How to Clean a Mattress Topper

Drifting off into dreamland is next to impossible if you’re rolling around in crumbs and dirty sheets. Leaving your bed out of your home cleaning routine can lead to some serious dust build-up—and no one wants to sleep in a dust mite hotel. The four-star room those creepy crawlers love most is your mattress topper.

Regularly cleaning your mattress topper is important for two reasons: to remove dirt, dust mites, and other allergens that can cause irritation and to prolong the lifespan of your topper. Not to mention, it’ll make it more comfortable to snooze on.

Ready to give your mattress topper a good scrubbing? Here are our top tips for how to clean a mattress topper that will have your bed smelling fresh and clean in no time.

The Basics of Cleaning a Mattress Topper

Some bed-cleaning rituals are simple, like throwing your comforter in the wash every couple of weeks. Unfortunately, keeping your mattress topper squeaky clean isn’t quite as low-maintenance. There are a couple of tasks you’ll need to add to your cleaning routine.

First things first: regularly wash and strip your bedding. You’d never believe how much dirt and germs are left behind while you sleep. And the only way to rid your bed of these unwanted guests is to wash your sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover/ comforter, and topper at least once a month.

Once a quarter, you’ll want to take your wash routine to the next level and strip your bedding (which is all the elements mentioned above). Soak those bad boys in a mix of hot water and a DIY borax solution to deep clean and kill any remaining allergens.

Beyond washing, here are a couple of other cleaning basics you should keep in mind when cleaning your mattress topper.

• Vacuum regularly: Gently vacuum your mattress topper with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner once a week. This will help remove any dust or dirt particles that have gathered since you last washed it.
• Flip and rotate: Every few months, flip your mattress topper over. This will help evenly distribute wear and tear so that it lasts longer. Plus, it’ll help keep things looking fresh—no one likes a lumpy bed.
• Sprinkle baking soda: If your mattress topper starts to smell a little funky (we’re talking mildew-y), sprinkle some baking soda on it and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up. The baking soda will help absorb any unwanted smells.

Deep Cleaning a Mattress Topper

Even if you keep up with your regular cleaning, there will inevitably come a time when you need to bring in reinforcements. Spills. stains, yellowing, and general grime happen to everyone, no matter how clean they are. If your mattress topper needs a little extra help, try one of these deep-clean hacks:

• Vinegar and water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your mattress topper with the solution and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, use a clean cloth to blot away any remaining liquid. Vacuum the area to remove any residual moisture.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and use it to remove any stains on your topper. You don’t need a ton of the mixture for it to work, and you should avoid using it on memory foam toppers as it can cause damage.
• Enzyme cleaner: If you’re dealing with a really tough stain, reach for an enzyme cleaner. These are great for removing organic stains like blood, vomit, urine, and sweat.
• Dish soap: For light stains, create a sudsy mixture of dish soap and water. Use a clean cloth to work the solution into the soiled areas, and then rinse it away with clean water. Blot away any excess liquid and let your topper air dry.

If your mattress topper ever gets any kind of stain on it, remove it from the bed and check to see if anything bled onto your mattress. Cleaning just your topper won’t do any good if your mattress is still dirty.

Many toppers today are machine-washable, which makes the cleaning process a whole lot easier. Feather and down toppers sometimes fall into the category with memory foam and latex toppers and can only be spot-treated. Check the label on your topper for specific washing instructions.

How to Protect a Mattress Topper and Prevent Stains

The best way to expand the lifespan of your topper—and keep it clean—is to prevent stains in the first place. Here are a few things you can do:

• Use a machine-washable, waterproof mattress protector.
• Avoid eating and drinking in bed.
• Wash your bedding at least once a month (and more if you can).
• Vacuum your mattress topper regularly.
• Flip and rotate your mattress topper every few months.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your mattress topper in tip-top shape for years to come.

If you start to see stains that won’t go away, it might be time to buy a new mattress topper, replace your pillows, or replace your mattress itself. This depends on the wear and tear and the age of each.

Takeaway

Cleaning and protecting your mattress topper doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following our mattress topper cleaning tips, you can keep your topper clean—and your sleep environment allergen-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash a mattress topper?

Some toppers (like cotton, wool, and down) are usually machine washable. Others (like memory foam and latex) should only be spot-cleaned. Check the label on your topper for specific instructions.

How do you clean a memory foam mattress topper?

Memory foam toppers should only be spot-cleaned. Sprinkle baking soda on the topper and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up to remove any unwanted smells and stains.

How do you clean urine out of a mattress topper?

An enzyme cleaner is your best bet for removing organic stains like urine. You can pick up a bottle of enzyme cleaner at your local grocery store or online.

How often should you wash a mattress topper?

Every three months is the general rule of thumb. But, if you have allergies or sensitivities, you may want to wash it more often.