How to Recondition Mattresses

Try to recondition a mattress at home to salvage it after water damage.

Flooding can severely damage a mattress, leaving it ridden with mold. Extreme water damage may leave a mattress beyond repair, leaving the owner with no choice but to discard it and purchase a new mattress. However, if the mattress has undergone only slight water damage and is treated within 24 hours, it may be possible to recondition the mattress at home using simple materials. You may want to attempt reconditioning a damaged mattress at home before deciding to buy a replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean cloth
• Water
• Bucket
• Fans

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Instructions

1. Leave the mattress outdoors in full sunlight to dry.

2. Clean off any surface damage, such as dirt or grime, using rags to brush off both sides of the mattress. Do not grind the dirt into the mattress, but use a light touch to brush away the dirt.

3. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a bucket. Dip a clean cloth into the solution. Wipe down the entire surface of the mattress, dipping the cloth in the solution as necessary.

4. Place the mattress in a sunlit room with open windows. Place fans around the mattress to speed up the drying time. Flip the mattress when the top feels dry to the touch.

Tips & Warnings

• If, after reconditioning, the mattress smells moldy, discard and replace with a new mattress.

References

• RestorationsSOS: Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Mattresses