Mold under my mattress - Ask Extension
I got a new mattress and box springs and was told to leave the plastic on the box springs. Well, over time we noticed a musky smell in the bedroom and...
Knowledgebase
Mold under my mattress #338694
Asked July 02, 2016, 11:29 AM EDT
I got a new mattress and box springs and was told to leave the plastic on the box springs. Well, over time we noticed a musky smell in the bedroom and pulled the bed out and the wall had mold on it. After inspecting the bedroom, we discovered mold on the bottom of the bed and directly in the middle. Due to the room staying moist, could it have caused the plastic on the box springs to sweat and cause the mold on the bottom of the bed?
County West Virginia
Expert Response
Moisture is the root of a mold problem. Mold tends to grow where the surface stays damp for more than 2-3 days. It appears moisture may be migrating through the wall, perhaps also floor, and condenses on the plastic when it's cool at night.
I suggest moving the bed away from the wall and raising it higher off the floor to allow good air circulation all around it. I also suggest removing the plastic from the box spring, unless it is not designed to be removable. It would be best to figure out why the room is damp and try to remedy that. Dampness breeds both mold and dust mites, both potential health hazards.
I suggest moving the bed away from the wall and raising it higher off the floor to allow good air circulation all around it. I also suggest removing the plastic from the box spring, unless it is not designed to be removable. It would be best to figure out why the room is damp and try to remedy that. Dampness breeds both mold and dust mites, both potential health hazards.
