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Can you wash a mattress topper?

Mattress toppers are excellent options to revitalize your old and out-of-shape mattress. With time, mattress surfaces lose their shape with continuous wear and tear. This is where you can use a mattress topper to revamp your sleep surface and make it more relevant.

Another benefit is that mattress toppers can be taken off your mattress. So, can you wash them? I will dive into some details in this guide and learn everything about that, so continue reading.

What is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is an additional layer of foam that you can place on top of your old mattress. It will work well for those out-of-shape mattresses because now you have a new surface to sleep on.

how to clean mattress topper

A Mattress topper is a good choice when it comes to saving some money. They make you resume your old mattress and are much cheaper than buying a full mattress.

But you need to use a bed sheet because your mattress topper is exposed to your body oils, sweat, and other fluids that might spill on it. So, you need to take care of them and wash them periodically; otherwise, they will deteriorate much quicker.

Should I Wash My Mattress Topper Regularly?

You use your mattress topper every night, and in this scenario, you should wash your mattress topper regularly. But you must remember some toppers don’t need to be washed too vigorously, and washing them too aggressively reduces their lifespan.

Washing them weekly or fortnightly is the way to go. But read the instructions that come with your mattress when you buy it. These instructions will guide you on how to clean your topper without damaging it.

Can I Use a Washing Machine to Clean My Mattress Topper?

Some of these mattress toppers are machine washable. But you should check the label and see the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the topper is washable in a machine, your machine might not be able to take it as a whole. So, you might have to pay a visit to your launderette.

However, if you have decided to wash it at home, it will be a pretty long process involving washing and drying the topper. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

  • You must pretreat the stains with the help of your mild cleaner.
  • Use less detergent than you normally do, as it reduces foaming but eliminates any odors.
  • Allow the topper to soak for some time so the dirt and oil can get loose.
  • You can run an additional rinse cycle and remove any leftover detergent or dirt in a detailed manner.
  • Allow the topper or air to dry in the sun and relax naturally.

You can use your tumble dryer to wash your topper, but check that label before doing that. Some mattress toppers are too delicate and can get damaged due to any mild heat they are exposed to in tumble dryers.

Cleaning a Mattress Topper

Cleaning your mattress topper will depend on your type of topper and how dirty it is. Here are some steps to wash your topper in your washing machine.

Regular cleaning

Regular cleaning doesn’t need to be too thorough. You will only need to strip off the sheets, take your mattress topper, and put it on the floor.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dead skin cells, mites, or hair from your topper. Remember to flip it over and vacuum the other side too.

how to wash mattress topper

Spot & stain treatments

If spills have been on your topper, remove the sheet and soak the pill as much as possible with the help of rags and towels. Make sure not to rub or wipe the spills, or it will result in the strain going deeper into the mattress topper.

If spills have soaked through the topper and onto the mattress, you must treat the mattress too. Just spot-treat the mattress as you would deal with a duvet.

Mix equal proportions of baking soda and water and put the solution into a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto the affected area and blot any excess liquid. Let the topper dry before you put it back onto your mattress.

Deep cleaning

Go for strong cleaners if the time to deep clean your topper has come due to severe stains or spills. But make sure to blot and not wipe. Enzymatic cleaners are best because they work well against odors and stains caused by body oils and sweat. Dish soap can work well in this regard.

Odor removing

To get rid of any odors, spread some baking soda on your topper and vacuum it after about eight hours to get rid of soda. This is the most effective way to eliminate any odors from your topper conveniently.

Conclusion:

You can wash your mattress topper, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should do that. In most cases, you will need to spot-clean your topper and be sure not to wash your topper at home.

You can visit the laundry for that; otherwise, your smaller washing machine might damage the topper. You can use baking soda to eliminate any odors your topper might have developed over time.

But it’s always better to wash your topper from professional services and do spot cleaning to eliminate the stains and odors from the topper.

Wash a mattress topper FAQs

How do you clean urine out of a mattress topper?

You should make a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda, 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of liquid detergent or dish soap. Now, put this solution into a spray bottle and apply it generously to those stained areas. Let the mixture soak in and dry.

Can you wash a padded mattress topper?

You shouldn’t use your washing machine to wash a padded mattress topper, or it will damage that structure. The strong agitation caused by machine washing can rip the foam apart, making your topper useless. Make sure not to put memory foam in the dryer too.

What causes yellow stains on the mattress pad?

These yellow stains are caused by bodily fluids, including urine, sweat, and oils. Their color is yellow due to mold or mildew that might have formed around the spills and that’s why the stains are yellow.

Why do foam mattress toppers turn yellow?

Again, any build-up of body fluids within them can cause those yellow-colored stains on mattress toppers. You can use vinegar or baking soda to get rid of these stains. But make sure to deal with those stains as soon as you have found them.

How do you clean a smelly mattress topper?

The best way to do it is to spread baking soda on the topper. And then let the soda be there on your topper for around eight hours. After that, you can vacuum it from your topper, and you will notice that the smell will be gone.