Summary:
If something spills on your mattress, thereโs no need to worry. It happens. Spills are common, but the actual challenge is to get them out before they get into the deeper layers of your mattress. Now, this is something we all face, and still, a lot of people do not know the expert ways of how to dry a mattress quickly. So, read till the end because we are about to fix that.
A cup of tea falls, a child spills something, or a ceiling drip trickles down. All of a sudden, you start questioning yourself, how to rapidly dry your mattress before it begins to smell or develop mould.
The good news? Itโs actually doable. If something spills on your mattress, you can easily dry it at home using a few simple household items. Letโs go through this amazing guide with simple and useful ideas to save your mattress from damage.
Quick Wins Before You Start
- Act immediately. If you try to dry it quickly, it wonโt get damaged much.
- Don't use direct heat. Direct heat can damage the fabric or foam.
- Focus on airflow. Good airflow will help it dry faster.
- Handle it in layers. Surface first, then the inner foam or springs.
- Donโt forget the smell. Moisture trapped inside can create odours; deal with it early.
Steps For How To Dry A Mattress Quickly
1. Blot Out The Water First
Whether it is a memory foam or orthoapedic mattress, we need to take some quick action now.
- Take off the sheets and covers.
- Get to the wet part of the mattress.
- Now grab a dry towel and press it gently on the wet area.
- Donโt rub it, as it will spread the water and push it deeper inside.
- In case of access to water, press the towel against the wet area.
Tip: If you sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the wet spot. It will assist in eliminating surplus moisture.
2. Use Baking Soda To Absorb Moisture:
Apply a thick layer of baking soda to the surface of the mattress damp area once it feels just a little bit wet. If possible, leave it overnight or for 6 to 8 hours.
Baking soda is amazing for eliminating any unpleasant odours and absorbing moisture.
Next, ensure that the whole of the powder has been dislodged by using a hoover attachment that is fitted with either a brush or upholstery attachment.
3. Improve Airflow
If you have a standing fan or dehumidifier, place it near the mattress and run it, keeping on rotating its sides to dry it thoroughly. Dehumidifiers are helpful in humid weather. It removes all the moisture and growth of mould.
4. Let Sunlight Do The Work
Want to know how to dry a mattress? The best way is to place it near the sunlight. Now this is the kind of trick that is not just for drying but also helps in:
- Disinfection
- Removes odour
- Kills bacteriaย
- Restoring memory foam shape
Here are some precautions that you should take when choosing sunlight for drying:
- Limit exposure
- Ensure airflow
- Avoid evening sun
- Consider your mattress type
5. Use A Vacuum For Deep Moisture
If the liquid was too much and you know that it could have gone deeper into the mattress, then use a vacuum. It will help in absorbing most of the moisture, but you still need to put it under a fan or in sunlight. A lot of people have now purchased a small vacuum attachment that is like a nozzle that actually cleans stains and moisture right out of a mattress, which is pretty helpful in case of tea or coffee stains that wonโt come out.
Run it slowly over the wet spots, overlapping each pass so you donโt miss any section. Youโll see the water being pulled out instantly. Once done, continue drying with fans or sunlight until the mattress feels completely dry.
6. Check For Odours And Treat Them Early
An unpleasant smell can come from this type of moisture retention in the mattress. Here is how you can treat it:
- Add a few essential oil drops to baking soda.
- Applying this to the area will disinfect and make your mattress smell fresh. Take a water or vinegar mixed solution (equal amounts) and spray it on the affected part of the mattress. Leave it open to air dry. This will kill all germs and even smell eventually.
- Air your mattress now.
- A lot of people use perfumes on the mattress, and we highly forbid that. They will just mask the smell and not treat it properly.
Check If Itโs Dry
As we have discussed above, we really need to make sure that the mattress is completely dried. You might have checked it with your hand or by rubbing a towel on it to check. It might be dry on the surface above, but you canโt be sure about the deeper layers. For that, we always advise at least letting the mattress be under a fan or in sunlight for a few hours.ย
If you sleep on a wet mattress, it will create and increase the odour. Also, bacteria or mould will be created due to the presence of moisture.
How To Dry A Wet Mattress - When You're in a Rush
These shortcuts might work:
- Vacuum the wet area.
- Spread baking soda on the wet area for 30โ60 minutes.
- Dry it with a fan.
- Use the dehumidifier in the room.
These will allow you to dry your mattress in a few hours. But again, it really depends on the spill.
How To Dry A Mattress Fast - Tips For Different Mattress Types
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are definitely the type of mattress that is majorly foam, and thatโs what makes spills a big threat. The foam absorbs moisture faster and takes longer to dry. We highly recommend people use a mattress protector because they are definitely a game-changer.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses dry quicker because air can move through the coils. Sunlight and fans work great for these types of mattresses.
Hybrid or Latex Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses also have foam layers, so treat them the same way as memory foam mattresses. Your best and effective method is to choose:
- Stick to fans
- Ensure proper airflow
- Keep your mattress in sunlight
How To Avoid Future Spills
- Go for a waterproof mattress protector
- Don't eat in bed
- Avoid pets in your bed
- Air your mattress
Final Thoughts
We have shared some amazing tips with you above on how to dry a mattress quickly at home. The trick is to be quick, employ common household materials, and provide sufficient space for airing.
More than convenience, a dry mattress also encourages freshness, cleanliness, and quality sleep. Therefore, don't panic the next time there is a spill. You have all of our expert tips and ways to help you out.
FAQs
How long does it take to dry a mattress?
A small spill might dry in 6โ8 hours. But if you have spilt a lot, then you really need to give the drying method more time. Air your mattress for at least 24-48 hours.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry a mattress?
Once you use a microfiber towel, yes. But for larger spills, a hair dryer wonโt be an effective method. We do not recommend using it for a long time because of the constant heat.
Will sunlight damage my mattress?
Not if used for a few hours. Sunlight is actually one of the best ways to dry your mattress.
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