Like many others, we pride ourselves on cleaning and tidying up after ourselves. We never gave much thought to the possibility of mold growing in our home.
So we were shocked when we discovered mold under our RV mattress. We had heard of others experiencing this in their RV, but we never thought it would happen to us.
Today we share how we fought the mold under our RV mattress. This article is for you if you are in a similar struggle. Let’s get started!
Is mold common in mobile homes?
Mold in mobile homes is unfortunately common. Lack of ventilation and maintenance are some of the main causes. Moisture buildup in enclosed spaces can promote mold growth.
RVs are especially susceptible to this when they are in damp or humid environments. Regular cleaning, ventilating and monitoring humidity levels can help prevent mold growth in a mobile home.
What causes mold under an RV mattress?
Mold under an RV mattress is usually caused by inadequate ventilation, excessive moisture and lack of air circulation.
Manufacturers often place mattresses directly on a solid base, such as a sheet of plywood. This prevents air from getting under the bed. Condensation can form between the two surfaces, leading to mold growth.
Many campers use a breathable mattress, cut holes in the plywood or install wooden slats to improve air circulation. You should regularly inspect and clean the area under the bed to identify any problems as soon as possible.
Can mold ruin an RV mattress?
If you catch mold early, you can save a mattress. However, mold can spread quickly and ruin your RV mattress. In some cases, it is possible to clean and disinfect a moldy mattress, but it is usually not easy.
We knew we would not sleep peacefully on our old bed. So we took our mattress to the local landfill to dispose of it. We replaced it with a more comfortable option and took the necessary precautions to ensure that this would never happen again.
Many people spend nearly a third of their day on their mattress. Mold can have serious health consequences and is nothing to mess with. If you discover or suspect mold under your bed, you should act immediately.
Is mattress mold toxic?
Mold on a mattress can potentially be toxic. However, this depends on the type of mold and the sensitivity of the individual.
Some molds can produce mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that can cause various health problems, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
If you suspect that mold has grown under your mattress, you should take immediate action. Remove the affected bedding and thoroughly clean the bed and surrounding area. Contact a physician if you notice any health changes in yourself or others who are in your mobile home.
What to do if you find mold in your mobile home
If you discover mold in your RV, especially under your mattress, you can’t ignore it. You need to take action to prevent the situation from escalating. Let’s take a look at what you should do in this situation.
Remove the mattress
First remove the mattress. Remove it from the vehicle as soon as possible. Find a place where the mattress can air out. This may mean placing it in the bed of your truck or on the side of your RV.
If you want to try to salvage the mattress, keep it dry and clean. Place a tarp under it or lift it off the ground with two objects. A good first step is to let as much air as possible get to the mattress.
Spray with vinegar
The next step is to spray the entire infested area with vinegar. Vinegar is cheap and highly effective at killing and preventing mold. Be generous when spraying the various surfaces, including the mattress itself.
Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour before rinsing the surface. Use clean water and a sponge to wipe down the surface. Avoid oversaturating the fabric or the mold may penetrate deeper into the fabric.
Some people use a bleach mixture instead of vinegar. However, we are not a fan of this method as we don’t like the harsh smell it often leaves. Vinegar does a good job, and we usually always have some on hand.
Don’t forget: Stop tossing and turning on uncomfortable mattresses with The Best Reviewer Approved RV Mattress Toppers!
Spray with mold control
After cleaning the area, spray the entire area with Mold Control. This product will eliminate the odors and prevent mold from forming again under your RV mattress.
We love that it doesn’t contain bleach or harsh chemicals and is suitable for almost all surfaces.
Spray the infested area and let the mold fighter air dry. No need to wipe, scrub or clean. Because of its ease of use, we think this is a product you should always have on hand, just in case.
Ensure air circulation before putting back the mattress
If you don’t improve air circulation, you’ll have the same struggle in the future. Many campers cut holes in the plywood or use wooden slats and pool noodles to improve air circulation under the mattress.
However, the simplest and most effective solution for us is to use Hypervent Aire-Flow.
This breathable mattress topper can prevent moisture from accumulating under your bed.
It comes in rolls 39 inches wide and 50 feet long. Just be sure to measure enough to cover all the beds in your facility.
If there is too much mold, throw the mattress away
Unfortunately, we had no choice but to throw away our mattress. If you don’t notice it in time, you will probably have the same experience.
It’s not worth the risk to sleep with a moldy mattress. The cost of replacing the mattress may not be ideal, but the potential negative health consequences are worse. When in doubt, replace the mattress.
Remember: If you are looking to do some research on the many RV mattress sizes and what makes them different, this is the only RV mattress sizes guide you need!
Tips to prevent mold under your RV mattress.
The best way to avoid throwing your RV mattress in the trash is to prevent mold from growing in the first place. Here are a few tips that can help you prevent mold under your RV mattress.
Paint the wood under your mattress with mold-resistant paint
One of the best ways to prevent mold is to paint a surface with mold-resistant paint. This will create a surface where mold is unlikely to grow. Fortunately, this is an easy painting project to complete.
Since most people won’t be looking under your mattress, you won’t have to worry about taping off areas for a perfect border.
However, be careful not to work too sloppily so that you don’t get paint on the carpet or other surfaces. Apply several coats and allow enough time for drying between each pass.
Increase air circulation
Lack of air circulation is one of the main reasons mold thrives under mattresses. Using a product like Hypervent Aire-Flow will increase air circulation and virtually eliminate the risk of mold growth. This is a good option if you are looking for a quick and easy solution.
If your mattress is on a plywood board, several circular holes can be drilled to solve the problem. This will allow air to flow freely under the bed and through the mattress. Spread out the holes and do not put so many that you weaken the platform.
Use a mattress protector
A mattress protector can be another layer in your protection plan. We use this cover from Mattress Insider for the bed in our RV. We love it because it encases the entire mattress, not just the top.
It is very durable and protects against stains, dust mites and bed bugs. Whether we’re adventuring or our RV is in storage, we know our mattress is protected.
Invest in a good dehumidifier
You need to create an environment that prevents the growth of mold and other bacteria under your RV mattress. These pesky growths thrive in moist environments.
If you eliminate moisture in the air, they are less likely to grow.
We recommend investing in a high quality dehumidifier. This is one of those products where you get what you pay for. There are some inexpensive dehumidifiers that are very good at removing moisture from the environment.
However, don’t expect this to work in a large facility. Unless you are buying a whole house unit, you will need one for each room in your RV.
How often you need to drain these units depends on how much moisture is in the air. Many have an automatic shut-off feature when the reservoir is full. Keep them empty so they can do their job.
Regular control of the rooms
If you want to have a mold-free mobile home, you can’t be careless. Regularly check the spaces under mattresses, behind drawers and in cabinets.
As soon as you are careless or fail to make the checks, mold will attack. You and your mobile home can be infested in no time.
Sleep peacefully without mold under your RV mattress
Good protection against mold under your RV mattress requires several layers of defense. However, if you incorporate some of the tips we’ve mentioned into your plan, you have a good chance of success.
Living with mold in your RV can be dangerous and cause serious problems. That’s why we recommend taking action before mold appears and knowing what to do if you discover signs of mold growth.
Have you looked under your mattress lately?