A question that is posed of me and our staff quite often is, "Can I just put my mattress on the floor?" Of course you can put your mattress on the floor, its your mattress! The Alexander Signature Series Foam Mattress However, the answer really isn't that simple. While the floor can make sense for some, depending on the type of mattress, the type of flooring, the environment in your bedroom and the part of the country you live, there can be many reasons why it is not the best place to put your mattress. Putting your mattress on the floor can make for an inexpensive solution as to what to place your mattress on, but it can be a really bad idea depending on the factors above. Let's look at those factors: If you have a foam mattress, putting it on the floor can lead to mold beneath the mattress, and that can ultimately cause severe health issues. Even coil mattresses can provide mold with a great place to grow. Basically, mattresses need to breathe, or, air out. We all sweat in our sleep, some more than others.
That moisture needs to go somewhere, and gravity pulls it to the bottom of your mattress. When your mattress is on the floor, that moisture is retained, and combined with a lack of light, provides the perfect breeding ground for mold. A spring mattress with the springs encased in foam is another example of a type of mattress that needs to be on a surface that is breathable. A regular spring mattress can allow airflow through the fabric sides. If you live near the water or a very humid environment, placing the mattress on the floor could allow for mold growth. If you have old hardwood floors, mold spores can be dormant in the flooring and lead to mold growth.Can I put a mattress directly onto the floor without issue? July 19, 2009 SubscribeCan You Put A Mattress On The Floor?Back to Basics: Beds on the Floor It's been nearly a year since we ditched our bed frame for a more minimalist mattress on the floor. Yes, at first it was a temporary solution while we searched for the perfect bed, but we've grown to like its low visual profile, pure (noiseless) comfort, and understated appeal.
Still there's something — bad feng shui? — that that makes us question it as a long term move. Here are a few examples where boards and box-frames have been abandoned for the the simpler solution. Collegiate poverty or zen-den chic? I think British stylist, Twig Hutchinson, could make a paper bag look glamourous, so it comes as no surprise that she's managed to make this simple mattress (above) feel ultra elegant. My original inspiration to go spare came from the calm home of artist, Alexander Vethers, featured in New York Spaces last summer. He found the mattress better suited to his small bedroom than his old bulky bedframe. I want to dive right into this comfortable bed from stylist, Atlanta Bartlett. Its simplicity is complimented by the calm, rustic furnishings surrounding it. We love the simple elegance reigning through Marcel Marongiu's Paris apartment, and his bedroom is certainly no exception. The only thing that we question is the height of the nightstands.
Like Alexander Vethers, we thought a standard bed frame would be too bulky for our modest sized room. However, we did create a headboard to give it a more established feel. Another Twig Hutchinson bed on the floor. Unlike the others, this one is more about the free-spirited, gypsy-wagon vibe, than minimalist calm. And last but not least, Finnian's Montessori bedroom featured on Ohdeedoh a couple weeks ago. Rather than cribs, many parents following the Montessori method use a mattress on the floor. Too basic or just your style? (Images: 1 & 6: Twig Hutchinson, 2: New York Spaces, 3: Atlanta Bartlett, 4: Marie Claire Maison via Apartment Therapy, 5: Leah Moss, 7: Ohdeedoh) You’re running an old version of internet explorer (or have compatibility mode turned on). A number of websites, including this one, will not work properly with this browser. Please consider upgrading to one of these newer, faster, safer and free browsers. All houses must be in a reasonable state of cleanliness before being rented out.
This includes being free from mould and dampness. Tenants should try to keep their house in a condition that doesn’t encourage mould and damp. This includes keeping the house well aired, and removing mould as soon as it appears. Check for signs of mould and damp before moving inBefore you move into the property, you and the landlord should inspect the property together and note any damage in a property inspection report (part of the tenancy agreement).Dampness is often from external sources – check that gutters are clear, downpipes and drainage are working. Where the house has a suspended floor, check that the ground is dry and that there are no leaks.Use the inspection to look for any signs of mould or damp, raise any concerns you have with the landlord, and agree when and how these will be addressed.When you complete the tenancy agreement, you can write in any conditions that you both agree on (as long as they comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986). Your tenancy agreement may contain more information about your responsibilities.
Understand your responsibilitiesOnce you move in, it’s your responsibility to keep your place clean and tidy. This includes keeping your home in a condition that doesn’t encourage mould and damp.Be aware that you’re most likely to have problems with damp and mould in autumn and winter.Air your home to prevent mouldA dry, well-aired home is easier to heat and healthier for you and your family. To air your home, open windows and doors whenever you can. Make the most of the sun’s warmth by opening curtains early in the morning and closing them just before it gets dark.If you’re creating steam or moisture, either by cooking, bathing or using a clothes dryer, open windows and use any extractor fans.Other things you can do to prevent mould and damp are: keep lids on pots when cooking wipe condensation off walls and windows hang washing outside, and make sure everything’s dry before putting it away leave wardrobes slightly open and pull beds and furniture away from walls so they can breathe
keep the shower curtain hanging inside the shower or bath so water doesn’t drip on the floor, and wash the curtain every few weeks use an electric heater rather than un-flued portable gas heaters (gas heaters expel water as the gas burns) keep only a few plants inside. Remove mould as soon as it appearsTo protect the health of everyone in your home, remove mould as soon as it appears. You could use diluted household bleach (1 part bleach with 3 parts water mixed together), or a less abrasive cleaner like cider vinegar. Your supermarket will also have a range of eco-friendly cleaners.Use a clean sponge or cloth when washing off mould and rinse it often to reduce the risk of it spreading. Wear gloves when washing it away.Keep mattresses aired to prevent dampIf you or anyone in your family sleeps on a mattress on the floor, this will cause damp on the floor space covered by the mattress. Damp can cause health problems, as well as maybe causing damage to the mattress and the floor.