When water damage hits your home, whether it is due to flooding or a burst pipe, it wouldn’t skip anything. That includes your mattresses.
A water damaged mattress contaminated by water can be challenging to deal with, not to mention potential mold growth. And, you might be wondering whether you can save it or not.
In this article, we will share helpful tips on how to restore your water damaged mattress. In some cases, you might be able to save your mattress. However, in other cases, you may need to completely discard it.
First: Inspect The Damage of Your Mattress
When it comes to a water damaged mattress, it is important to act fast. The longer the water or moisture lingers in your mattress, the greater the chances of discarding them. The first thing you have to do is evaluate the damage to your mattress immediately.
If the mattress has been completely soaked or was submerged in floodwater, then the damage could be so serious that you may not have an option, but to throw it. You can also consider getting a restoration professional to save your mattress.
A completely wet or contaminated mattress, when not cleaned or dried properly, can be a dangerous breeding ground for mold growth. Mold on a mattress is a big concern because of the health risks associated with the growth of mold.
How to Restore your Water Damaged Mattress
If the mattress is not underwater for some time, you may be able to save and clean it. Whether you hire a professional to save your mattress or do it yourself, make sure to act fast or treat it within 24 hours and ensure that all moisture is completely removed to prevent mold growth.
1. Remove excess water or moisture
Absorb as much water as possible from your soaked mattress. You can first use dry towels to remove the water. Replace the wet towels with dry ones and repeat the process to properly absorb water.
To ensure that moisture is fully absorbed from your mattress, rent or buy a wet-dry shop vacuum. Use the vacuum on the entire surface of the mattress to suck up the water from the inside of the bed.
After that, sprinkle baking soda onto the wet mattress to completely cover it. Work the baking soda into the inside of the mattress by scrubbing it with a dry sponge. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and prevent mold growth. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for a few hours. Then, remove it by vacuuming.
If the mattress is really wet, use cat litter, instead of baking soda, to absorb more moisture. Sprinkle it over the mattress, push it into the surface, allow it to do its magic for a few hours, and vacuum it up.
Repeat the process of baking soda or cat litter until you feel that you’ve removed as much moisture as possible.
2. Clean the Mattress
Even after sprinkling baking soda and using a shop vac, mold and mildew may still grow on your mattress. To ensure that it is completely clean and mold won’t appear, use an alcohol solution to clean your mattress.
Make a cleaning solution with a mixture of 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and a cup of water. Use a clean cloth, wring it out and wipe the entire surface of the mattress. The alcohol can help prevent mold from growing in your mattress.
3. Dry the water damaged mattress completely in the sun
A great way to make sure that your mattress is dry and sanitized is to dry it in the sun. If the weather permits, dry the mattress outside in the sun.
Position the mattress standing on its side, supported by small blocks, or leaning against a wall for proper air circulation. You can also use a dehumidifier and fans inside to help finish the drying process. Ensure the mattress is completely dry before using it.
Get Professional Help
The basic tips above will surely help you restore the mattress. However, when it comes to water damage, it is always best to leave the job to the professionals because you are taking a big risk doing DIY restoration.
Water damage restoration companies, like Superior Restoration, have the proper tools and methods to properly clean and dry your water damaged mattress.
For professional water damage cleanup and restoration services, contact us today.
