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 drink, bladder leaks (and 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 we 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 green. "Most manufacturers recommend cleaning cotton mattress pads at least every two or three months, depending on use," says 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.
RELATED: How often you should wash your sheets Always follow the instructions on the care label of the pad. As a rule, 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, then add the pad. 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 do not have clothespins to fasten the pad to the clothesline, drape across the line with the vinyl side 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.
RELATED: DIY all-purpose cleaner you can make in 5 minutes Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions before cleaning foam mattress pads because foam pads are more delicate than fabric pads. They can shred and tear in washing machines and melt when dried at high temperatures. "Your best bet is to spot clean them," says Reichert. 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, working 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 rinse 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. The first step to cleaning an egg crate is to vacuum it on both sides to remove obvious dirt. 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, advises Reichert. 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. 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 these washers 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, says Reichert. 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. Wash down pad on the delicate cycle using 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 or 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 mildew and absorb odors, so continue drying until no trace of moisture remains.Here's how to clean a mattress and remove vomit, urine and their smell. You CAN save your expensive soiled memory foam bed or pad. Here's quick & easy step by step instructions to eliminate stinky stains and restore your sanity.If you're reading this you are probably facing a pee or puke panic or a spill situation.
If it's an old stain and you're looking for one last thing to try before you throw out a stinky, soiled memory foam bed or topper link over to "How to Clean a Mattress - Part 2". Don't go through this again! Buy two of these waterproof mattress protectors now. Click on image below, get it tomorrow.One to go on the bed after you finish cleaning up. And one for the closet in case your child or cat is sick several times in a night! This is the best selling one on Amazon. Your child just peed on your memory foam mattress...and the cat. Your feline was so scared that it projectile vomited before running off to hide under the bed. What do you do first?If you've got a good mattress cover, you've got nothing to worry about. But you're in a panic so... Do not scream or yell. The most important thing you need to know about how to clean a mattress is to work quickly. So save your breath and run to the kitchen and grab: Step 1) Fill half the bowl with vinegar and fill the other half with water.
Get back to the mattress without spilling the vinegar/water mix or dropping the other items.Step 2) Gently dab up the liquid mess with the paper towel. Carefully remove any sheets and mattress covers for later laundering. Press firmly with fresh towels to absorb more liquid. Do not squeeze or twist the foam.Step 3) Wet a paper towel with the vinegar/water solution and dab it where the urine and vomit were. Press in gently, then immediately use a fresh towel to dry it up. Keep this up until you've covered the entire stained area.Step 4) Then open the box of baking soda and pour it on top of the stain. Yes, the whole box. Spread it out so that you get a generous layer that extends a couple of inches beyond the stain(s).Step 5) Let the baking soda sit there for a couple of hours. Then vacuum it up. Warning: This will cause the cat to fly out from under the bed like a miniature clawed tornado, which might scare the pee out of you. With any luck you'll have caught the spill in time and you won't have to do anything else.