Do Ottoman beds get mouldy? Causes, prevention & tips

Lots of people love Ottoman beds, and it's easy to see why. They're smart beds with storage right under the mattress, which is perfect for stashing things like extra blankets or clothes.
But a common question people have is, ‘Do these beds get mouldy?’ It's a valid point. 

An ottoman bed creates a closed-off area with limited air circulation. And as we all know, a dark, enclosed space with poor airflow can sometimes lead to moisture problems.

Let’s talk about why mould might grow in your Ottoman bed, offer easy ways to stop it, and give you valuable tips to keep your bed fresh and free from mould.

Why Moisture Becomes a Problem?

When you create any enclosed space, you're also creating the perfect conditions for moisture to build up. Ottoman beds have three things that moisture loves:

1. Limited airflow - Unlike regular beds where air can flow freely underneath, Ottoman beds have walls all around the storage area. Air gets trapped inside and doesn't move around much.
2. Darkness - The storage compartment stays dark most of the time since it's covered by your mattress. Moisture thrives in dark places.
3. Warmth - Your body heat from sleeping above warms up the storage area, and warm air holds more moisture than cool air.

Do Ottoman Beds Get Mouldy?

Yes, Ottoman beds can get mouldy, but it's not something that happens to every Ottoman bed owner. It depends on how you use and care for your bed.

Any enclosed space in your home can develop mould problems if the conditions are right. Your wardrobe may get mouldy if you store damp clothes in it. So, ottoman beds are no different.

Main Causes of Mould in Ottoman Beds

To stop mould from growing in your Ottoman bed, you first need to know why it appears. Here are the main reasons mould problems start:

• Poor Airflow Inside: The storage space often fails to allow air to circulate effectively. This means moisture becomes trapped inside with nowhere to escape.
• Storing Damp Items: If you put anything even slightly wet, such as damp clothes or towels, into storage, it's an open invitation for mould.
• Humid Room: If your bedroom itself is moist, that extra moisture in the air will eventually seep into the bed's storage.
• Poor Room Ventilation: A bedroom that doesn't get much fresh air—maybe windows are always closed or there's no good vent system—creates a damp environment perfect for mould.
  
• Cheap Bed Quality: Some Ottoman beds are made cheaply and don't seal well or have proper vents. Their materials might not 'breathe,' making them more prone to moisture issues.
• Weather Changes: Both winter heating (which causes condensation) and summer humidity add extra moisture to the air, which can then build up in your storage.
• Storing Natural Fabrics: Items like cotton clothes or wool blankets are like food for mould if moisture is present.
• Infrequent Checks: If you rarely open or clean out your storage space, minor moisture problems can easily turn into big mould issues before you notice.
• Body Heat and Moisture: Your body naturally releases heat and moisture while you sleep, which creates a warm, slightly humid area right above the storage compartment.

Signs Your Ottoman Bed Might Have Mould Issues

Finding mould early is suitable for both your health and your stuff. Here's how to tell if mould might be growing in your bed:

• It smells weird: The most common sign is a damp, stale, or musty smell when you open it. This means moisture has been stuck inside for too long.
• You see mould: Look for small fuzzy spots (black, green, or white) on the inside walls or your stored belongings.
• It feels damp: When you touch the inside of the storage area, it might feel wet or clammy instead of dry.
• Your belongings feel damp: Even if you put items away dry, they may now feel slightly wet or sticky to the touch.
• Items have strange stains: You might notice unusual white or coloured stains or discolouration on your stored things.
• Clothes still smell bad after washing: If clothes or bedding come out of storage smelling musty, even after a proper wash, that's a sign.
• You see water: There might be small drops of water on the inside walls or even a puddle at the bottom.
• Your allergies worsen: If you're sneezing more, have watery eyes, or feel congested, especially in your bedroom, trapped mould could be the cause.
  

Prevention Strategies

The best way to deal with mould in Ottoman beds is to stop it from growing in the first place. Here are some ways to keep your Ottoman bed storage mould-free:

1. Only store dry items: Make sure everything you put inside is completely dry. Even a little dampness can cause mould.
   
2. Use moisture absorbers: Pop in some silica gel packets, charcoal bags, or other moisture-absorbing products to soak up extra dampness.
3. Air it out often: Lift your mattress and open up the storage area once a week to let fresh air in and stop stale, moist air from collecting.
4. Pick a dry spot for your bed: Try not to place your ottoman bed near bathrooms or kitchens, as these areas tend to be more humid.
   
5. Get a dehumidifier: If you live in a humid area, a small dehumidifier in your room can help reduce overall moisture levels.
6. Boost room ventilation: Regularly open your windows, use ceiling fans, or consider an exhaust fan to keep the air moving and prevent humidity buildup.

You may also like to read: Are ottoman beds easy to lift? Expert Guide

Summing Up

Ottoman beds are great for saving space and keeping your bedroom neat. However, they need a little extra attention compared to regular beds. Just make sure you only store dry things in your Ottoman bed, check the storage area often, and keep the moisture in your room low. If you follow these tricks, you can enjoy all the benefits of your Ottoman bed without any issues.