This Popular Underbed Storage Habit Is a Leading Cause of Hidden Mattress Mold – Here's What to Do Instead

Utilizing the space under your bed for storage may be one of the best ways to maintain a clean and clutter-free bedroom sanctuary, but this hidden storage solution could also be the cause of flourishing mold and mildew on the underside of your mattress.

Bulky items may also be creating uneven pressure points beneath your mattress, causing irreparable damage and also disturbing your slumber.

Here, professional organizers and storage experts explain how to ensure your underbed storage ideas stay pristine, maintained, sanitized, and – most importantly – mold-free.

This Common Storage Solution Can Cause Mold on Your Mattress

Hidden bedroom storage buys are essential for any bedroom, particularly if you're working with small bedroom layouts. But, warns Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, storing items under your bed could be the root cause of lurking mold and mildew.

'First and foremost, underbed storage causes mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow because it blocks air flow,' she explains. 'Mattresses need air flow underneath them so that moisture doesn’t get trapped.

'They also need air movement to dry out from sweat and humidity. This is especially true for foam mattresses,' and is a particular problem as you struggle to keep a bed cool in summer, as your mattress stays damp, unnoticed, for long periods of time. Importantly, by the time a musty odor appears, mold damage has usually already been done.

Cathy adds that underbed storage can both encourage and make it more difficult to get rid of dust mites and small indoor pests such as opportunistic insects.

'This is because under-bed storage collects dust and traps warmth,' she shares. 'For this reason, it encourages bugs to locate there. This can trigger allergies and stain your mattress.'

Chris Townsend, home moving expert at Three Movers, also highlights that underbed storage may also get in the way of any efforts you make to sleep better, as dense objects push upward against the base, creating uneven pressure points and gradually distorting your best mattress.

'People don't always make the connection between what's stored under the bed and how well they're sleeping,' he advises. 'But a mattress that's been warped in certain areas will affect your posture and comfort, even if it looks fine on the surface.'

How to Prevent Your Underbed Storage Causing Mold on Your Mattress

Chris advises using fabric or ventilated storage bags, such as the Amazon Basics Under Bed Fabric Bags, available at Amazon, rather than airtight plastic containers, which can trap humidity and prevent moisture from dispersing naturally.

'It's a small switch that makes a real difference,' he shares. 'Plastic containers are great for keeping dust out, but they seal in humidity too. Fabric storage bags let the air do its job, which is better for your mattress and for the items you're storing.'

Just make sure to leave a few inches of clearance space on either side of your storage bags to allow air to move.

For added circulation space, Joan Rowley, founder of OCD Organized, adds, 'Bed risers are a great addition to elevate the bed, allowing more air flow. If still an issue, use products such as DampRid Moisture Absorbers, available at Amazon, that assist with absorbing the moisture. They come in many variations.'

Whichever solution you choose, make sure you check for dampness regularly, advises Chris, who recommends pulling everything out every few months to check for any signs of moisture or mold on the floor, bed frame, and underside of the mattress.

'Catching early signs of dampness before they develop into a mold problem is far easier than dealing with the consequences later,' he says. And, as Cathy highlights, this is the perfect opportunity to declutter and organize the area under your bed, which is commonly deemed one of the dirtiest places in a bedroom.

'Vacuum and let the mattress air out for at least 30 minutes to allow for circulation,' she advises, before replacing items. You may also want to use a breathable pick from our selection of the best mattress protectors – our favorite, the Avocado Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector, is soft, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking.

And finally, be careful with exactly what you store under the bed. 'Avoid shoes, heavy boxes, and books, scented items, or anything that contains moisture that can become damp,' says Cathy. 'Instead, store extra bedding, lightweight items, or clothes that are stored in fabric bins.'

For example, while this underused storage spot can be used to store summer clothes away, or store winter clothes correctly, storing suitcases, or other heavy, bulky items, is best done elsewhere.

'If something is heavy enough that you struggle to slide it in or out, it probably belongs somewhere else,' adds Chris.

What to Shop

Shop my edit of cleaning, storage, and moisture-absorbing essentials below for easier maintenance when taking care of your mattress, without the risk of mold.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Cathy Orr

Cathy is the co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, and holds the prestigious Certified Master Consultant designation in Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method, which requires more than 1,500 hours of professional organizing experience. She's also a Feng Shui expert.

Joan Rowley

After realizing that OCD lent her the ability to bring structure, clarity, and order to the world around her, and with 15 years of experience organizing for friends, family, and herself, Joan turned her passion for decluttering into a business. She had her first client right away, and the business has grown ever since.

Avoiding underbed organizing mistakes is one way to reduce the risk of spores taking hold, but regularly cleaning your bedroom and controlling humidity levels are essential.

For more helpful advice, you can sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.