Can i wash a mattress cover

How to Wash a Mattress Protector? + Care & Replacement Tips

Many people use mattress protectors to protect a mattress from stains, dirt, and dust. However, this extra layer of protection can make owners complacent about cleaning the protector itself. But a dirty mattress protector can get your mattress dirty eventually too, triggering allergies and shortening your mattress' lifespan.

Wondering how to keep your mattress protector clean? Read our guide on how to wash mattress protectors and toppers the right way. We have thorough instructions for basic washing, deep cleaning, and stain removal to keep your protector clean.

Can You Wash A Mattress Protector?

Yes, you can wash a mattress protector, whether it's made from natural materials or synthetic ones. Washing regularly will remove allergy triggers like mites and dead skin cells. It will also keep stains and unpleasant odors from setting, prolonging the lifespan of your mattress protector.

Washing your mattress protector is a must, but different materials will have different care instructions to keep them in good condition. Follow your manufacturer's care label to maximize your protector's longevity and durability.

When Should You Wash Mattress Protectors?

A good rule of thumb is to wash your mattress protector once every two months. However, this cleaning frequency can be increased in certain situations, such as the following:

If you've just recovered from an illness, clean your mattress protector immediately regardless of how soon its last wash was. This will help remove any lingering excess bacteria and help you breathe more easily as you recover.
If you just spilled something on your mattress protector, you should also clean it immediately to prevent the spill from setting into the fabric. A set stain is harder to remove and can damage mattress protector fabric.
If you suffer from allergies like a runny nose or sneezing, clean your mattress protector fabric once every two weeks. This keeps allergens from building up in the fabric and triggering reactions in allergy sufferers.

How Do You Wash A Protective Mattress Cover?

To wash your protective mattress cover correctly, check the cover's label to see if it's machine-washable or has delicate care instructions. Here's how you wash your covers clean in either instance.

How To Machine Wash Your Mattress Protector

If your mattress protector is washable, follow these instructions.

Check the care label. This will tell you the recommended water temperature, dryer cycle, and other special washing instructions.
Put your mattress protector in the washing machine. Typically, cold water is preferred to prevent shrinking. Use a mild detergent that doesn't have fabric softeners, as these can reduce your mattress protector's ability to absorb liquids.
Use a gentle wash cycle. Using "delicate" or "gentle" machine settings are best to prevent fabric damage.
Do a second rinse cycle. This removes every last bit of detergent from the fabric. Don't skip this step, as laundry detergent may irritate your skin.

How To Clean Non-Machine Washable Mattress Protectors

Some manufacturers may explicitly state on the label that your protector can't be machine-washed. Here's how you can keep it clean without a washing machine.

Remove your mattress protector from the mattress.
Dab a mild detergent on stains for spot cleaning.
Gently hand-wash the top part of the cover using warm or cold water. Avoid using hot water to prevent shrinking.
Let your cover air-dry completely before putting it back on the mattress.

When Should A Mattress Protector Be Replaced?

You should replace your mattress protector after one to two years, even if there's no visible wear and tear. A mattress protector keeps your mattress fresh by keeping out moisture and dust mites, but this means that the protector is exposed to these substances.

Over the months, all that dander, bodily fluids, dust, and excess moisture will build up. With correct washing and regular spot-clean routines, you'll be able to keep your protector in good condition for up to two years. Always follow the label’s recommended settings to preserve the protector’s material and prevent deformation.

Note that you'll have to wash your protector as soon as there's a spill on it. You'll also have to wash it more often if you have pets, especially those that shed a lot of fur. Pet owners may have to wash their protectors once every three weeks to keep them in good condition.

However, if there are already visible holes or stubborn stains on your mattress protector, it's time to give it the heave-ho even if you've used it for only a few months. Remember: if your mattress protector is already worn and damaged regardless of how long you've had it, it won't keep out excess water and mites effectively.

Key Takeaways

A mattress protector will keep liquids and dirt from settling into your mattress, prolonging its lifespan and keeping it in tip-top shape. However, mattress protectors should be regularly cleaned, just like pillows and mattresses. Otherwise, any mold and debris trapped within will eventually make their way to your mattress and damage it.

To preserve your mattress protector and topper, you should use the right cleaning materials and wash them with care. Check your mattress protector and topper's labels to learn the recommended methods for washing and stain removal.

Washing A Mattress Protector FAQs

Can you machine-wash a mattress protector?

Yes, you can machine wash most mattress protectors. Most mattress covers are machine washable and can be popped into a washing machine for easy laundering.

Check the instructions for your mattress covers to make sure, though. Some manufacturers will state on the label if their covers are prone to shrinkage and need special wash settings, like gentle detergent or cold water.

Do mattress protectors need to be washed?

Yes, mattress protectors need to be washed to keep them clean and keep your mattress safe from dirt and moisture. This keeps body fluids and accidental spills from accumulating in your protective covering and prevents mold from thriving on that excess moisture.

Most mattress covers are machine washable, but others should only be cleaned through gentle hand-washing and low-temperature settings. Check your mattress protector's label to find out the correct washing settings.

How often should you wash a mattress protector?

Generally, you should wash your removable mattress covers at least once every two months. However, you should also take into consideration how often you use your mattress and its waterproof protector.

If you sleep with pets or have trapped moisture from occasional spills, you should wash your mattress and pillow protectors more often. Ideally, you should wash your protector immediately after a spill to prevent a stain from setting on the material.

But if your mattress protector is on a bed that doesn't get used as often (such as a guest bed), you can reduce the frequency of washing. In this situation, clean your dirty mattress protector around once every three to four months.

Can you wash a mattress cover? |

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(Image credit: Alamy)

You may want to know if you can wash a mattress cover if you have just invested in a new mattress – or want to extend the use of your existing one for years to come. So, can you wash a mattress cover? The answer is: yes, but there are a few things to consider first.

Mattress covers can be fixed or removable and you can also buy separate mattress covers, aka mattress protectors. Many modern foam mattresses have zip-off covers that are designed to go into a washing machine at around 104ºF, so you can make space to clean them part of your laundry room ideas.

Zipping them back on can be tricky, particularly if your mattress is king size or bigger, but once on, they stay in position perfectly and mean you don’t need to buy an additional mattress cover.

Traditional sprung mattresses made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and bamboo tend to have fixed mattress covers, sewn in, that cannot be removed. In this case a mattress protector – sold separately – is the way forward. For any of these options, be sure to check the laundry symbols on the tag for washing advice.

‘Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to cleaning a mattress and we recommend a good mattress protector to keep the sleep surface clean and sanitary,’ says Ross Thurston, operations manager at Millbrook Beds . ‘Not only does a protector minimize the risk of stains but it can be easily washed in the washing machine, unlike a mattress.’

If you are looking for more tips on cleaning a bedroom, and also want to add an extra layer of comfort, it's worth knowing that most of the best mattress toppers come with machine washable covers, too.

How to wash a mattress cover

Removable mattress covers and protectors are usually designed to be machine washed and you should do so approximately once a month depending on soil levels and usage. Use these cleaning tips.

1. Check the care label Before you start, just as you would when washing pillows or washing a down comforter, check the care label for specific instructions on temperature, spin speed and drying.

2. Set the cycle as hot as possible to kill germs Set the wash programme according to the care label. Around 104ºF at 1200rpm is standard for a cotton or polyester mattress cover but, just as when washing bed sheets, go as hot as possible (according to the manufacturer’s recommendations) to effectively tackle bacteria.

3. Halve the detergent and rinse well Use about half the detergent you would normally put in a full load to reduce the risk of allergies and ensure all the detergent is rinsed sufficiently. A non-biological laundry detergent is best for sensitive skin.

(Image credit: The White Company)

Can you put padded mattress covers in the washing machine?

Some mattress protectors have a small layer of padding or quilting. Not quite thick enough to be called a topper, but thicker than a single-layer cover, such mattress protectors offer a little extra luxury and softness to your sleep surface. Again, you must check the care label before machine washing but most will be machine washable, even feather-filled mattress covers, although they may require a delicate cycle to prevent clumping.

As with washing a weighted blanket or washing a woollen blanket, never overload your washing machine; not only will the cover not wash properly but it can damage your appliance. A double or king size padded mattress cover should fit in most front-loading machines comfortably, but a super-king may require an 8kg drum or bigger. If you can’t fit your hand into the drum once the cover is inside, consider taking it to a professional instead.

How to freshen a mattress cover without washing it

If your mattress cover is starting to smell a little stale cleaning with baking soda is an easy way to give it a quick refresh that will soon have it smelling box-fresh, according to Annie McWilliam, co-founder of natural cleaning brand Colt & Willow .

‘Strip off your bed linen and sprinkle the cover very liberally with baking soda, covering the whole surface area,’ she says. ‘You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil which is a soothing restful scent. Let this soak in for as long as possible, 24 hours if you are not using the bed, or do it first thing in the morning. Finally vacuum or brush off all residue of baking soda to enjoy a beautifully clean and fresh-smelling bed.’

How to remove stains on a mattress cover

Even the best mattress will suffer the odd stain but it’s important not to saturate a fixed mattress cover, or any cover cleaned in situ. Aim for a surface clean only; any water allowed to soak into the mattress below will take an age to dry and dampness can quickly lead to mould.

‘If there is a small stain that needs treatment, you can try using a fine mist of water, followed by fabric stain remover, on the area,’ advises Vicky Whiter, managing director of Peters’ Cleaners . ‘Clean off the stain remover with the water mist and a white cloth, taking care not to soak the cover. Let it dry thoroughly before putting your sheets back on.’

Can you vacuum a mattress cover?

Experts recommend vacuuming your mattress cover, with the upholstery attachment, regularly. And, particularly in the case of mattress covers that can’t be removed and machine washed, vacuuming can be one of the best and easiest ways to keep dust mites and other allergens under control.

However, it is very important to check with your mattress supplier before you vacuum, especially if you have a traditional sprung mattress. ‘We always recommend that mattresses which use natural fibers should be brushed rather than vacuumed as this can damage fillings and affect the sleep surface,’ explains Ross Thurston.

How do you dry a mattress cover?

Line drying is best for the environment and your wallet. Dry in direct sunlight if possible. It’s important to get your mattress cover bone dry before you put it back on the bed.

But as with drying a duvet and drying a comforter, a tumble dryer can produce the quickest and most reliable results, especially in winter, and the tumbling action will leave your mattress cover nice and soft. Always check the care label before you tumble dry any mattress cover as even a little shrinkage can make them much harder to get back on.

Look for a square symbol with a circle inside, which indicates it is safe to tumble dry. If the circle has one dot inside, you’ll need to use a low heat. Two dots indicates that you can tumble dry on a high heat. An X across the circle means do not tumble dry.

Can you tumble dry waterproof mattress covers?

It’s even more important to check the care label when it comes to both washing and drying waterproof mattress covers, especially if there’s a layer of vinyl on the inside, which may melt in a machine if the wrong temperatures are used. Never iron or dry clean a waterproof mattress cover unless specific instructions state otherwise. If you have young children, it’s wise to have an extra waterproof cover on standby so that you’re not rushing the wash process.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism.

How to wash the mattress cover yourself?

A mattress pad is a special pad or cover that is used to give the mattress additional properties, for example, making it harder, softer, or simply leveling the surface. However, the main function of the product is to protect the main bedding from contamination. That is why you need to take care of the mattress cover regularly and carefully.

Washing remains the most effective and affordable way to take care of your clothes at home. If you do not take into account individual cases, then a number of rules can be distinguished on how to wash a mattress cover.

The water should be warm (30-40°C).
Bleach, conditioner, fragrance should not be used.
Do not twist the cover.
After washing, straighten and level the filler.
Flat drying.

Is it possible to wash the mattress pad in a washing machine

Household appliances greatly simplify the task of caring for home textiles, and a mattress cover is no exception. It all depends on the characteristics of the fabric and filler, so first look at the information on the label or packaging, where the manufacturer indicates the care instructions. In general, most mattress covers are machine washable. Another nuance is the size of the lining. Too big will not fit in the drum.

ATTENTION! Dry cleaning DIANA does not recommend the use of folk methods, for washing and dyeing things you need to contact only a professional dry cleaner!

Do I need to wash the mattress cover before using it for the first time

Quality branded products undergo appropriate processing and are ready for use without additional preparation. If there is some kind of foreign smell, which happens due to storage in the room next to household chemicals, paint, varnishes, etc., then you should ventilate the thing during the day in the open air.

Detergents

The mattress topper is filled with filler, and it is very important that the detergent is completely washed out of it. In this regard, laundry detergent is the worst, so liquid gel-like formulations with a delicate formula are suitable for this purpose.

Ways to wash mattress covers

Hand wash

Before you wash the mattress pad, prepare a capacious container. In a city apartment, a bathroom is suitable for this purpose, where we pour warm water. Then we dissolve the detergent composition in it and put the mattress pad there for a while. It is impossible to rub the fabric intensively, as well as twist it strongly.

In case of severe contamination, it is required to first remove the stains and soak the product for an hour. Soaking is done in cool water with the addition of soda or salt at the rate of 1 tablespoon per liter of water. Water-repellent products with membrane filler must not be soaked!

In the washing machine

"Delicate Wash" is the optimal mode for washing the lining, so do not experiment with other options. Pay special attention to the fact that spinning is excluded or set to minimum speed.

Dry cleaning

For the procedure you will need:

pack of soda;
sieve;
vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

We evenly distribute soda through a sieve over the surface of the mattress cover, leave it for a couple of hours and brush off the dust with a brush (vacuum cleaner).

At what temperature to wash the mattress pad

As has been repeatedly noted, the optimum water temperature for a mattress pad is from 30 to 40 degrees. Do not use hot water, even if the filler can withstand high temperatures. The thing is that the fabric upholstery will sit down, and you will not put a cover on the mattress.

How to wash different types of mattress covers

Soft

In this case, the filler matters. It can be natural or synthetic, and most can be washed by hand or machine. Here again it is worth recalling the manufacturer's recommendations on the tag.

Rigid

Rigid mattress toppers, and among them there are many children's models, are made from coconut coir or polymer foam. Such mattress covers are not exposed to moisture. Dry cleaning or professional care is suitable for them. Remove stains with soapy water and a sponge.

How to wash mattress covers made of different materials

Wool

Most often, sheep or camel wool is used as a filler. The material is washed in the appropriate mode or by hand in warm water. For washing, choose a composition with lanolin - a component with softening properties. The woolen cover is not wrung out, but dried exclusively on a horizontal surface.

Down feather

Down and feather - the most "capricious" stuffing. Washing the mattress cover is carried out in a delicate mode or manually, but carefully. Drying is crucial, as the filler of this kind rolls into lumps. You will have to constantly straighten and turn the thing over so that it dries completely. Otherwise, mold will grow inside and an unpleasant smell will appear.

Latex

Latex, by analogy with PU foam and memory foam, is not suitable for regular washing. It is only dry-cleaned. You can spot-remove dirt with a brush or walk with a slightly damp sponge along the fabric part of the mattress cover.

Polyester fibers

Polyester filler is a practical solution. Light, soft and unpretentious in care, the material can withstand washing in water up to 60 degrees, does not lose its shape and dries quickly, but do not forget that the fabric part of the cover may suffer due to high temperatures.

Cotton fiber

Cotton is easy to care for, but keep in mind that the high temperature of the soapy solution will cause the material to shrink. Such a mattress cover is wrung out at low and medium speeds, and also ironed if wrinkles have formed.

Bamboo fiber

This filler has proven itself from the best side both in terms of operation and maintenance. It is washed and dried in a standard way, but you should not iron such a product.

Coconut fiber

Coconut coir is a dense layer and exposure to water will break it down. The mattress cover is cleaned dry or with a well-wrung sponge with soapy water.

Antibacterial

Antibacterial treatment is not washed off due to washing, as some housewives mistakenly believe. Feel free to wash a mattress pad with this property for as long as you need, but taking into account the composition of the filler.

Mattress covers Ormatek, Ascona, Ikea, Vegas

Branded covers are washed according to the recommendations on the label. Products from Ormatek require especially careful care, and this especially applies to thin covers.

Ikea manufactures practical items made of polyester and cotton, which can be hand washed and delicately machine washed.

Ascon is characterized by the use of cotton fabric. The tags usually indicate temperatures up to 40 degrees in gentle mode.

Vegas mattress toppers are machine washable up to 40 degrees, with the exception of jacquard models, which can be dry cleaned.

Waterproof mattress covers: how to wash?

A waterproof cover contains a polyurethane membrane that does not allow moisture to pass through, and many find it difficult to decide how to wash such a mattress cover. You will have to take care of water-repellent accessories regularly due to intense pollution, because they are often bought for the elderly and bedridden patients.

For washing, use cool water, mild detergents, do not wring or iron the product. For current care, it is not necessary to immerse the waterproof mattress cover in water: it is enough to treat it with a sponge and soapy water.

How often to wash the mattress pad

Can the mattress cover be washed frequently? This question cannot be answered unequivocally, since everyone is individual. With moderate pollution, 2-4 washes per year will suffice, but if the thing is used daily and gets dirty quickly, then you will have to organize the process once a month.

Spot removal

Urine

Yellow traces and the smell of urine will be removed by salt and lemon juice mixed in the same amount. Wipe problem areas with this mixture, leave for 3-4 hours, and then rinse with water.

Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea accidentally spilled on the bed will be removed by ordinary table vinegar, but do not hesitate: the more time passes, the more difficult it is to get rid of such defects.

Blood

The blood is easily washed off with hydrogen peroxide, the main thing is to carefully remove the brown foam and constantly change the cotton pad. Fresh traces are washed off with cold water from the tap.

Fat

First, sprinkle the greasy substance with salt, talc or starch so that the product absorbs most of the contamination, and then wash the stain with dishwashing liquid.

Cosmetic traces

Lipstick is washed off with ammonia when, like nail polish, it succumbs to the influence of the appropriate solvent, but it is not known how the fabric will react. Test the effect of nail polish remover in an inconspicuous place.

From wax

Work the wax with a hot iron through white paper or two layers of napkins. The substance at the right time will remain on paper, and the fabric will be clean

How to wash a mattress pad from yellowness

Unfortunately, the snow-white mattress pad turns yellow over time. Half a bottle of peroxide, 1 tablespoon of soda and two liquid soaps will save the situation. Treat the material with this composition and be sure to rinse with clean water. It's even easier to use Vanish's mild stain remover.

Mattress dryer

Now you know how to wash the cover, but if you dry it carelessly, there is a high probability of deformation of the product: after drying, the accessory will differ in size from the mattress.

Once again, it is necessary to recall that the mattress cover is dried only in a straightened form, not hung on a rope, but laid out on a flat surface. Ventilation is important, so try to organize the process in the open air.

ATTENTION! Dry cleaning DIANA does not recommend the use of folk methods, for washing and dyeing things you need to contact only a professional dry cleaner!

Dry cleaning Diana

Regular and proper care of bedding is necessary, but it adds a lot of trouble to our lives. Entrust such worries to specialists. Diana dry-cleaner offers a maintenance service for mattress toppers made of any materials, including waterproof, rubberized, etc.

Professional equipment and effective formulations along with the experience of our employees will do their job. You will receive a clean product without a single speck, save your time and, which is not excluded, money to buy a new one.

instructions for washing mattress pads by hand and in the machine

It is much easier to wash a mattress pad than removing stains from a bulky mattress or taking it to the dry cleaners. Therefore, protective covers are especially loved by housewives. Today, together with MatrasInRus, we will figure out how to wash a mattress cover correctly.

Is it possible to wash the mattress pad in the washing machine

In most situations, automatic washing is allowed. But it will not be superfluous to verify this. Look at the label for detailed care instructions. If the tag is lost, be guided by the type of fabric from which the mattress pad is sewn.

Do not machine wash mattress covers:

Camel and sheep wool mattress covers. To clean the dirt, apply a little soap to the surface, rub gently with a sponge and rinse. But if there is an unpleasant smell, you can not do without a full wash. This should be done by hand, in cool water, without wringing.
Mattress covers made of coconut, polyurethane foam, natural latex. It is harmful to immerse products with such fillers in liquid in general. You can only wash the cover, provided that it is removed. Coir, PPU, latex are deformed in a humid environment, lose their original characteristics. It remains only to throw them away.

Otherwise, covers can be loaded into the drum if there is enough space in the drum. In addition, there are strict restrictions on temperature, intensity of the process and the possibility of pressing, drying:

Cotton mattress covers. They are not afraid of mechanical impact, but in a hot environment they are able to shrink. Water during the first wash should not be hotter than 40 degrees. It is allowed to carry out bleaching and ironing without compromising quality.
Mixed. A mixture of cotton and synthetic fiber does not require special care. The approach is the same as in the situation with 100% cotton.
Synthetic. Companies advise to use the machine less often, while the water should not heat up more than 60 degrees. Ironing should be carried out extremely carefully and at minimum temperatures, otherwise the fibers will melt.
Microfibre. Resistant textile that withstands impact at 60 degrees without the risk of damage and snags. However, you should not dry the thing in automatic mode.
Membrane fabric. The moisture-proof layer is quite vulnerable to mechanical stress. It is better to wash by hand or by selecting a delicate program, up to 40 degrees. Drying and spinning are excluded. Powders are undesirable because the microgranules clog into the pores of the material. It is proposed to replace them with gel-like products, capsules, and other liquid analogues that are easier to wash out.

Washing methods

Hand wash

If the company says that only hand washing is acceptable, follow the instructions strictly. Put the thing in a container of a suitable size, pour water not warmer than 40 degrees, add detergent. Leave the mattress pad to soak for some time. Do not wring or rub it, just wring out the moisture and let it drain further.

Dirty marks are removed with bleach, which is selected according to the type of textile.

In the washing machine

The label indicates whether the washing machine can be used or not, what temperature is considered optimal. The program is set according to the type of fabric. Difficult pollution is best removed in a timely manner. Most often, experts advise delicate modes, spinning at medium, low speeds. In this case, the number of rinses should be maximum. Even a small amount of chemistry left between the threads can cause an allergic reaction in a person.

Gels and capsules are allowed. It is more expedient to replace the rinse aid with white 9% vinegar, which is poured directly into the air conditioner compartment. Ordinary powders, bleaches, conditioners are not welcome. Next, we will describe in more detail how to wash a mattress pad in a washing machine, depending on the material from which it is made.

Dry clean

If the covers are too big to put in the car or wash by hand, dry clean can help. This is a technology for removing dirt with soda or salt.

First, the place is covered with dry soda or salt, which is left for half an hour. Then the area should be rubbed with a stiff brush, but without strong pressure, so as not to tear. After you need to vacuum. This approach only works for fresh stains. Old pollution cannot be removed without professional chemistry.

Features of washing different types of mattress covers

Care of a mattress cover directly depends on what textile it is sewn from.

Cotton

The most unpretentious textile that is well tolerated by machine washing, bleaching, ironing. If the composition is 100% cotton, the water can heat up to 60 degrees. The process itself is intense. But if there is a layer of waterproof membrane at the bottom, the degree does not exceed 40, the settings are delicate.

Powder is used as detergent. The difficulty is that rinsing is not always able to remove all particles of the active substance. As a result, after sleep, you may find that you are covered with allergic urticaria. Therefore, gels and capsules remain a priority.

Do not twist. Can only be lightly squeezed and left to drain until most of the liquid has been removed. Spread the stuffing with your hands before ironing.

Wool

Ideal conditions: cool water, no wringing, with detergents containing lanolin. Then the product is left to drain, after which it is laid out on a horizontal surface and dried.