Hello atinytree,
If the mattress is not soaked, but just superficially damp, some of
the methods below may work. As you will see, some sites recommend
cleaning with a bleach solution, and some recommend rubbing alcohol.
Some sites recommend using a mattress renovator, and not attempting
to salvage the mattress yourself. Some sites recommend throwing away
the mattress, if it is very wet. You?ll have to decide how badly
damaged your mattress is and which treatment is best. As a person with
severe mold and mildew allergies, I can warn you that no one with
allergies should use the mattress without being certain all allergens
are removed.
From Republic Western Insurance:
?Prop up mattress so that both sides can be exposed to air dry. If a
mattress is only slightly damp from clean rainwater, brush off any
surface soil and wipe with cloth soaked in 1 C rubbing alcohol
(isopropyl alcohol) and 1 C water to prevent mildew. Use a fan to
speed up drying process.?
http://www.repwest.com/water_damage.aspx
You might try a carpet steaming machine that has upholstery
attachments to clean your mattress yourself, if it is not badly water
damaged. I have used my steamer on upholstered furniture, as well as
car upholstery, with excellent results.
http://www.icsmag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,3035,29654,00.html
The Tribune of India has an interesting cleaning solution: ??if your
mattress needs washing it is best to make a frothy cleaning solution
for the purpose. For this, you need a little warm water, some dry
detergent and an electric beater. Put the detergent in a bowl and
start slowly pouring in warm water a few teaspoonfuls at a time. Mix
this stuff on medium speed and it will form into this crazy froth of
suds!
Skim the top off the froth and take it to your mattress. With a soft
brush or a firm sponge, rub the dry suds into the stain using a
circular motion. Keep rubbing until the stain begins to fade. If you
need to use more, be sure to rinse your sponge or brush in warm water
and be sure to rid it of any and all water droplets before using the
dry suds.
Your goal here is to not get the padding inside the mattress wet. If
you do, you?re going to end up with not only an awful stain, but an
odious smell as well!
Letting your mattress dry outside is a great approach and will give it
a fresh smell (like laundry dried on a clothes line), though be
careful to place it so it doesn?t get dirtier. Even moving it near an
open window or door will work, though not as well.
If you find it is too wet, then use a hair dryer to dry it up. A fan
strategically placed would do well, too.?
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020512/spectrum/sunday.htm
The North Carolina State University and A&T State University
Extension recommends discarding a wet mattress. However, if not
completely soaked, they recommend setting the mattress, face up, on
blocks to keep it off the ground, allowing air to circulate. They say
that if a musty odor persists once dry, to try and have the mattress
sanitized by a professional mattress renovator. (Look in the phone
book for Mattress Renovators.) If the musty odor persists after
professional cleaning, discarding the mattress is best. Scroll Down to
Page. 2 .
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/factsheets/pdf/curtains.pdf
Mold is a powerful allergen for many people, and some varieties can be toxic.
http://www.artfacts.org/artinfo/articals/salvage_flood_damage.html
Scrape off any surface dirt, wash with a bleach solution (3/4 cup
bleach to 1 gallon water) and let the mattress dry in the sun, with
fans to help circulate air and speed the drying process, according to
the University of Florida?s Disaster manual.
http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP05/D05-23.PDF
From the Michigan State University Extension Home Page, on a dirty
mattress ?If the mattress fabric does become soiled or stained,
it can be cleaned with an upholstery shampoo, following
directions exactly. Or use dry suds, made by beating up
mild detergent in warm water with an eggbeater; apply
only the dry suds to a small area at a time using a soft
brush or sponge; wipe with sponge wrung out of warm
water. Do not get padding inside mattress wet. Dry area
completely before covering or using mattress. Drying is
faster with either dry outdoor air (in warm weather) or
dry heated air (in winter);an electric fan blowing across
the dampened area hastens drying.?
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500198.html
Clean Up Pages recommends covering the home-cleaned mattress with a
rubber sheet before using it temporarily. They also suggest contacting
a hospital for sanitizing.
http://www.cleanuppages.com/clean/flood.htm
Flood recovery from the University of Idaho
http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/disaster/flood/recovery4.html
The Queen of Clean says to blot small amounts of liquid with paper
towels, and stand mattress on its side to dry.
http://www.diynet.com/diy/lv_household_tips/article/0,2041,DIY_14119_2275112,00.html
While incontinence is not the way your mattress was wet :-) this
Incontinence Support site offers some good tips, such as purchasing a
vinyl cover to completely encase your mattress, once it?s dry.
http://www.incontinencesupport.org/chapter10.htm
Mattress Cleaning Companies:
======================================
Hygienitech is a national mattress cleaning company. While focusing on
dust and mites, this solution may do the trick. Hygienitech does not
list local dealers, but asks that you e-mail them for a dealer. E-mail
them with this address: sales@hygienitech.com
http://www.hygienitech.com/
Mitex is a similar type of mattress cleaning company. They require a
phone call for a dealer in your area: 1-866-556-4839
http://www.mitex.org/mattress_home.html
Snow Cleaners, of California *might* clean mattresses.
http://www.snowcleaners.com/consumers/fire.html
I hope, atinytree, that you find your mattress is not badly water
damaged. Perhaps one of the above self-cleaning tips will do the job
for you, without the need of expensive mattress restoration or
purchasing a new mattress.
If any part of my answer is unclear, or I have duplicated information
you already have, please request an Answer Clarification. This will
allow me to assist you further, if possible.
Regards,
crabcakes-ga
Search Terms
Restoring water damaged mattress
Wet mattress
Mattress cleaners |
Clarification of Answer by
crabcakes-ga
on
15 Jan 2004 13:57 PST
Hi again, atinytree,
That was a fast Answer Clarification! Thank You.
Hmmm.....I'm not sure what else you could ask after you inspect the
mattress. If the mattress is just superficailly damp, one of the
cleaning techniques in the answer ought to work. If it is very wet,
one of the comemrcial mattress cleaners should work. If, after getting
the mattress professionally cleaned, it still smells musty, then the
mattress should be discarded. Covering the mattress with a vinyl cover
and/or sheeting might make the mattress useable short term.
I really can't think of any thing else to ask about this topic.
However, if you find something else you'd like to ask after you
inspect the mattress closer (or any other topic as well!), just post
the question, as you did this one. To ensure that you get the best
answer possible, include as many details as you can, describing what
you'd like to know! You did a great job asking this question! Your
subject "What to do about a Damp Mattress" was right on! Your
descriptions were perfect! Your wording enabled me to understand
easily your question.
You may pick up some tips for future questions by reading this page,
outling how to ask good questions on Google Answers.
http://answers.google.com/answers/help.html#B
Good Luck!
crabcakes-ga
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