Life happens, especially with kids, pets, and frequent guests in the house, which is why a clean mattress cover is essential for long-term mattress protection. Discover how to wash a waterproof mattress cover quickly and easily with our low-maintenance laundry tips; preserve your mattress investment without breaking a sweat.
The often neglected mattress cover is the only thing keeping your mattress safe from accidental spills, dead skin, dust, mites, bed bugs, and other allergens. Your mattress protector creates a barrier that limits exposure to unwanted elements. We can’t overstate the importance of a regular mattress and bedding cleaning schedule, especially if you suffer from allergies.
Most waterproof mattress protectors are made of polyethylene plastic. However, some are made with comfort in mind and are available for purchase with down-filled quilted material or sometimes cotton and wool. Follow some excellent advice about how to clean every common waterproof mattress cover material.
Washing a Waterproof Mattress Cover
If you’ve always wanted to know the best ways of cleaning a mattress cover, we’ve got terrific tips and tricks to help. Discover useful information about safely drying a mattress protector without damaging the waterproof membrane.
It’s time to get better sleep, knowing you’re napping on fresh, clean bedding. Waterproof protection is a big deal; each mattress cover has requirements and best care instructions. Learn how to identify and adapt to your mattress protector’s material guidelines with well-sourced directions and easy tutorials.
How to Spot Treat Your Waterproof Mattress Cover
Check the care instructions sewn into the mattress protector. Manufacturers include information on how to best care for your linens. Follow these suggestions to prevent unintentional damage to your expensive waterproof mattress pad.
Discover how to wash a waterproof mattress cover with a thorough spot treatment. Get a spray bottle and fill it with water, hydrogen peroxide, and a dab of mild dish soap or laundry detergent. Look for stains and spills, and cover them with a light misting of your homemade spot treatment. Let the spray sit for 30 minutes, and blot with a clean cloth.
Expose Your Mattress Protector to Sunlight
What happens when you check the care instructions and they advise against hot water? Unfortunately, the water needs to get pretty hot to kill many common pests like dust mites and bed bugs. In this case, let the sun do the heavy lifting.
Many experts say waterproof mattress protectors benefit from fresh air and intense UV rays. Unobstructed sunlight exposure for at least six hours is a fantastic way to kill things lurking deep within the waterproof membrane of your mattress topper.
Before you wash a waterproof mattress protector in the washing machine, give it some fresh air. Ensure you’re getting the bacteria that might otherwise survive the cold water cycle in the washing machine. If you have people to carry it outdoors, sunshine is also a great way to freshen a mattress. Be sure to pick a sunny day!
Wash a Waterproof Mattress Protector
Washing a waterproof mattress cover made of rubber or plastic is much easier when you have warm water and an eco-friendly antibacterial spray prepped and ready. This spray is ideal for those days when you don’t have time to strip and scrub your rubber mattress cover.
Mix the water, vinegar, and cedarwood oil in that order. The white vinegar and cedarwood oil deliver antibacterial and antimicrobial protection to your waterproof protector and are great to remove stains from an old foam mattress as well as the topper or cover.
Use a clean spray bottle to spray the mattress cover and the pillow protectors, and follow up with a clean cloth. Allow the waterproof pad to dry completely before making the bed.
Enzymatic Cleaner for Heavily Quilted Covers
Washing a waterproof mattress cover is sometimes complicated by the materials you’re working with. Many mattress covers come with ornate stitching and quilting across the top that traps grime and dead skin.
Enzymes are essential to many specialized detergents and cleaning products. They’re versatile and incredibly effective against otherwise stubborn stains. Enzymatic cleaners are targeted toward specific problems. For example, lipases clean oily spills, proteases clean blood and sweat, and cellulases brighten cotton fibers.
Enzymes are some of the best mattress maintenance sprays you can invest in. Enzymatic cleaners are ideal for most everyday fabric, from an organic cotton fitted sheet to your pillow protector and memory foam mattress cover. Always follow the directions, and conduct a test patch if you have any color-related concerns.
How to Wash a Waterproof Mattress Cover in the Machine
Washing a waterproof mattress cover in the machine should only be done after you’ve checked the care instructions. Once you confirm that the waterproof backing is machine washable, double-check the recommended water temperature, and set the cycle accordingly.
When it’s time to machine wash, stick to mild detergent instead of anything heavy-duty, and skip the bleach and fabric softener. Some chemical components in these items might damage the waterproof membrane during the washing cycle. Feel free to start this process by completing a thorough spot treatment with our recommended recipes.
It’s also important to know how to dry a waterproof mattress cover. It’s best to avoid excessive heat, which may damage or warp the fabric; for that reason, you should also avoid ironing. Tumble dry on the air setting and use a couple of dryer balls to help the fabric dry evenly.
We hope you enjoyed our breakdown of waterproof mattress cover care. Fabric and rubber protectors do a lot, and it’s important to know how to wash a waterproof mattress cover to prolong its usefulness.
Check your mattress cover often, and find a way to stay on top of regular cleaning. Whether it’s a quick spot treatment or a vinegar solution wipedown, every little bit helps when you don’t have time to pull the whole bed apart.
Experts advise a weekly wash of the bedding to stay on top of bacteria and grime buildup. If that’s not practical, find a schedule that works. Remember to observe the manufacturer’s care instructions and proceed as suggested. Clean, cozy bedding is a quick wash away.
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