First, you should look out for visible signs of mould. One common sign is discoloration. Casper, a company that sells mattresses, said that if a mattress is growing mould, the material will likely turn different colours. Be on the lookout for dark spots or blotches, and if you touch one that feels fuzzy or slimy, wash your hands well before touching anything else.
Another sign is if the surfaces around your room are looking warped. Mould starting from your mattress can spread to the other areas of your room, cause paint to bubble or peel off your walls or furniture.
Mould also has a distinct smell. Its odour is described as musty by Casper. The smell is similar to that after it rains.
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The reason mould can grow there is humidity. If the room has too much humidity or improper ventilation, mould can grow. This is especially true if the warm air causes you to sweat during the night, leaving the bed wet. Or spilling liquids on your bed can causes issues as well.
Protect your mattress from mould by sleeping with a dehumidifier or buying a waterproof mattress cover. Having a bed frame with slats to let the air ventilate through is also a bonus.
However if mould has already grown, there’s a few methods to remove it before buying a completely new mattress. Casper said scrubbing the spot with a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol can do the trick.