The short answer
Start Drying Right Away
Time is the enemy when a mattress gets wet. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions, so the faster you remove moisture, the better your chance of saving the mattress. Begin by stripping off all sheets, mattress pads, and protectors, and launder or dry them separately.
Move the mattress to a room with good airflow, or outdoors on a dry, sunny day if the weather allows. A humid coastal climate can slow natural drying, so indoor fans and a dehumidifier are often more reliable. Blot the wet areas with clean, dry towels, pressing down to absorb as much water as possible. Avoid rubbing, which can push water deeper into the foam or padding.
Use Fans and Dehumidifiers
Air movement is key to drying a mattress evenly. Place box fans or pedestal fans on opposite sides of the mattress to create a cross breeze. If the mattress is on a box spring or platform, prop it up on blocks or chairs so air can circulate underneath as well. Aim the fans at the wettest spots and leave them running for several hours.
A dehumidifier in the same room pulls moisture from the air, which speeds evaporation from the mattress. Empty the dehumidifier's reservoir regularly, as it will fill quickly. For good results, keep the room's windows closed and doors shut to create a controlled drying environment. If the mattress is only slightly damp, a few hours of fan drying may be enough, but a soaked mattress needs more time.
- Use two fans for cross-ventilation
- Prop the mattress on blocks or chairs
- Run a dehumidifier in the same room
- Rotate the mattress every few hours
- Check the underside and edges for dampness
Flip and Rotate the Mattress
Water often settles in the lower layers of a mattress, so flipping it is essential. If the mattress is double-sided, turn it over completely. If it's a one-sided pillow-top model, rotate it 180 degrees and tilt it on its edge to expose the bottom to air. This prevents moisture from being trapped against the box spring.
Repeat the flipping and rotating every few hours while drying. This also helps prevent the inner foam or coils from staying wet, which is where mold can take hold unnoticed. If you notice a musty smell developing, that's a warning sign that moisture is still trapped. Keep drying until the mattress feels completely dry to the touch, including the seams and corners.
When to Call in the Pros
If the mattress remains damp after a full day of fan and dehumidifier use, or if the water came from sewage, floodwater, or a contaminated source, it may be beyond home drying. In those cases, a professional water damage service can use industrial dehumidifiers and moisture meters to dry the mattress thoroughly. They can also assess whether the mattress is worth saving or should be replaced.
Local water damage pros often handle structural drying and dehumidification for large items like mattresses, especially after flooding or pipe leaks. You can search for services that specialize in structural drying. However, the decision to replace a mattress is yours, and sometimes it's safer for your health to buy a new one rather than risk hidden mold.
- Professional drying may be needed for soaked mattresses
- Contaminated water usually means replacement
- Mold can hide deep inside the mattress
- Consider replacement if a musty odor persists
Prevent Mold After Drying
Once the mattress is dry, take steps to keep it that way. Use a waterproof mattress protector to guard against future spills and accidents. Vacuum the mattress surface to remove dust and debris, and sprinkle baking soda over it, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum again to absorb any lingering odors.
Keep the bedroom well-ventilated, especially in humid months. Coastal nor'easters can bring damp air, so running a dehumidifier occasionally can help. If you notice any signs of mold, such as black spots or a musty smell, stop using the mattress and consider replacing it. Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, so it's not worth the risk.
Talk to someone now
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Call Now (617) 404-2753Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a wet mattress?
Drying time depends on how wet the mattress is and the airflow. A slightly damp mattress might dry in a few hours with fans, but a soaked one can take a full day or more. If it stays damp after 24 hours, consider professional drying.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry a mattress?
A hair dryer can help on small spots, but it's not effective for large areas. The heat can also damage the fabric or foam if held too close. Better to use fans and a dehumidifier for even drying.
Should I throw away a mattress that was in a flood?
If the water was from a flood, sewage backup, or contained chemicals, it's safest to replace the mattress. These waters carry contaminants that can't be fully removed by drying. Even if it dries, hidden mold and bacteria can pose health risks.