Cleaning fans share how to remove mould from bed drawers using ‘effective’ natural method

Oct 21, 2023

Cleaning a bed base isn't only hygienic and helps remove any dust and dead skin cells, but it helps prolong its lifespan. To help people get rid of mould here, and prevent it in the long run, the bed experts at MattressNextDay have shared their top tips. Martin Seeley, the CEO at MattressNextDay said, “The dark, warm environment of bed drawers is the perfect place for mould and mildew to grow.

“Once it starts, it can spread quickly and can ruin the belongings that you've safely stored away – clothes and bedding may become unusable and may need throwing out.

“Not only will you have to throw away a lot of your items, but the mould can also leave an unpleasant smell in your room, which is hard to remove.”

However, to help, the expert has shared his eight step guide to removing mould. Households will need goggles, gloves, a mask, a brush, a spray bottle, white vinegar, and a cloth.

To clean divan drawers, it’s best that they’re removed and taken to somewhere well-ventilated, such as outside on a dry day.

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Martin said: “This step is key as cleaning your drawers outside prevents the mould from travelling through your house.”

Mould can impact one’s health if inhaled or ingested, and in a worst-case scenario, it can even cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks for some people. That’s why it’s important to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any spores, as well as goggles and gloves.

To make an “effective cleaning mixture”, the expert recommended combining equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and mist onto the drawers.

Martin explained: “Compared to bleach, vinegar is better at penetrating porous materials like wood which stops it from growing underneath the surface. Plus, it won’t damage or fade the wood.”

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It can safely be used on a range of surfaces such as kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and even certain wall surfaces.

Next, households need to remove as much loose mould as possible from the drawers. Do this by spraying it with water, then brush any discoloured specks with a dry scrub brush or broom.

The expert claimed: “Misting the drawers with water will reduce the amount of mould released into the air. Next, you can spray your homemade cleaning mixture and leave it.”

Spray the homemade cleaning mixture all over the mould, but let the solution dry for a couple of hours, and then wipe it down with a damp cloth, followed by a dry towel.

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If mould is still remaining, Martin recommended using borax, which is a non-toxic alkaline mineral salt cleaner. He said: “Create a mixture of ‘borax paint’, which is a tablespoon of borax and 240ml boiled water.

“Work it into the wood with a soft-bristled brush until the mould is removed. Lightly mist the solution on the drawers to prevent the mould from returning.”

According to the bedding pro, it’s “incredibly important” to air dry the drawers completely before putting them back in the divan bed base. Martin warned: “Putting them back in your bed still damp is a sure way for mould to return – you can dry them in the sunlight for a few days for peace of mind.”

For there to be less chance of the mould returning, households should store fewer items in their drawers so that air can circulate.

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However, households shouldn’t stop there as there are a few ways they can keep their divan drawers fresher for longer, preventing mould and mildew in the long run.

One of which is to use drawer liners or dryer sheets to cover the bottom of drawers. This protects the wood from moisture.

Gel desiccants can be useful in divan bed drawers to soak up moisture. Make sure to read their instructions to know how long they can be left in drawers before they’ll need to dry them out and reuse them.

Once a month, households should also give their drawers a thorough wipe-down. Remove everything and spray them down with a household cleaner that can be used on wood. Just make sure to allow them to dry fully before filling them and putting them away.