How to Clean a Foam Mattress Topper (2024)

• Working Time:1 hour
• Total Time:1 day

This Is How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets, According to MDs

1. Put the topper on the prepped surface

   Place your topper on the tarp or other waterproof surface. If your foam mattress topper has a cover, remove it and check the care instructions for how to clean it.

2. Run your vacuum on the topper

   Use an upholstery brush to help remove debris that's settled into the foam, and ensure you go over every inch to help remove as many dust mites and dead skin cells as possible.

3. Choose your cleaning solution

   You may want to check with your foam mattress topper manufacturer to see what kinds of cleaning solutions they recommend. Some manufacturers suggest a solution made of half distilled white vinegar, and half cool water, while others suggest high-efficiency laundry detergent—used at a ratio of 1 part detergent to 2 parts water.

   Whichever you choose, put the solution into the spray bottle.

4. Give the mattress topper a spritz until it's damp

   Spray the cleaning solution all over the mattress topper, and let it sit for at least 45 minutes to give the cleaner time to work.

5. Rinse out your cleaning solution

   Use clean cloths and cool water to rinse out the cleaning solution.

   You don't want to soak the mattress topper, as that will require a longer drying time, and may give mold or mildew time to take hold.

6. Blot out excess water

   Squeeze out as much water as possible to help your mattress pad dry faster and reduce the chances that mold begins.

7. Sprinkle on some baking soda

   Leave the baking soda on your mattress for at least eight hours to help remove odors—the longer, the better, if you are trying to remove strong smells like cigarette smoke or urine.

8. Vacuum up the baking soda

   Remove the baking soda (hopefully, along with the odor).

9. Let your mattress topper fully dry

   You can use a small fan or a hair dryer with a no-heat setting to help speed up the drying time. Once it's dry, you can place it back on your bed.

   Flipping your foam mattress topper after a deep clean can help your topper last longer by ensuring that you don't keep putting wear and tear into the same pressure points.

How to Keep Your Foam Mattress Topper Clean Longer

This is one of those situations where regular cleaning can help reduce the need for a truly deep clean. Pull out the vacuum when you're changing your sheets and vacuum your mattress topper to clear up debris. You can also sprinkle on baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then run your vacuum, for an in-between clean.

Also, changing your sheets more often helps reduce dust mite buildup.

Removing Stains from Your Foam Mattress Topper

Accidents happen. And whether you end up with urine, blood, sweat, or other stains on your mattress topper, you'll want to clean up the mess as quickly as possible.

1. Use a towel or absorbent cloth to soak up any remaining liquid

   If the stain is fresh, this can help minimize the chance of a permanent mark on your topper.

2. Clean the area with a vinegar and water solution

   Spray the area with a combination of one part white vinegar to one part water until it's damp, then use a clean towel to soak up the cleaner. Repeat as necessary to remove the stain.

3. Sprinkle on baking soda

   Let it sit on your mattress for at least eight hours, to help soak up the stain (and any odors that come with it). Vacuum up the area, and remake your bed.
   

How to Get Rid of Smells in Your Foam Mattress Topper

Stains aren't the only thing that can make your mattress topper seem not so fresh. Dealing with odors in your foam mattress topper requires many of the same steps as other deep cleaning methods. Allowing the baking soda to sit on your bed for 24 hours can give it a longer time to help dissipate an odor. You can also use products like Febreze to help remove odors.