Wondering how to clean your mattress protector? The best mattress protectors (opens in a new tab) are designed to make your bed more comfortable and protect your mattress from dirt, stains and spills, keeping your bed fresh and clean for longer. However, since many people rarely think about cleaning a mattress (opens in a new tab) , you probably haven't thought about cleaning your mattress protector either.
Even if your bedding and sheets look clean, your mattress protector will take the brunt in the long run as it collects bacteria, sweat and dust over time. So while turning your mattress over and washing your sheets regularly is fine, if you ignore the mattress protector, you've essentially erased all that hard work.
Cleaning and disinfecting your mattress protector is essential... but how? In this guide we've put together everything you need to know about cleaning your mattress protector, including tutorials and usage tips.
PS If you're doing a full bed cleaning, we already have cleaning guides on how to clean your memory foam mattress (Opens in a new tab) as well as how to clean your comforter (Opens in a new tab) and how-to guides Clean your pillow (Opens in a new tab) so check them out after you've cleaned your mattress protector.
What you should consider when cleaning mattress protectors
Before we get to the tutorials, there are a few things to consider before you start cleaning your mattress protector.
First off, there are two main types of mattress protectors: those that are machine washable and those that aren't, so you need to clean them in different ways. To find out if your mattress topper is machine washable or not, check the labels. Most of the time, these labels will give you washing advice, so read this before you start cleaning.
Also note that depending on who slept on the mattress topper, you may need to change it more or less often. For example, if you're a sweaty person, you might want to consider changing your sheets and pads more often. The same applies to allergy sufferers. If your allergies get worse in the summer, your mattress can hold onto those allergens, so you should wash your protector more often. During the winter, when your allergies subside, you don't have to worry as much about washing.
Of course, there are circumstances that are beyond your control, like getting sick or spilling something on your bed. In these cases, you shouldn't wait too long (or at all) to change sheets and pillows, as the linens could become stained and prolong your illness.
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How to clean a machine washable mattress protector
If your mattress topper is machine washable, follow these steps to give it a thorough cleaning.
1. Check the label
Always check the label before washing your mattress protector. The label tells you what water temperature to use, which spin cycle works best, and drying instructions, ie whether to put it in the dryer (if it opens in a new tab) or let it air dry.
2. Inspect and clean
Check your mattress protector and treat large stains. If there is dirt, hair or debris on the mattress topper, you can quickly shake or vacuum it to get rid of it. But for stubborn stains, work on them before throwing them in the machine. For small stains, go over them once with a soft cloth and mild detergent. If the stains are larger, like blood or urine, you'll need to soak the mattress protector first. For blood, use cold water with a little salt, and for urine, soak in warm water with dish soap (according to Alex Savy, founder of SleepingOcean.com, speaking to Real Homes (opens in a new tab) ).
3. Wash yourself
Put your mattress protector in the washing machine (opens in a new tab) according to the instructions on the label. In general, cold or lukewarm water works best on mattress protectors, and you should try to use a mild detergent or washing powder to keep the material intact. Washing too hot will cause the material to fray, so avoid it. Bleach should also be avoided and you should rely on a gentle cycle. Check the mattress protector for soap residue after washing. If soap scum is visible, you must rinse it off to avoid mold growth.
4. Let it dry
If the instructions on the mattress topper say it is okay to use the dryer, go ahead and follow the instructions closely. Anything too hot can damage your protector, so ideally you should let your protector air dry. Make sure it's completely dry before putting it back on your bed... after all, nobody wants to sleep on damp sheets!
How to clean a non-machine washable mattress protector
Some mattress protectors are not machine washable. This can be due to water shrinking the protector, damaging the material or reducing its longevity. If your mattress protector falls into this category, follow these steps.
1. Clean large stains
Once you've removed the mattress protector, you need to focus on getting the big stains out and cleaning them up. This is similar to the steps above, but you should try to use a mild detergent and a soft cloth as much as possible to wash larger stains.
2. Wash it by hand
Once the main stains are removed, you can hand wash the mattress protector. Thoroughly scrub the main shield cover with dish soap and cold water, but avoid soaking it. Again, the label will give you further instructions on how to do this.
3. Air dry
Just like your mattress protector can shrink in the water, it can also shrink in the dryer, so let it air dry completely. You can put it in the sun, put it on a drying rack or even use a fan to dry it. Make sure it's completely dry before putting it back on your bed.
4. Sprinkle baking soda
As with cleaning a mattress, sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress protector and let it air out for several hours. The baking soda will remove unpleasant odors and kill any remaining mold or bacteria. Although hand washing is sufficient and thorough to clean your protector, many people believe that if it hasn't been in the washing machine, it hasn't been cleaned properly. For peace of mind, use this baking soda trick to get rid of unwanted odors.
(Image credit: Eve Sleep)
How often should you wash your mattress protector?
Now that you know how to clean your mattress protector, how often should you do it? You should wash your mattress protector properly once a month or every two months. Because the mattress topper is covered with sheets, it doesn't need to be washed as often as bed linen, but you should still prioritize once a month.
Of course, if you are allergic and your allergies get worse while you sleep, you should wash them every few weeks, or if there is a spill, you should wash them immediately. If you have guests, you should wash your protector before and after your stay for good hygiene.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning mattress protectors
How do you clean a waterproof mattress protector?
To clean a waterproof mattress protector, you should first check the labels for complete instructions, then put it in the washing machine on the lowest or gentlest setting with cold water. Once the cycle is complete, put it in the dryer on low heat. If there are stains, you should also try to hand wash them before putting them in the washing machine.
How often should I replace my mattress protector?
According to Amerisleep (opens in a new tab) , you should replace your mattress protector every 1-2 years. However, with regular maintenance, you can prolong the life of your mattress protector and keep it in good condition. Be sure to keep an eye on your mattress protector and if you see any yellowing, holes, or torn seams, it's time to replace it.
Mattress protectors and covers: can I clean them the same way?
The quick answer to this question is no. Although they have similar names and functions, mattress protectors and mattress pads are completely different. Mattress pads are a thin layer that protects your mattress, while a mattress pad changes the feel of your sleeping surface by adding a thick layer to your mattress for extra comfort. Because mattress pads are so much thicker than mattress protectors, most of them don't even fit in a washing machine, so you need to clean a mattress pad just like you would a mattress.
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