How to Kill Mildew on a Sleep Number Mattress

Written By
Chris Anzalone
Chris Anzalone
Published: Sep 19, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Remove the mattress cover from your Sleep Number mattress. If the mattress cover is contaminated with mildew, clean it in the same manner you clean the mattress itself. The Sleep Number company does not advise machine-washing its mattress covers.

Step 2

Move the Sleep Number mattress outdoors to dry. If you lack the necessary sunlight to dry the mattress thoroughly, accelerate the drying process using a heating device or a couple of high-powered fans to draw moisture away. Do not proceed until your Sleep Number mattress is completely dry.

Step 3

Vacuum your Sleep Number mattress to remove the dry mold spores. If you do not draw out the spores themselves, the mildew can begin to regenerate at the first sign of new moisture. Use the hose extension to reach the thin crevices of your Sleep Number mattress.

Advertisement

Step 4

Place a few drops of liquid detergent into a bucket of water and apply the soapy water to a sponge. Scrub the surface of your Sleep Number mattress with the sponge, wherever mildew appears. The Sleep Number company does not recommend using any solvents other than detergent for spot cleaning, but liquid detergent can prove highly useful against mildew, because liquid detergents contain disinfecting agents such as phosphoric acid.

Step 5

Dry your Sleep Number mattress and return it to its original location indoors. Place the mattress cover over the mattress. Keep the mattress dry to prevent new mildew from forming.

Tips

The Sleep Number company, as well as other manufacturers, sells specialized mattress pads designed to protect against allergens. Pads such as these can offer even greater protection that the mattress's own mildew-resistant fibers.

Chris Anzalone

Chris Anzalone has been writing professionally since 2001. He is a former staff writer and associate editor for Opposing Views, a popular news media website that tackles issues of the day from multiple perspectives. Anzalone holds a…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.