them thoroughly before replacing the mattress cover and pad. However, if the box spring has severe damage, consider buying a new one.
For Water Damage Restoration Services, Seek Help from Superior Restoration
If you cannot get your mattress completely dry or sense a musty odor from it, decide to throw it away. It would be best to contact a water damage professional to solve any water damage issues in your home.
Superior Restoration has a team of highly-skilled experts that uses the latest technology to deal with any mold and water damage problems. We are available to serve you in your time of need, 24/7. Call us today to know more about our water damage restoration and mold remediation services.
