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Can mattress pads be washed


How Often to Wash Mattress Pad

There's nothing that ruins the feeling of just-cleaned sheets like realizing that your protective mattress pad is looking a little... yellow. We all know you're supposed to wash your sheets every one or two weeks, but what about this pesky thing under your sheets? Our expert is here to share her wisdom.

But first things first, when we say mattress pad, we mean a traditional protective covering like this. Pillowy toppers are a different story since they come in so many varieties (consult the care label for the best washing instructions), and the foam versions can't be washed at all. You'll want to replace your topper when they're not comfortable or supportive anymore.

But here's the scoop on mattress pads:

You should wash your mattress pad every couple months.

"It's only necessary to wash your mattress pad several times per year," says Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Sheets generally take more wear and tear than a mattress pad which is why they are washed more often."

This makes sense: You lay directly on top of the sheets, so they're the first line of defense against body oils and dust getting to your mattress. Your mattress pad bears of that brunt, too, but not quite as much.

Forte recommends following the care label for specific cleaning directions, but in general, most mattress pads can be machine-washed in warm water and tumbled on low to dry.

But there are some exceptions.

If you have allergies, or let your dog or cat sleep in your bed, you might need to clean your pad more often. Gauge how much you should increase the frequency by considering the severity of your symptoms or how much your pet sheds. By trial and error, you might find that it's necessary to wash the pad as often as weekly.

And if you spill food or drink, notice a stain, or find that it's stretched out, wash the pad immediately.

Earn bonus points if you clean your mattress while the protector is in the wash.

It's not everyday you have a bare mattress, so Forte recommends using this time to vacuum up dust (sprinkle the mattress with a little baking soda first to absorb odors). You can also spot-treat any stains, or spray the mattress with Lysol to kill bacteria. Just allow it to dry fully before making the bed again.

Lauren Smith McDonough

Senior Editor

Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.

How to clean a mattress pad

Just because you don't sleep directly on mattress pads doesn't mean they don't get dirty.

Between dust mites and dead skin, spilled food and drinks, bladder leaks (or worse), mattress pads collect some gross stuff. So how do we clean them? The fact is, since mattress pads come in an assortment of materials — cotton, plastic-backed, foam, egg crate, down — there is no universal way to do it. That's why TODAY Home asked green-cleaning expert Leslie Reichert for advice on tackling this chore. Not only does she know the best way to clean, she keeps it eco-friendly.

VGstockstudio / Shutterstock

Check out our interactive guide to learn how to clean your home from top to bottom.

How to clean a cotton mattress pad

"Most manufacturers recommend cleaning cotton mattress pads at least every two or three months, depending on use," said Reichert. "Always follow the instructions on the care label, but, as a general rule, machine wash on warm or cool using a mild detergent."

Tumble dry on the lowest temperature recommended, using wool or rubber dryer balls or a few tennis balls to keep the pad fluffy. If machine drying is not recommended, then air dry.

How to clean a vinyl-backed mattress pad

Always follow the instructions on the care label of the pad, but, in general, vinyl-backed mattress pads can be machine washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Never use bleach on these pads, cautions Reichert, as it may damage the backing. Also, to assure an equal distribution of laundry detergent, allow the machine to fill with water, add the detergent, swish to mix and then add the pad into it.

If machine drying is recommended, tumble dry on low heat only. High heat will damage the vinyl. Toss in a few dryer balls or tennis balls to help the pad dry more evenly.

If air drying is recommended, hang the pad outside on a clothesline. If you don't have clothespins to fasten the pad to the clothesline, drape across the line with the vinyl side facing up. Once that side is dry, drape the pad across the line with the cotton side up.

To avoid odors, mold or mildew, make sure the pad is completely dry before putting it on the bed.

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How to clean a foam mattress pad

Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions before cleaning foam mattress pads because foam pads are more delicate than fabric versions. They can shred and tear in washing machines and melt when dried at high temperatures. "Your best bet is to spot clean them," Reichert said.

To spot clean, begin by vacuuming both sides of the pad. Next, clean stains with an enzyme-based cleaner, such as Oxi-Clean or a solution made from equal parts water, distilled white vinegar and lemon juice. To keep the stain from spreading, start applying cleaner on the outside of the stain and work in circles toward the center. Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the stain for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse by soaking a clean sponge in cool water and blotting water into the stained area. Remove water by blotting with a clean towel. Continue until most moisture is removed. Or, remove excess water using a wet/dry vacuum. Allow pad to air dry by laying it on a flat surface, turning occasionally so it can dry evenly.

If the entire pad needs to be cleaned, lightly spray with a solution of one part mild, low-sudsing detergent to two parts water, or use equal parts water, lemon juice and white vinegar. If extra cleaning power is needed, you can add an enzyme cleaner. Allow the solution to sit on the pad for 20-30 minutes. Rinse lightly in the tub or shower using a hand-held shower head. Squeeze — never wring out! — the extra water, or remove it by using a wet/dry vacuum. Lay the pad flat for several days, turning a couple of times a day, so it can dry evenly.

If you don't have the space or time needed to dry a foam pad, consider spot cleaning or replacing the pad altogether.

How to clean an egg crate mattress topper

The first step to cleaning an egg crate is to vacuum it on both sides to remove dirt and debris. If the manufacturer's care label indicates that the egg crate is machine washable, wash it only in a commercial or oversize washer because agitator-type machines may tear the foam, Reichert suggests. Use a gentle cycle and a small amount of mild detergent.

If machine washing is not an option, consider spot-cleaning the egg crate. Spray the stained areas with a solution made from equal parts water, distilled white vinegar and lemon juice. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the stained areas completely in the shower. Fold and press the egg crate or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water.

Lay the egg crate on a dry, flat surface to dry. To prevent mold, mildew and odors, do not place egg crate on the bed until it is completely dry.

How to clean a down mattress pad

As with all mattress pads, follow instructions on the manufacturer's care label for cleaning.

For machine-washable down mattress pads, it is preferable to use a front-loading washer because they are made to handle large loads and do not use an agitator to clean.

Before washing, remember to check both sides of the pad to make sure there are no open seams or tears in the fabric. The last thing you need is a washer filled with feathers, Reichert points out.

Next, pre-treat stains by rubbing them with a bit of detergent or down cleaner. Allow the solution to soak in for 15-20 minutes before washing. Use the delicate cycle with cool water and a small amount of gentle, low-sudsing detergent or a special down cleaner. (Down cleaner is formulated to retain the water-repellent features of the down.) Rinse twice to remove all detergent residue from the feathers.

Dry on the lowest heat — never on high. To keep feathers fluffed, toss in a few wool, rubber dryer balls or tennis balls. Every 15 minutes or so, remove the pad from the dryer and, using your hands, break up and fluff the clumps of feathers. This will help the down dry evenly. Damp feathers will absorb odors and mildew, so continue drying until no trace of moisture remains.

Using interviews with specialists, online reviews and personal experience, TODAY editors, writers and experts take care to recommend items we really like and hope you’ll enjoy! TODAY does have affiliate relationships with various online retailers. So, while every product is independently selected, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the revenue.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com on Nov. 3, 2015.

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.

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:

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 area.

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.


main rules and useful tips / Blog / VELAM™

Equipping a sleeping place, you should take care of buying not only a high-quality orthopedic mattress, but also a practical mattress cover. Such accessories perform a protective function, protecting the mattress from stains and getting wet, and allow you to provide the necessary level of hygiene without unnecessary costs and hassle. Mattress toppers are comfortable, affordable, easy to care for, suitable for spring models and foam-based mattresses. And what they are, and how to wash them correctly, we will now tell.

What are the types of mattress toppers?

Today, mattress covers are produced in a wide range, and are classified according to:

Models

On sale are: protect the mattress only from above;

  • stretch covers are thin covers that are put on like sheets with an elastic band, protecting the mattress from all sides.

    • Weight and type of filling

    1. Rigid. Made from latex coconut fiber or polymer foam, they are bulky and dense, but do a great job of improving the performance of a bed. In terms of operational parameters, they are closer to futons, which increases the demand for such models. Do not wash hard accessories, as they deform when wet. And for dry cleaning of a mattress cover made of coir or polymers, you can use a vacuum cleaner.
    2. Medium hardness. These include models made of latex and coconut, and they cannot be washed either. To remove stains from the surface of the products, you can use a sponge and soapy water. A large-scale cleaning of mattress covers from this category is best left to professionals.
    3. Soft. Among the soft products there are models of both natural and artificial materials. And the most demanded products are based on cotton wool, bamboo or polyester fiber. They can be washed by hand or in a machine and wrung out, they do not deform when wet and do not need complicated care. Regardless of the filler used in the manufacture of soft mattress covers, they must be washed at low temperatures. But if the “bamboo” requires a delicate spin, then the cotton must be squeezed intensively, since it absorbs a lot of moisture. And when drying a cotton product, it is necessary to turn it over and shake it from time to time, otherwise part of the filler may remain damp, which will lead to the reproduction of the fungus and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

    Important! When washing mattress covers, do not use bleach and aggressive detergents.

    Not sure which mattress pad to choose? Contact us in any convenient way, and we will help you choose the best product for the price and technical parameters.

    Washing instructions for mattress pads made of different materials

    The washing cycle of a mattress pad depends on the type and quality of the filling. And before you get down to business, you need to study the manufacturer's recommendations for caring for the product, which are on the label, and pre-clean the protective cover with a vacuum cleaner.

    1. Wool. Models filled with sheep or camel wool are not afraid of water, but it is better not to wash them too often. When using the machine, you need to select the appropriate mode ("wool" or "delicate wash") and add a lanolin-based product to the water. And it is recommended to squeeze the product manually: carefully, without twisting. After that, it is necessary to let the remaining water drain, and the cover should be dried in a straightened form, spreading it on a horizontal surface.
    2. Down and feather. Models with natural down-feather filler are characterized by increased volume. To wash them, you will need a machine with a large drum (not less than 7 kg of laundry), a gel product / capsules and table vinegar for rinsing (it must be added in the amount of a third of a glass per 10 liters of water). The machine should operate in the delicate wash mode, and the downy accessory should be wrung out at medium or low speeds.
    3. Cotton. Cotton models are perfectly washed and ironed. The main thing is to use water at room temperature, otherwise the material may shrink greatly, which will make the product unsuitable for further use.
    4. Bamboo fiber. Bamboo fiber can be washed and spun in the machine, it dries quickly and does not shrink. But ironing products with such a filler is impossible.
    5. Fillers based on polyester fibers. Polyester fiber materials are voluminous, soft and durable. Like all modern fillers, they are well washed in the machine (we choose any mode!). But powder can spoil them, so it is better to use gel products.
    6. Antibacterial. Antibacterial impregnation is an additional and very useful option offered by many mattress top manufacturers. It tolerates the effects of water well, and can withstand up to hundreds of washes. And the processing mode of the product must be selected depending on the quality of the filler.

    Important! Children's mattress covers are best washed with special hypoallergenic products.

    How to wash waterproof mattress covers?

    Waterproof mattress pads are made from a specialized multilayer material. The bottom layer is a polyurethane membrane, which provides the necessary water resistance. Such models are more expensive, and relevant for children, bedridden patients and elderly users. And in order not to spoil the cover, you need to:

    Important! A waterproof mattress pad should not be washed frequently, but a sponge and soapy water will help remove stains and refresh it.

    How to remove stains from a mattress topper with home remedies?

    Stubborn local stains must be removed from the mattress cover before washing. To do this, you can use home remedies that any housewife has:

    Drying rules

    To prevent the mattress pad from deforming after washing, it must be dried on a flat horizontal surface in a straightened form. First, squeeze it well and let the water drain.

    How to get rid of an unpleasant smell?

    Sometimes during use, the mattress pad develops an unpleasant odor. This problem is solved by ventilation in the fresh air. Ventilate and clean the mattress cover with a vacuum cleaner regularly.

    Learn more