BEAT IT FOR £0
With stuff already in your cupboard
Hoover, bicarb, wait
Vacuum the mattress, sprinkle bicarb all over, leave it a few hours (a sunny day is a bonus), then vacuum it off.
Does it work? Good. Airing does most of the work.
Tap another number to meet that monster.
AIR IT
Bedroom · monster 3 of 5
How to freshen a musty mattress
Meet Musty Morris. Smells a bit… lived in.
Scare-o-meter1/5
Mattresses soak up sweat over time. Airing fixes most mustiness.
FIRST MOVE
Strip the bed and open the window.
BIG GUNS
If the free fix gives up
Waterproof mattress protector
Stops it happening again. Washes easily.
Myth or not? · Sort of
“Flip your mattress every month”
Only if it’s two-sided. One-sided mattresses shouldn’t be flipped: turn them head-to-foot every three months instead.
OOPS. DON’T…
- Soaking it with water.
- Putting sheets back on damp.
CALL A PRO IF…
There’s visible mould or damp. That needs a pro, or a new mattress.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
More monsters in the bedroom
WASH DAYBedroomYellow stains on pillowsMeet Yellow YolandaYour pillow has a tan. It didn’t go on holiday.Free fix: Bio powder + warm washEASY WINBedroomBiro on the duvet coverMeet Inky IanSomeone was doing homework in bed.Free fix: Rubbing alcohol dab5-MIN JOBBedroomDusty skirting boardsMeet Dusty DoreenA whole dust bunny village down there.Free fix: Damp microfibre clothAIR ITBedroomMusty wardrobeMeet Whiffy WilfYour clothes smell like a charity shop. Without the bargains.Free fix: Empty, wipe, air