How to Speed up Mattress off Gassing
Do you ever walk into your bedroom only to be met by a potent chemical smell? That’s the smell of off-gassing, and it’s coming from your mattress. Off-gassing is caused by VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) being released as the mattress breaks in, and while that new chemical smell isn’t harmful when it lingers, strong odors can actually trigger allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce off-gassing, like exposing the mattress to fresh air before use, regularly airing out the room where it’s placed, investing in a mattress protector, or even replacing your old model with an organic one. In this blog post, we’ll provide key information about how to speed up mattress off gassing so you can return to breathing easy – for better sleep!
How Long Does It Take for a Mattress to Stop off-Gassing?
When a mattress is new, it can often release unpleasant odors due to the chemicals used in its production. This phenomenon, known as off-gassing, can be especially strong with memory foam mattresses. The good news is that these odors usually dissipate within a few days of unboxing and airing out the mattress.
However, how quickly a mattress stops off-gassing will depend on several factors: the type and quality of materials used in its construction, the amount of ventilation allowed while airing out the mattress, and even humidity levels in your bedroom. In some cases, it may take up to two weeks for a new mattress to stop off-gassing fully.
For faster results, start by opening the mattress in a well-ventilated room and leave it to air out for up to 72 hours. You can also help speed up the process by placing fans around the mattress, running an ionizer or dehumidifier, or sprinkling baking soda over its surface. Additionally, some mattress manufacturers offer special off-gassing treatments that can significantly reduce odors right away.
8 Effective Methods How to Speed up Mattress off Gassing
1. Airing It Out
One of the best ways to speed up the mattress off-gassing is to simply air it out. Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room and open any windows to help circulate fresh air. If possible, set up a fan to blow directly on the mattress.
Let the mattress air out for at least 24 hours before using it. Doing so will help the mattress off-gas any potential fumes and odors that are associated with it. To ensure the mattress is properly aired out, it’s best to let the mattress sit undisturbed for a few days. If the mattress is placed in a bedroom, it’s best to keep the door closed during this time.
2. Using a Dehumidifier
Another way to speed up the mattress off-gassing is to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the number of chemicals emitted by the mattress. Place the dehumidifier in the same room as the mattress and let it run for at least 24 hours.
This will help draw out the chemicals in the mattress and reduce their concentration. Make sure to empty the dehumidifier regularly, as it collects water, as this will help to increase its efficiency. Additionally, it may be helpful to open a window and/or use an exhaust fan in the room to help draw out the chemicals from the mattress.
3. Using an Air Purifier
An air purifier can also help to speed up the mattress’s off-gassing. Air purifiers work by filtering out pollutants and allergens from the air, which can help to reduce the number of chemicals emitted by the mattress.
Place the air purifier in the same room as the mattress and let it run for at least 24 hours. Make sure to replace the filter regularly for optimal performance. Though air purifiers are more expensive than other methods, they can provide superior results and help to protect your health. Additionally, some air purifiers come with ozone generators that can help to break down odors and gases.
4. Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can help to speed up the mattress’s off-gassing. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the mattress and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.
Repeat this process as necessary until the mattress is no longer emitting strong odors. If the odors persist, try adding a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it on the mattress. The natural scent of the essential oil can help to neutralize the odors.
If you continue to experience odors, consider purchasing an ozone machine. Ozone machines produce ozone particles that can help to break down odor-causing molecules in the air. Be sure to use an ozone machine in a well-ventilated area, as it can be hazardous to breathe in high concentrations of ozone.
5. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is another great way to speed up mattress off-gassing. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as being a powerful deodorizer. Simply spray some white vinegar on the surface of your mattress and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping or blotting it dry with a rag or paper towel.
Do this several times to make sure all the odor is eliminated. You can also add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to the vinegar for added scent and therapeutic benefits. The vinegar should not leave any residue on your mattress, but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Additionally, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress after you spray it with vinegar and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming it off. This will help further neutralize any odor-causing particles.
6. Investing in a Mattress Protector
Investing in a mattress protector is another great way to speed up the mattress’s off-gassing. Mattress protectors can help protect your mattress from dirt, dust, and other allergens that could be released during off-gassing.
Mattress protectors also create a physical barrier between you and the mattress, reducing potential exposure to any emissions or odors released during off-gassing. A good mattress protector should be made of allergen-resistant material and should be easily washable.
When choosing a mattress protector, look for one that is certified to meet the highest standards in terms of quality and safety. This will ensure your mattress is adequately protected while also helping to speed up the off-gassing process.
7. Replacing Your Mattress
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace your old mattress with an organic one. Organic mattresses are made with natural materials that are not exposed to any harsh chemicals or toxins during the manufacturing process. This reduces the amount of off-gassing and can help improve overall air quality in your bedroom.
Make sure to look for organic mattresses certified by an independent third party, such as GOTS or Greenguard Gold, to ensure that you’re getting a quality product. Additionally, look for mattresses with natural fillings like wool or latex that are naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
8. Contacting Your Manufacturer
In some cases, contacting your mattress manufacturer may be the best way to speed up off-gassing. Some manufacturers offer accelerated off-gassing services or have tips on how to speed up the process.
Getting in touch with customer service is essential if you need help making sure your mattress is off-gasses quickly and safely. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, be sure to reach out and ask. That way, you can get the advice of an expert while ensuring your mattress is off-gassing correctly.
Some Common Mistakes When Speeding up Mattress off Gassing
1. Not Using a Mattress Protector
One of the most common mistakes made when attempting to speed up off-gassing is not using a mattress protector. Mattress protectors are vital in keeping your mattress safe and clean, as they act as a barrier between you and the chemicals that may be present inside your mattress. Without them, you can increase the chances of off-gassing occurring much faster, since the chemicals have an easier time getting into contact with you or your bedding.
2. Not Allowing Sufficient Air Flow
Another common mistake made is not allowing sufficient air flow to help with the off-gassing process. It’s important to keep your mattress free of items that can trap heat and humidity, such as blankets or other bedding materials. This helps ensure that fresh air can circulate around the mattress and aid in speeding up the off-gassing process.
3. Not Removing Packaging Immediately
If you have recently purchased a new mattress, it’s important to remove any plastic packaging immediately from it when you bring it home. Leaving this packaging on for too long traps chemicals inside, which increases the chances of quicker off-gassing. It’s best to remove the packaging as soon as you get home, in order to help avoid this issue.
By following these tips and avoiding some of the common mistakes made with mattress off-gassing, you can ensure that the process is done safely and effectively so that you can enjoy your new mattress without any worries. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, speeding up the off-gassing process doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
How Do You Neutralize a Mattress Smell?
If mattress off-gassing is an issue, there are several ways to help reduce or neutralize the odor. One of the most effective methods is to use activated charcoal in the form of a mattress pad or topper. The activated charcoal works by adsorbing odors and toxins from the air, thereby reducing any off-gassing smells.
Another method for decreasing off-gassing odors involves using baking soda as a deodorizer. Baking soda can easily be sprinkled on top of the mattress and left for a few hours before being vacuumed away. The baking soda has natural absorbent properties that will help to draw out some of the chemical compounds causing the smell.
Conclusion
To summarize, there are several methods to speed up the process of mattress off-gassing. These include airing out the mattress for at least 24 hours before sleeping on it, using a dehumidifier if possible, and vacuuming the bedroom frequently.
For those who find these methods ineffective, seeking professional help might be a more effective way of ensuring better indoor air quality. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to speed up mattress off gassing!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
