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:"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.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.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.Skip to main content.
Home Guides Home Home Improvement Home Painting How to Wash and Dry a Waterproof Mattress Cover Clean your mattress protector for a good night's sleep. Waterproof mattress covers keep spills and leaks away from your bed, but they're not impervious to getting dirty. Regularly wash your mattress cover to get rid of dirt and odor. Most waterproof covers have a cloth top and vinyl backing, so they're typically safe to clean in the washing machine. Waterproof Mattress Cover Care Launder your waterproof mattress cover in the washing machine in cold or warm water, on a gentle or delicate setting. Use a bleach-free laundry detergent -- bleach can damage the waterproof backing of some covers. After washing, tumble-dry the cover on a low-heat setting. It's safe to dry the cover with other items, such as sheets or clothing. Don't use high heat; doing so damages the vinyl. Do not iron the cover or have it dry cleaned. If your waterproof mattress cover is new, wash it before using it for the first time.
Laundering helps remove packaging odors and softens the cover. References Luna Mattress Protectors: Care/FAQ/Warranty Info.The Expectant Parents' Companion; Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS Photo Credits David De Lossy/Digital Vision/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionJust 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.