Elevate Your Mattress to Prevent Mold Growth

When it comes to furniture and house fixtures, you can probably do without a lot of things. From bedside tables to cozy love seats, most furniture falls into the "want, not need" designation, if we're being completely honest. However, you can make a compelling argument that a good mattress that supports quality sleep is a need, which is why many people budget for one.

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But what if you blow your budget on the mattress and can't spring for a box spring? What if the bed frame you want is out of the picture, money-wise? Can you put a mattress on the floor and call it a day (literally)?

Is It Bad to Put a Mattress on the Floor?

Mattresses and other bedding are typically designed to be used on a frame. Frames allow air to circulate around the mattress and other components of the bed, reducing the potential for moisture buildup.

In some cases, you might also want to avoid putting a mattress on the floor for accessibility and functional reasons. It can be more difficult to get up from a mattress that low, leading to safety issues or struggles to get out of bed each morning.

Does Having a Mattress on the Floor Cause Mold?

Yes, putting your mattress directly on the floor can lead to mold issues. Without the airflow supported by a bed frame, moisture can be trapped in and under the mattress. Sweat, body oils and humidity in the air can build up over time, getting trapped in the mattress. This can lead to mold on the mattress, mildew on the mattress and growth on the floor under and around the mattress.

One way to mitigate this issue when your only option is sleeping on the mattress on the floor is to ensure you air out the mattress regularly. Pick up the mattress and prop it against a wall to allow air to circulate all around it. If you can do this every day after you get out of bed, you can substantially reduce the risks of mold and mildew buildup. You might also invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area; these devices help you reduce the overall moisture in a room, which can reduce risks associated with mold.

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What Can You Put Under a Mattress on the Floor to Prevent Mold?

While a bed frame that lifts your mattress off the floor is best, you can also put any type of breathable barrier between the mattress and the floor. That includes a thick, high-quality piece of cardboard, but you may want to replace the cardboard periodically to ensure moisture doesn't get trapped inside it. Moist cardboard is a favorable environment for all types of growth.

Cheap Alternatives to a Bed Frame

You can raise your mattress off the floor without breaking the bank on an expensive bed frame. Here are a few budget-friendly options to consider:

• Metal bed frame and platform. You can get an affordable metal bed frame and pair it with a platform or even a piece of plywood. Your mattress rests on top of the platform.

• Wooden crates. Recycle materials that work as a raised bed platform, such as wooden crates or wooden pallets.

• Build your own bed platform. You can build a quick platform with cinder blocks and scrap lumber.

If budget is your concern and you don't care for these DIY options, reduce the chances of mold growing under a mattress on your floor by buying a bed frame from a thrift store.