Bedding feels damp or smells musty because moisture from your breath and skin lingers in the bedroom and in the fabric. If the room is cold, poorly ventilated, or too damp, it won't dry out. Change it regularly, air out the bed, and tackle the moisture in the bedroom.
The weather isn't helping: the KNMI forecast for November 1 reports cooler nights, with minimum temperatures around 0 to 2 degrees later this week. In a bedroom that cools down at night and where the window remains closed, moisture quickly condenses on fabric and on the bed.
Why does bedding feel damp?
You release moisture throughout the night while sleeping through breathing and perspiration. Some of it gets absorbed into the bedding and the mattress. With open windows or vents and a pleasant room temperature, it dries out again during the day. If the room is cold, the air quickly becomes saturated and the fabric feels damp. Laundry that hasn't completely dried before being stored can also feel damp or musty. Read why your bedroom is so damp in the morning.
How to dry your bedding and make it fresh again
Pull back the duvet in the morning and let the bed air out for an hour before making it. Open the window or vent, ventilate the room, and change the bedding regularly. Dry laundry completely before using it again, preferably outside or in a well-ventilated room. If you dry indoors, read how to dry laundry indoors without a musty smell.
Place the bed a few centimeters away from a cold exterior wall. If you see mold spots on the mattress or the wall, treat them with an approved mold remover and follow the instructions for use. Milieu Centraal explicitly lists the bedroom as a place where mold can grow and advises against homemade mixtures with bleach, chlorine, or soda.
How to prevent moisture in the bedroom?
Longfonds gives the guideline that a home should be at least 18 degrees during the day and 15 degrees at night, and advises limiting moisture and ventilating. See Longfonds. Do not dry laundry in the bedroom, do not store clothes and bedding damp, and read our article on whether a dehumidifier helps against mold. If the air remains damp despite ventilating, a dehumidifier can further reduce the moisture. It does not solve a leak or cold bridge and does not replace ventilation.
Direct answer: Damp or musty bedding is caused by moisture from breath and skin and insufficient ventilation. Air out the bed every morning, wash and dry bedding completely, ventilate the bedroom, and do not keep it too cold. A dehumidifier can remove extra moisture from the air.
Dynter DH251 dehumidifier for the bedroom
The Dynter DH251 dehumidifier can help reduce the humidity in the bedroom. The data comes from the product page.
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml, switches off when the tank is full
Suitable for: rooms up to 55 m²
Consumption: 80 W
Night mode: display off for a peaceful sleep, timer from 1 to 24 hours
Size and weight: 24 x 13.4 x 37 cm, 2.51 kg
Overview: cause and solution
| Cause | Recognition | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture from breath and skin | Damp feeling in the morning | Air out the bed, ventilate |
| Cold bedroom | Moisture condenses, windows fog up | Do not let it get too cold |
| Damply stored laundry | Musty smell immediately after changing | Let dry completely |
| Bed against a cold wall | Moisture spots behind the bed | Move the furniture away from the wall |
When is it more than damp?
If you see mold spots, smell a strong mold odor, or suffer from coughing or shortness of breath in the bedroom, contact your GP and have the cause investigated. A dehumidifier is not a treatment. Also see which dehumidifier is suitable for the bedroom.
Sleep fresh?
View the Dynter DH251 dehumidifier or discover all dehumidifiers from Dynter.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change my bedding?
This varies from person to person, but washing regularly prevents moisture and odors from building up. Also follow the washing instructions of the bedding.
Why does my mattress smell musty?
Moisture can get into the mattress, especially in a cold or poorly ventilated room. Air out the bed, ventilate the room, and move the bed away from the wall.
Is damp bedding harmful?
Damp bedding can be a sign of too much moisture. Mold can cause symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Contact your GP if you have symptoms.
Should the window be open at night?
A vent or a window left ajar provides fresh air. How warm or cold it is determines what is comfortable. Ventilation remains important, even in winter.
Does a fan help with damp bedding?
A fan only moves air. You get dry bedding by airing out and ventilating.