When your home suffers from water damage, you have many decisions to make and often at the forefront of these are what items you can save. One large item you may be considering trying to rescue is your mattress. A mattress is a big expense, so naturally, you want to save it, but with water damage inevitably comes the risk of harmful mold, so it is important to ensure it is safe to keep. Fortunately, in some cases, a mattress may be able to be rescued, and here we will take a closer look at how and when you can save a water-damaged mattress.
Work Fast
Once water damage has occurred, it is important to work fast to reduce the chances that you will have to dispose of your mattress. The longer that the item has been soaked, the lower the chances are that it will be recoverable. Start by checking how wet the mattress is. If the mattress was completely flooded or it was left wet for 48 hours or longer, it is likely not recoverable. If it is not completely soaked or less time has passed, it may be recoverable.
It is also important to consider the material of the mattress as well. A spring mattress covered in cloth will have airflow that allows it to dry out quicker. In contrast, a foam or rubber mattress will retain water inside the mattress leading to mold that cannot be cleaned. With these materials, it’s more likely that the mattress will be unrecoverable.
Dry the Mattress
Once you have judged that the mattress is recoverable, it is important to get it dry as fast as possible. The best way to start drying it out is to use a wet-dry vacuum to begin suctioning the excess water out. Then cover the surface with baking soda and gently work it in with a sponge to absorb moisture and foul odors. After a few hours, vacuum the mattress to remove the baking soda. If the mattress is still wet, reapply baking soda and repeat the process as many times as necessary.
Clean the Mattress
Now that the mattress is at least mostly dry, it is time to clean it. Create a cleaning mixture of one part 90% isopropyl alcohol and one part water in a spray bottle. Apply this to the mattress lightly and wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Continue Drying
Now that you have done the best you can to clean and dry your mattress, it is time to let any remaining moisture evaporate. A good way to do this is to stand it up against a wall in the sunlight to help it evaporate.
Give It a Smell
Now that your mattress has dried out, it is best to give it a smell. If you can detect any damp or musty odors, chances are that your mattress has already developed mold that cannot be cleaned because it is deep inside the mattress. If it smells clean, however, chances are that your mattress has been saved.
Final Thoughts
By following the above steps, you may be able to save your mattress even if it has suffered from a flood. However, if your mattress is completely soaked, has been wet for 48 hours or longer, or you notice any mold growth, don’t take chances with your health and just throw it out. Also, remember that in many cases, water remediation professionals may be able to save a mattress that is far past the point of no return for a homeowner.
Contact Us
For professional water remediation services, contact Restore Pro. Our cleaning technicians have more than twenty years of experience helping homeowners to restore their property from water and mold damage. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.