How to Dry a Mattress
Gemma HenryNobody plans to get their mattress soaked, but accidents happen. Perhaps the window was open during a surprise downpour? Maybe your little one had a midnight accident? Or possibly your pet decided the bed was a better option than outside?
Whatever happened that resulted in your mattress being wet in the first place, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to dry your mattress before it turns into a soggy unsalvageable disaster.
Step 1: Soak up what you can
If your mattress is wet, the first thing you should do is grab some towels and blot (don’t rub) the wet area. Try to absorb as much of the moisture as possible and swap damp towels for fresh ones when they become damp.
Step 2: Use a wet & dry hoover
If you’re lucky enough to have ones of those wet/dry vacuum cleaners, now’s it’s time to shine. Use the wet and dry vacuums upholstery attachment and use it to help suck out the moisture that has made its way deep inside the mattress.
If you don’t have one, don’t panic. Simply move on to the next step instead.
Note: Some mattresses aren’t suitable for vacuum cleaners of any description due to the suction’s ability to displace mattress fillings. Always double check your manufacturer’s mattress care label to make sure it’s safe to use a wet and dry hoover before doing so.
Step 3: Air it out
Prop your mattress up in a well-ventilated room or, better still, outside if it’s not raining (this is the UK, after all). Position a fan or two so that they’re facing your mattress and switch it/them on. And for those of you with a dehumidifier, switch that on too. The more airflow around your wet mattress, the better.
Step 4: Sunshine = magic
If the sun does make a rare appearance, pop the damp mattress outside. UV rays help dry things off much faster and also help to kill off any bacteria and/or mould within the mattress too (1). Win-win. Just don’t to bring your mattress in before night falls or condensation will undo all your hard work.
Step 5: Baking soda boost
Once your mattress is mostly dry, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the wet area. Leave it for several hours (or overnight), then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps to soak up any leftover moisture and helps neutralise any odours from the accident at the same time.
Step 6: Smell, touch, repeat
Give the previously wet mattress a thorough assessment. Does it still feel or smell damp? If the answer to either point is yes, repeat these six steps again. Don’t rush —sleeping on a damp mattress is one sure way to encourage the growth of mould and bacteria on your mattress.
When you cannot smell or feel any damp, you have successfully dried out your mattress!
When to give your wet mattress up as a lost cause
If your mattress is really soaking wet (think: fully drenched or still smelly after drying), it could be time for a mattress upgrade. A damp mattress can quickly become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria — and that’s not something you want to sleep on.
If that’s the case for you, you know where to find us. We happen to know a thing or two about comfy, fresh, moisture-free mattresses.
How to dry a mattress FAQs
Before you dash off to save your soggy mattress, let’s address some FAQs that could prove helpful as you attempt to dry it out.
How long does it take to dry a mattress?
It depends on how wet the mattress is and what tools you’ve got to work with. Light moisture can dry in a few hours with good airflow. Heavier spills or soakings can take 24–48 hours (sometimes longer) to fully dry out.
Can I use a hairdryer to speed it up?
You can use a hairdryer to speed up the mattress drying process — but keep it on a cool or low setting. High temperatures can damage the outer fabric of the mattress or its inner materials.
What if my mattress smells after drying?
If your mattress smells once you’ve successfully dried it out, sprinkle it with baking soda, leave it for a few hours, and then hoover it up. If your mattress still smells after repeating this process, it could be mould. A mouldy mattress means it’s time for a replacement.
Is it safe to sleep on a mattress that was wet?
Yes, but only if it’s 100% dry and odour-free. Sleeping on a damp mattress can lead to mould, allergens, and even skin irritation.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
Mattress protectors are a must. Waterproof mattress protectors are ideal for household with kids, pets, or anyone with a habit of knocking over cups of tea and coffee.
Want help choosing a new mattress following a too-wet-to-salvage catastrophe? We’ve got plenty of options. Explore them here, check out our bed and mattress buying guide for help identifying your specific mattress needs, or pop into your local Bensons for Beds store and have a chat with one of our friendly, in-store sleep experts.
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Gemma Henry - Content Lead
Gemma finds sleep fascinating and describes the discovery aspect of her role as eye-opening. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough research ensures that Bensons customers get the informative sleep-based advice they're looking for.