Drying wet mattresses after a flood or water event can be very difficult. While you can dry a wet mattress, it’s worth considering the water source first. You can dry mattresses that got wet from rain, a leak, or even a burst pipe. However, sometimes you might need to throw it away. We look at how to dry a mattress and remove stains and odors. Plus, we cover when it’s best to replace a wet mattress.
How To Dry a Wet Mattress Quickly
A wet mattress will allow mold and bacteria to grow, so it’s important to begin drying it out quickly. Regardless of the cause, follow these simple steps on how to dry a mattress fast.
1. Clean Dirt and Remove the Bedding
Start by cleaning dirt or debris off the mattress surface, then remove the bedding. If there is major damage, use heavy-duty plastic bags to throw away plaster or drywall.
If you have a waterproof mattress protector, remove that as well. Mattress protectors will hold in excess moisture, making it harder to dry and increasing the chances of mold.
You should wash the bedding immediately to prevent mold. If you had to shut off all the water in the house, hang the bedding outside until you can wash it.
2. Soak Up the Water
For minor wet spots, use dry towels to pull excess moisture out of the mattress. Press the towel firmly into the mattress and switch towels when it gets too wet.
For extremely wet mattresses, sprinkle kitty litter on the wet spot first, then press down with a clean cloth. The kitty litter will help pull more water out and speed up drying. can use a shop-style vacuum to clean kitty litter once
3. Suck Up Water With a Wet-Dry Vacuum
You can also dry your mattress using a wet-dry vacuum. will Move the hose across the surface of the mattress to suck as much water from the mattress as possible. Work in sections, moving left to right, top to bottom until you can’t pull out any more water. Most shop vacs have limited suction power, so flip the mattress over and repeat the process on the other side.
4. Remove Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap
Since drying can set in stains, it’s best to remove them while the mattress is just barely damp. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the stain with one part liquid dish soap to two parts hydrogen peroxide. Make sure you spread the stain remover over the entire area and let it sit for five minutes. Then wipe the cleaning solution with a damp cloth.
5. Dry It With a Hair Dryer
Next, use a hair dryer to dry out the mattress. Keeping the hairdryer a few inches from the mattress surface, move it back and forth over the wet spot for ten to twenty minutes. Since heat will make your mattress feel dry even when it’s not, let it cool for minutes before checking if it is still wet.
6. Prop the Mattress and Use a Fan
Even if the surface feels dry, the inside of the mattress might be wet. Prop the mattress up against a wall or other stable surface and position a fan so it can blow through the wet area. Make sure there are at least 2 feet of space on either side of the mattress. Position the fan at the wet spot and leave it on high for 6 to 8 hours after it feels completely dry. If you have a dehumidifier, position it near the mattress and keep it running throughout the drying process. It is always better to over-dry your mattress than leave it slightly damp.
7. Move It Outside
Whenever possible, you should move your mattress outside to dry. Sunlight and fresh air will speed up drying and prevent or even remove odors. Prop it up to increase airflow and keep in as much direct sunlight as possible. However, you should still use fans to speed up drying and prevent mold and bacteria.
8. Disinfect Your Mattress with Alcohol
Once your mattress is dry, you must disinfect it with equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. Use a spray bottle to apply it evenly across the entire mattress. Make sure you get underneath the rivets and in between seams as well. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can wipe it down with a rag.
When Is It Safe To Dry a Mattress?
It isn’t always safe to dry a mattress since mold and bacteria may grow inside. This is most common after groundwater and storm surge floods or sewage backups. However, even clean water can lead to mold eventually. That’s why you need to start drying it right away.
It is safe to dry and clean a wet mattress caused by:
- Rain, as long as it didn’t touch the ground first
- A leaky water pipe or pipe burst
- An overflowing sink or bathtub
- Spilled water, beverages, or food
- Bedwetting
However, you should throw it away if any of the following are true:
- It got wet from a toilet overflow, groundwater flood, or sewage backup
- The mattress is soaked through
- It has been wet for more than 48 hours
- You cannot dry it quickly
- Mold is already growing on it
Frequently Asked Questions About Wet Mattresses
It’s natural to have questions, like whether water will ruin the mattress or if you can remove urine smells. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about wet mattresses.
What To Do If You Spill Water on Your Mattress?
If you spill water on your mattress, you can dry it with a towel and your hairdryer. Press the towel into the mattress to soak up the water. Then wave your hairdryer over the wet spot for ten to twenty minutes. Let the spot cool before checking if it’s dry.
Is a Mattress Ruined if It Gets Wet?
Whether a wet mattress is ruined depends on the source of the water. Sewage and floodwaters carry mold and bacteria that can make you very sick. In this case, it’s best to throw away your mattress. However, you can dry your mattress if the water is from a clean water source and has not sat longer than 48 hours.
How to Dry a Mattress After Bedwetting?
Bedwetting is very common, and you can dry urine the same way as any other liquid. However, work quickly to prevent urine stains. While still wet, use baking soda to soak up as much urine as possible.
Then wash the stain with equal parts vinegar and warm water. This will not only remove stains but will also help remove urine odors as well. Use a hairdryer to dry smaller accidents and fans for larger ones.
Also, don’t forget to check your box spring as well. You can clean and dry it the same way or even just allow it to air dry outside.
How Do You Remove Odors From a Wet Mattress?
If your mattress gets wet and smells, you can remove odors with baking soda. Once it is completely dry, sprinkle on the baking soda. Allow it to sit for at least a few hours before vacuuming up the baking soda.
For urine odors, it is best to remove the smell before drying. Use baking soda to absorb as much urine as possible. Then wash the area with equal parts vinegar and warm water.
You can also move the mattress outside to air out in the fresh air. Whenever possible, prop the mattress up in the sunlight for better airflow.
How Long Does It Take Mattress to Dry?
Following the process above, you can dry a wet mattress in six to eight hours. However, it can take two to three times longer if you use house fans and as long as a week if you let it air dry.
The longer it takes to dry, the great the risk of mold and bacteria. For this reason, you should rent drying equipment when necessary. Otherwise, it’s safer just to replace your mattress.
How Do You Dry Wet Box Springs?
You can follow the steps above to dry your wet box springs as well. However, the box spring contains wood that can rot if not dried completely. While you are focusing on drying your mattress, allow a wet box spring to air dry in the sunlight.
After your mattress is dry, turn the fans and dehumidifiers on your box springs. Allow them to run longer than you think is necessary to ensure the wood is completely dry.
As with your mattress, spray the box spring down with a solution of equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water. You can also use baking soda to remove odors.
Can a Mattress Get Moldy?
Unfortunately, a wet mattress can get moldy. Mold can grow inside the mattress after it gets wet. Even if you dry it thoroughly, it can mold can remain inside your mattress.
Just a small amount of moisture can revive the mold. This can lead to allergies or trouble sleeping, even if you don’t normally have them. In rare cases, it can cause respiratory problems or illnesses.
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