‘If you have an Ottoman bed, check under it – you may be horrified’

You might not give a second thought to what lurks beneath your Ottoman bed, but one user is pressing everyone to take a peek underneath ASAP, as you might find something shockingly grimy.

TikTok user @foreverhomejune19 was met with more than she expected when she discovered her black-base Ottoman swarming with mould, warning: “Please check under your mattress and the under storage part; mould is a health hazard”.

The grim discovery left many baffled as to how it got so mould-ridden, and an explanation popped up on Reddit pointing out: “If you’ve overfilled the storage part, you’ll limit airflow, and mould will happen. These types of beds restrict airflow, so they will exacerbate mould problems”.

To tackle the mess, the TikToker used a “Dishmatic wand” sheathed in a cloth plus a mix of “white vinegar and Zoflora”. She noted: “The acid on the vinegar attacks the mould and helps to kill it”, while the Zoflora ensured it smelt fresh.

And for those after hard facts, Service Master Restore informs us, “white vinegar is a mild acid known to kill roughly 82 per cent of mould species, and it can even help prevent mould outbreaks in the future.

“Vinegar can kill mould, while bleach cannot because vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties. The acetic acid that is present in vinegar has a decently strong pH of 2.5; because of this strong pH level, vinegar can disrupt and stop the growth of mould, fungi, and other organisms.”

The TikToker scrubbed away at her storage bed in the video, admitting that when she looked underneath, she was shocked by its condition, and was furious that “mould can cause so many health issues”. According to gov.uk, “damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death”, so it’s crucial to address mould as soon as you find it.

At the end of the video, @foreverhomejune19 added some dehumidifier pots underneath the bed to handle any excess moisture. If you have this problem, ensure good airflow under the bed, air it out occasionally, and turn your mattress regularly.

Experts at Mattress Online recommend rotating your mattress at least once every three months. When cleaning a storage bed, have someone present as a precaution, as it may collapse.

If you’re concerned about a mould issue, if you’re renting, contact your landlord. If you own your home, hire a professional to advise further.