Many people use a foam pad or thin mattress topper for a better night's rest or as a yoga or exercise mat. And as with anything that gets used on a nearly daily basis, it's going to need to be cleaned.Washing a large foam pad can be a bit awkward and time-consuming, but it can be done. NEVER put foam in a clothes washer even a large front loading machine which is more gentle on fabrics.The spinning and agitation are too much for the delicate structure of the foam and you will end up with hundreds of little pieces. The pads should also never be put in a dryer - high heat is bad.How To Remove Stains From A Foam Mattress PadThe key to keeping a foam mattress topper in great shape is to remove stains as soon as possible when they happen. This will make a thorough cleaning less difficult and needed less frequently.For any wet spills or stains, use a dull knife or spoon to lift away any solids in the stain. Next, use white paper towels to blot up as much moisture as possible. If the spill is large, remove the topper from the mattress to prevent soak through.
Move to a non-porous floor area (tile, vinyl or sealed concrete) to clean.Once as much moisture as possible is removed, dampen the stain with clear water and sprinkle with laundry borax. Working from the outside edge of the stain toward the center, work the borax into the stain with a sponge or clean cloth until it is absorbed. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. Use a hand-held vacuum or the brush attachment on a standard vacuum to remove the residue. For blood stains, dampen a sponge or clean white cloth with two percent hydrogen peroxide. Blot the stain from the edges toward the center to prevent spreading. Move to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred. Note: Hydrogen peroxide may cause the foam to yellow and discolor but will remove the blood. For tough odors from urine or vomit, sprinkle the entire surface with baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit on the mattress for 24 hours and then vacuum away. This will also help with cigarette smoke odors.A commercial odor removal spray like Febreze or Ozium can also help refresh a foam topper.
After any stain removal process, allow the topper to air dry at least 24 hours before replacing it onto a mattress. If possible, stand the topper on its edge or elevate so there is air flow around all surfaces. Drying time may need to be extended if the stain removal was extensive.How To Thoroughly Clean A Foam Mattress PadBegin by vacuuming the topper well on both sides. Use the vacuum's upholstery brush tool and work in a circular motion to dislodge dust and dust mites that have accumulated on the surface.Depending on the size of the topper, you can choose to wash it in the bathtub or on a plastic tarp outside. If you work outside, you will need to be near a water hose.Treat any specific stains. Fill a spray bottle with one part liquid laundry detergent (preferably HE detergent which will produce fewer suds) to two parts water. Spray this solution over the surface and allow it to work for at least 45 minutes.You can add an oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean or Tide Oxi are brand names) to the cleaning solution to help lighten stains.
After the detergent solution has worked for 45 minutes, use the hose or a hand-held shower head attachment to rinse the surface. Try not to saturate the foam. Squeeze out excess water but do not wring the foam.Allow the topper to dry flat for several days on a waterproof surface. Keep it away from direct sunlight which may break down the foam. An electric fan will help circulate air and speed drying.Turn the topper a couple of times each day to help it dry more evenly. Never place back on the bed until you are certain it is completely dry.Tips To Make A Foam Mattress Pad Last LongerEvery six months, flip and rotate the mattress pad top to bottom to create even use and wear.Change bed sheets and mattress covers often - especially during summer months - to prevent moisture from remaining on the topper.Vacuum the mattress topper regularly - about once per month.How To Clean A Yoga MatIf your yoga mat is thin and in good condition (no rips or tears), it can be washed in a front load washer or top load washer without a center agitator.
Load the mat in the washer with several large towels. Wash in cool water and set the machine for a low spin speed or remove the mat before the final spin. Allow to air dry. NEVER place the pad in a tumble dryer. Most of the time the mattress cover performs its mattress-protecting job. Periodically, it's necessary to launder the mattress cover. A mattress cover should be washed and dried whenever it has been saturated with spills or other fluids. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service website recommends applying a pre-wash product to soiled areas on a mattress cover, and placing white tennis balls in the dryer with it to help prevent the mattress pad from bunching up. With a large enough washer and drier and basic laundry products, you can keep your mattress cover clean. Remove the mattress cover and check the inside seams for a manufacturer's care tag. It's usually in a corner, sewn into a seam. Check for the recommended washing temperature. Apply stain remover or a pre-wash product, such as an oxygen cleaner for laundry, on any stained or soiled areas of the mattress cover.
If in doubt about how to treat a stain, refer to a stain removal guide. The University of Illinois Extension website provides an alphabetized list of stain treatments. Follow the product instructions and leave the laundry product on the mattress cover for the required length of time, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Check that the stain removal has worked by rubbing the areas of the fabric together with your hands. If not, rinse the area in cold water, apply more product, and wait again. Laundering and drying the mattress cover will cause stains to set, so remove the stains as much as possible before washing the mattress cover. Put the mattress cover in a large home washing machine or a commercial washer. Add more oxygen cleaner, if desired. Wash on the warmest setting allowed by the manufacturer's care tag. If no care information is available for the mattress cover, wash it in cold water to avoid the risk of shrinkage. A mattress cover that shrinks will no longer fit the mattress.
Place four white tennis balls in the dryer with the mattress cover. Dry the mattress cover on a medium heat setting to reduce the risk of shrinkage, unless the care instructions direct otherwise. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Swing into Spring Cleaning University of Illinois Extension: Stain Solutions A to Z You May Also Like The purchase of a Tempur-Pedic bed is investment for your health and good sleeping habits. It makes sense to take every precaution... Mattress pads protect your mattress and add years to its average life. When the pad get soiled, wash it. Ahh, the comfort of sliding into a pre-warmed bed in the middle of winter can't be beat. But sooner or later you'll... A waterproof mattress cover protects the mattress from damage and odors due to fluids. Some waterproof mattress covers, also called waterproof mattress... Protect-a-Bed mattress covers, pillow protectors, encasements and other products keep bedding clean and dry.