The best mattress toppers are large, unwieldy, and most of all, comfortable! Many of us wonder how to clean a memory foam mattress topper, especially since they’re not machine washable. You must follow some special care instructions when washing or spot cleaning them, but cleaning a mattress pad isn’t as hard as you might think.
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a mattress topper?” the answer is no; you don’t need one to have a comfortable and pleasant bed. However, a mattress topper is excellent for providing a bit of extra cushioning on an older or firmer mattress, so while it’s optional, many people prefer to have one, especially since they help relieve back pain.
When you’re considering how to wash a mattress encasement, remember whether you have enough room to wash the topper, what is safe to use on it, what is a mattress topper made of, and how dirty it is. Questions like these will help determine what is safe to use on it and how you should clean it.
Can You Wash a Foam Mattress Topper?
Can you wash a foam mattress topper? The answer is yes, but with some concessions. Different types of foam toppers require differing levels of care. Depending on the size and type, you can wash a mattress topper in the washing machine, but it’s better not to. As a general rule, no foam mattress topper should ever go in the washing machine but refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions to be sure.
The instructions we’ll go over in this guide mainly concern memory foam mattresses, but some of them may work to clean a foam mattress or for washing a waterproof mattress cover, as well. Before trying any mattress cleaning process on your entire mattress cover, check the care label, and test a smaller area to ensure colorfastness and compatibility.
After washing mattress covers and protectors, consider air-drying them. Never tumble dry your memory foam mattress when you’re done cleaning it!
Instead, leave it in a well-ventilated room or outdoors on a tarp to dry. Never leave it in direct sunlight, as this can discolor your mattress topper, and don’t put it back on your bed until it is fully dry.
If a mattress topper is returned to the bed while damp, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Electric fans are excellent for speeding up the drying process and getting water out of a memory foam mattress. Blot the excess water with paper towels, or a dry cloth also helps hurry the process along. In the absence of a fan, a hairdryer will also do.
How to Wash a Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Detergent
High-quality laundry detergent is the best way to get a memory foam mattress topper clean. It can also remove oily residue and other nasty things like dust mites and fleas. Make sure to use a high-quality, gentle detergent, as lower quality choices can change the color and texture of your mattress.
For this method, mix your laundry detergent with water, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The spray bottle is excellent for targeting small stains or odorous areas on the mattress topper. Alternatively, you can lightly mist the whole mattress to disinfect it.
Make sure to wipe the mixture away as you spray your mattress, as you don’t want any of the mix seeping into it. Then, rinse the mattress topper with water.
If you see any soapy areas forming as you clean the mattress topper, use extra water until all of these areas have disappeared. That’s how to wash a memory foam mattress topper thoroughly!
How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Vinegar
Vinegar is another excellent cleaning agent for all sorts of things around the house. Use this miracle product to make a delicious salad dressing or as a cleaner for most of your household surfaces.
It is ideal for a memory foam pillow and topper, primarily because of how well it works to remove sweat stains, a variety of other stains, and unpleasant odors. If you have a pet stain or urine stains on your mattress topper, a mixture of vinegar and water makes an excellent stain remover, and it lifts the odor away with the stain.
To tackle a stain with vinegar, spray it carefully and wipe in a circular motion until the stain fades. Blotting with a damp cloth will work, too. If you need to clean urine from a memory foam mattress or even blood stains, follow up the vinegar treatment with a solution of 2% hydrogen peroxide.
This solution will remove any stubborn blood stains that the vinegar couldn’t get out. Remember not to saturate your memory foam with liquid cleaners. Wash foam pillows and toppers carefully so that the cleaning solution doesn’t get too far into the material. It could lead to mildew that will be impossible to remove.
Remove Allergens from a Mattress Topper with a Mattress Vacuum
Knowing how to clean up a mattress pad frequently is the single most critical thing you can learn to keep it fresh and pleasant. However, if you haven’t done so recently, you can freshen it up quickly again with a few simple steps.
Or, if you think you may have a problem with bed bugs or dust mites, getting rid of bed bugs by vacuuming the entire surface is an excellent first step. Going over the topper a couple of times with a vacuum is an integral part of bed bug elimination.
Vacuuming your memory foam should always be your first step in cleaning it, even if you plan to use one of the other above methods afterward. A mattress-cleaning vacuum or a handheld vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment works best. Vacuum the mattress topper in even rows from top to bottom to remove allergens, skin cells, dust mites, and other particles.
For an extra-clean scent after you vacuum, sprinkle your mattress topper with laundry Borax beforehand and leave it there for 30-45 minutes. Then, vacuum the mattress, as usual, removing the Borax in the process.If you’re looking at deep cleaning a mattress instead, you can use a steam-cleaning vacuum on a foam mattress topper, too.
Vacuum in even rows as you would with a mattress-cleaning vacuum cleaner. If you want an extra-fresh scent, add a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to the warm water in the steam cleaner before using, then sprinkle baking soda on the mattress afterward to help absorb the cold water and air dry it.
Steam Cleaning
You can also use a steam cleaner for taking care of your memory foam mattress topper. It’s important to follow the directions carefully on the machine so that you will not damage your topper and have to resort to throwing it away.
Did you like our tips on how to clean a memory foam mattress topper? While foam toppers can be cumbersome and hard to move around, the comfort they provide is second-to-none.
If you stay on top (pun intended) of cleaning your mattress topper and avoid machine washing it, it will serve you for years. Some of these mattress topper cleaning tips can be applied to DIY upholstery cleaning, too.
If you liked learning these tips and tricks for how to clean a memory foam mattress topper, share this cleaning guide with others on Facebook or Pinterest who might want to know, too!