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.Getting Ready to Clean Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper Memory foam mattress toppers, and memory foam mattresses as well, for that matter, must always be cleaned by hand, because machine cleaning can destroy the memory foam. Start by removing your mattress topper from the bed, and place it on the floor. Check it for any stains and odors. Especially if you have to remove stains and odors, you may want to bring the topper into your bathroom, turning on the fan or opening the window to keep the room ventilated. If you're cleaning it on a hardwood or carpeted floor, place a tarp under it to protect the floor. Gather all the materials you need. For simple cleaning, you need a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, a gentle fabric cleaner, water, and a spray bottle. Vacuuming and Cleaning Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The first step in cleaning your mattress topper is to vacuum it. Use a powerful handheld vacuum if possible, working with a soft brush attachment. Work your way from across the mattress topper using circular motions to pick up dust, debris, and other particles from the mattress. If you have an eggshell-style mattress topper, work through the crevices between the peaks, where debris is likely to congregate. If your mattress topper is free from odors or stains, move straight to spraying it with detergent. Use a gentle laundry detergent such as those used for hand washing, mixing one part detergent to two parts warm water. Fill a spray bottle with the detergent, and then spray the entire mattress lightly. Don't soak the foam, but keep your spray bottle moving as you spray. How to Remove Stains from Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper After you blot the stain with water, sprinkle boric acid on it, and then keep blotting it till it's gone. If you're dealing with a stain caused by pet urine that soaked through your bedding, try an enzymatic pet stain cleaner.
Apply the cleaner, and then let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Another option for stain removal is hydrogen peroxide. Be very careful using this chemical, and be aware that it may discolor your foam mattress topper. After spot cleaning the stains, blot the area again with a damp sponge and let it dry. Once it's dry, vacuum once more to remove any vestiges of the chemicals. How to Remove Odors From Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper Stains that have a tendency to linger inside a memory foam pad or mattress topper include urine, vomit, and cigarette smoke. To remove these odors, start by vacuuming and spray-cleaning the mattress topper as usual, and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Let it sit overnight or for at least eight hours before vacuuming the baking soda away. Other options include trying citrus-based cleaning products or products specifically designed for eliminating odors. The Final Stages of Cleaning Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper Don't forget the flip side of your gel memory foam mattress topper.