The Ultimate Mattress Topper Washing Guide

To improve sleeping conditions and protect an expensive mattress from daily wear, many people choose to add a mattress topper on top of their mattress. Adding a mattress topper is a valuable option because it provides extra softness and frees you from the tedious process of cleaning the mattress. However, that does not mean you never need to clean your bed. It is highly recommended to wash your mattress topper regularly because you shed hair, dead skin, and oil every night while sleeping, and the accumulation of all these dirt is not good for your health. The problem is that you might have been washing your mattress topper in the wrong way. That is why we have come up with the ultimate mattress topper washing guide for you to check if you have been taking care of your mattress topper in the right way.

What is the material of your mattress topper?

Before we delve into the washing instructions, it's important to determine the material of your mattress topper. There are several common types of mattress toppers available on the market, including:

#1 Memory foam mattress toppers

#2 Latex mattress toppers

#3 Feather and down mattress toppers

#4 Polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers

Each type of material requires specific washing instructions, so before tossing your mattress topper into the washing machine, be sure to check the care label. Some toppers may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure that the cleaning process does not reduce the performance of your mattress topper.

#1 Sleep Zone’s washing instruction for memory foam mattress toppers

Spot Cleaning - If there are only a few stains on your memory foam mattress topper, spot cleaning is usually sufficient. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Machine Washing - If your memory foam mattress topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water or high spin speeds, as they can damage the memory foam. Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener. Wash the mattress topper only with similar lightweight items to avoid damaging the foam.

Drying - It is important to dry the memory foam mattress topper properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Air drying is the best option, as heat from the dryer can damage the foam. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the topper and place it on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, turning it occasionally until it is completely dry. Make sure your mattress is not directly exposed to sunlight, as the sun’s rays can deodorize the memory foam. This process may take a day or two, so check the weather forecast before drying.

#2 Sleep Zone’s washing instrution for latex mattress toppers

Vacuum - Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled brush attachment to remove any surface dust or dirt.

Spot Cleaning - For small stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water, and allow it to air dry.

Machine Washing - If your latex mattress topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the latex. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. 

Drying - It's important to dry the latex mattress topper properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Air drying is the best option, as heat from the dryer can damage the latex. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the topper and place it on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, turning it occasionally until it's completely dry. Avoid exposing the latex topper to direct sunlight or high heat.

#3 Sleep Zone’s washing instrution for feather and down mattress toppers

Spot Clean - If there are only a few small stains, spot cleaning may be enough. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Use a Front-loading Washing Machine - If the topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a delicate cycle with cool water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the feathers. 

Rinse Thoroughly - After the washing cycle is complete, run the topper through an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent.

Dry Gently - To dry the feather and down topper, use a large capacity dryer set on low heat with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. This will help to fluff the feathers and keep them from clumping together. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the topper and ensure it is drying evenly. The drying process may take several hours to complete.

Air Out - Once the topper is dry, air it out in a well-ventilated area to remove any remaining moisture and odors. It's important to make sure the topper is completely dry before using it again to avoid the growth of mold or mildew.

#4 Sleep Zone’s washing instruction for polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers

Pre-treat Stains - If there are any stains on the topper, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.

Use a Mild Detergent - Use a mild detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers of the topper.

Wash on a Gentle Cycle - Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.

Rinse Thoroughly - After the wash cycle is complete, rinse the topper thoroughly to ensure all detergent is removed.

Dry Carefully - Polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, but it's important to check the care label to ensure it's safe to do so. Alternatively, you can air dry the topper by laying it flat on a clean, dry surface. Avoid exposing the topper to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can damage the fibers.

Fluff the Topper - After the topper is dry, fluff it up by hand to restore its shape and loft.

Words at the End

As we keep mentioning, always check the label before washing your mattress topper or any other fabric. If your mattress topper must be hand washed or dry cleaned at a store, it is not convenient as it should be. Luckily, at Sleep Zone, all of our mattress toppers  are machine washable. This not only saves you time and effort, but also encourages you to refresh your bed more frequently for your family's health and comfort. Remember, even small efforts can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing.