Your Mattress Might Be Full of Bugs—Here’s How to Check

If your mattress looks clean but still feels suspicious, you might not be imagining things. Mattresses are a hotspot for unwanted visitors, including dust mites, bed bugs, and bacteria. You won’t always see them, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Here’s how to tell if your mattress is secretly crawling with problems.

🐜 Most Common Mattress Invaders

1. Dust Mites

Microscopic pests that feed on dead skin cells. They don’t bite, but their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma.

Signs:

  • Sneezing, itchy eyes, or runny nose when you wake up

  • Increased allergy symptoms at night

  • No visible bugs, just symptoms

2. Bed Bugs

Small, reddish-brown insects that bite while you sleep and hide during the day.

Signs:

  • Tiny blood spots on sheets

  • Rust-colored stains from crushed bugs

  • Small bites in a line or cluster on your body

  • Musty, sweet smell in the bedroom

3. Fungus and Bacteria

Mattresses absorb sweat, skin oils, and moisture. Over time, this can lead to mold, mildew, and bacterial buildup.

Signs:

  • Discoloration or stains

  • Unexplained odors

  • Respiratory irritation or skin breakouts

🧼 How to Check Your Mattress

  • Strip all bedding and inspect seams, corners, and under tags

  • Use a flashlight to check for movement or residue

  • Smell the mattress for any unusual or musty scent

  • Tap the mattress over a clean sheet to see if any debris or dust falls out

✅ How to Clean It Safely

  • Vacuum the surface using a high-efficiency filter

  • Sprinkle baking soda and let sit for several hours to absorb moisture and odor

  • Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray for surface bacteria

  • Wash bedding weekly on hot

  • Consider using a dust mite-proof mattress cover

You sleep on it every night. If your mattress hasn’t been cleaned in months or years, it’s time to check what’s sharing that space.

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