Can You Wash a Mattress Topper? Everything You Need to Know

It is an excellent purchase! First of all, it is an addition of luxury that adds an extra layer of comfortable cushioning to a hard surface of a bed, prolongs its life expertations, and regulates your body temperature at nighttime. But it is important to remember that just like the bed sheets and the pillows you use, a mattress topper collects sweat, dead skin cells, natural body fluids, and even accidental spots every single night.

At one point in time, each of us finds himself or herself wondering about the same thing: Is it possible to wash a mattress topper?

Well, in most cases, it is possible but you should definitely be careful with it since throwing a thick memory foam pad in the machine is a surefire way to damage the item by pulling it apart into pieces. In order to know exactly how to take care of your particular model of bedding, it is crucial.

Here in our Wowbeds guide, you will learn everything about cleaning a mattress topper of any type, removing stains, and even storing the topper right when it is not being used.

TL;DR Summary: The Quick Cleaning Guide

If you are in a rush and need the basics on how to clean your topper safely, follow these golden rules:

• Check the Tag: Always read the manufacturer's care label first.
• The Cover is Washable: Most toppers come with a removable fabric cover that can be flipped right into the washing machine.
• Memory Foam & Latex: Never put foam or latex in the washing machine. You must vacuum them and spot-clean them by hand.
• Cotton & Down: These materials are often machine-washable on a delicate cycle, but always verify with the care tag first.
• Bone Dry: You must guarantee the topper is 100% dry before putting it back on your bed, or toxic mold will grow inside it.

1. Why Cleaning Your Mattress Topper is Highly Important

It is widely believed that since the topper rests comfortably under the fitted sheet, it remains clean all the time. However, it is nothing but a huge mistake.

In just one year, an individual gives off more than 100 liters of sweat in bed and loses thousands of dead skin cells. Although the bed sheets absorb most of it, the moisture and bacteria find their way right through the fabric and sink into the mattress topper.

As a result, a filthy topper becomes home for dust mites, which can lead to serious allergies, asthma attacks during the night, and other skin problems. Besides, the accumulation of moisture results in the breakdown of the foam structure inside the mattress, making it flatter earlier than it should be. It is vital to keep the mattress clean for your wellbeing.

2. Can You Wash a Mattress Topper in the Washing Machine?

The question "can you wash a mattress topper?" is often asked when individuals want to know whether they can avoid the trouble and toss it directly into the washing machine. This decision completely relies on the type of topper material you own.

Materials that SHOULD NEVER be put into the washing machine:

• Memory Foam: Memory foam should never be subjected to any washing machines because the vigorous spinning mechanism would cause tearing of the soft material into small pieces. Additionally, since memory foam is highly absorbent, it is going to soak up excessive water and become extremely heavy, thus taking weeks to air dry and resulting in mold formation.
• Natural Latex: Natural latex material cannot be washed in a washing machine because it is equally fragile as memory foam.

The following items may be put into the washing machine:

• Cover Removal: The best thing about foam toppers is that most have removable fabric covers that can be easily washed in the machine on a delicate setting.
• Featherbed Toppers: Most featherbed toppers may be machine-washed. It is important to use a front-loading machine and cold water along with a mild soap.
• Cotton or Microfiber Toppers: These lightweight toppers will probably be able to be safely washed in the washing machine.

Before doing anything, always check the care label on your product. If it says that the topper should only be spot cleaned, then that is what you need to do.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Memory Foam or Latex Topper

Since memory foam is the most common mattress material available, it is important that you know how to properly clean your mattress topper. The process involved is virtually the same as when looking for how to clean your mattress.

This is the best, most efficient way to effectively deep clean your foam topper without damaging it:

Step 1: Strip and Prepare
Take the mattress topper off of your bed and place it down flat on the floor. If it has a washable zip-up case, take the case off and put it into the washing machine.

Step 2: Thoroughly Vacuum
Attach a soft bristle or upholstery attachment to your vacuum cleaner. Run the vacuum cleaner across the top surface of the mattress in a circular motion to eliminate any dust mites, animal fur, and dead skin cells stuck in the material.

Step 3: Deodorizing the Topper with Baking Soda
To get rid of the bad smell caused by old sweat on your topper, nothing works better than baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the foam.

Leave it there for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the baking soda to absorb any excess moisture and eliminate the odor. Remove the baking soda thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.

Step 4: Spot Cleaning is Your Best Bet
Soaking your topper is a huge no-no. Pour an equal ratio of cold water and white vinegar together with a small quantity of laundry detergent in a spray bottle.

Spray the affected areas lightly. Grab a damp cloth and blot the stain. Never scrub because you risk pushing the stain further into the foam.

Step 5: Make Sure the Topper is Completely Dried
Foam tends to hold moisture quite tightly. Therefore, make sure your topper is absolutely dry before replacing it in your bed. Place it in an airy space and aim a fan at it. Avoid using a hairdryer on high temperatures as it could melt your memory foam.

4. How to Clean Wool, Feather, and Cotton Toppers

If you want to opt for more environmentally friendly options, your cleaning method is slightly changed .

Wool Topper:

As a naturally antibacterial material and being resistant to dust mites, wool top covers hardly need thorough washing. If you do need to freshen your wool cover up, just place it in the sunlight for a few hours to naturally disinfect the material. In case of spots, just spot clean the fabric using cold water and special detergents suitable for wool. Do not put your woolen cover in a dryer as it might significantly shrink.

Feather and Down Toppers:

Most feather covers can easily be washed but need extreme care when doing that. Use the softest program with cold water and very gentle detergent. For drying, use a dryer but set it to the lowest temperatures. To make sure that feathers will get fluffed properly after drying, put two balls into the dryer and let them bounce and fluff the feathers.

Cotton and Polyester Covers:

This material is one of the easiest to maintain. Just use the gentlest program on your washing machine with cold water. Afterward, tumble dry on low heat.

5. Tackling Stubborn Spills and Stains

Sometimes accidents happen. A spilled cup of coffee in the morning, a pet accident or a nosebleed – quick action is the only way you can save your topper from these disasters.

• Sweat and Urine: Use enzymes-based cleaners. Enzymes literally "eat" protein in sweat or urine, removing both the stain and the odor. Spray the spot with a little enzyme-based cleaner and leave it on for 15 minutes, then dry the spot with a clean towel.
• Blood Stain: Use freezing cold water to remove the stain. Hot water literally cooks blood proteins into the fibers, making it impossible to remove the stain. Dilute some hydrogen peroxide in cold water and pour it over the spot, wait for it to fizz and absorb it away.

In case of serious stains, which have penetrated all the way through the topper and stained the mattress underneath, follow our complete guide "How Do I Wash a Mattress and Remove Stains Easily".

6. How Do You Store a Mattress Topper Safely?

Sometimes you will need to store your topper—maybe you're moving, or perhaps you only use it as an additional mattress in the guest bedroom around Christmas time. Just like when figuring out how you store a mattress, proper storage of your topper is important in order to avoid mold and possible damage to its structure.

• Clean it: Never try to store a dirty mattress topper; always clean it using the methods from above and dry it thoroughly.
• Roll It Up and Do Not Fold It: Folds can create hard creases on a thick memory foam mattress topper that will eventually crack and break off the foam. To avoid it, roll your topper up tight just like you would do with a sleeping bag.
• Vacuum-Seal or Wrap Up: Either vacuum-seal your mattress topper with one of those big bags you have or wrap it in heavy-duty plastic. Make sure it's done tightly and seal the ends with tape.
• Climate-Controlled Storage Area: Do not leave it in wet basements or hot garages; otherwise, you may risk getting water moisture inside the plastic and, consequently, getting mold.
• Do Not Stack Heavy Boxes: Heavy boxes must never be stacked over the stored foam mattress topper, as the weight will compress the foam cells and reduce their capability of bouncing back.

7. When is it Time to Replace Your Topper or Mattress?

While a mattress topper is an incredible gadget that helps make a hard mattress much more comfortable, it can never be considered a miracle solution when trying to save an old and dying bed.

In case your mattress is severely sagging, damaged due to broken springs, or dipping dramatically in its center, a new topper won't do any miracles since it will surely go into the same depression, causing you back pains after each sleep.

Moreover, a quality memory foam mattress topper will need replacement in three to five years. In case your topper is falling apart, ripped, or discolored, even deep washing will fail to revive it.

Thus, when the time comes to buy a replacement for your poor mattress foundation, don't ignore your spinal health anymore. Take a look at the collection of amazing beds offered by Wowbeds.

8. Extending the Lifespan of Your Mattress Topper With WowBeds

Therefore, is it possible to clean a mattress topper? Indeed it is. Although you will not be able to wash your bulky memory foam mattress topper using a machine, taking care that you properly vacuum and clean off any stains will guarantee its longevity.

The importance of ensuring a healthy sleeping environment cannot be over focused as this helps keep you free from any respiratory diseases and make sure that you are well-rested every day when you awake. Always take care of your topper, and once you have washed it, maintain that it dries and store it properly. And when the topper is unable to do the job of helping an older mattress, remember the sleep specialists at Wowbeds have got your back.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you need to wash a mattress topper before use?
   No, you do not need to wash a brand-new mattress topper before using it. However, new memory foam toppers often have a slight chemical smell known as "off-filling." It is highly important to unroll the new topper and let it air out in a well-ventilated room for 24 to 48 hours before placing it on your bed and sleeping on it.

2. Can I put my mattress topper in the washing machine?
   It strictly depends on the material. You can never put memory foam or natural latex in a washing machine, as the agitation will completely destroy the material. However, if your topper has a removable fabric cover, or if it is a thin cotton or polyester quilted pad, you can usually wash it safely on a gentle cycle. Always check the manufacturer's care tag first.

3. What are the disadvantages of mattress toppers?
   While mattress toppers provide excellent comfort, they have a few downsides. Thick memory foam toppers can trap body heat, making you sleep hot. They also add extra height to your bed, which may require you to buy deep-pocketed fitted sheets. Finally, a topper cannot fix a mattress that is already sagging; it will simply sink into the existing dips.

4. What is the lifespan of a mattress topper?
   A high-quality memory foam or latex mattress topper typically lasts between 3 to 5 years with proper care and regular cleaning. Lower-quality cotton or polyester fiberfill toppers usually flatten out and lose their supportive shape within 1 to 2 years.