How to Clean a Mattress Topper - A Homeowners Guide (2024)

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Mattress toppers are an excellent way to add comfort and support to your mattress. They’re a simple and inexpensive solution to get that just-right level of comfort that you’re looking for. But do you know how to clean a mattress topper?

Cleaning mattress toppers isn’t as easy as throwing them into the wash and dryer. You must take essential steps to wash them safely and correctly. You spent time and money selecting the perfect mattress topper, don’t ruin it by being neglectful during the cleaning process.

To learn how to clean a mattress topper the correct way, continue reading below. We’ve put together a complete guide on properly cleaning mattress toppers just for you!

Table of Contents

• Supplies You’ll Need
• Always Follow Instructions
• How to Wash Mattress Topper
• Vinyl-Backed Mattress Topper
• Cotton Mattress Topper
• Egg-Crate Mattress Topper
• Down Mattress Topper
• Foam Mattress Topper
• Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Removing Odor From the Mattress Topper
• How to Get Stains Out of Mattress Topper
• Tips For Regular Maintenance
• How to Clean a Mattress Topper: A Summary
• Need A New Mattress Topper?

Supplies You’ll Need

Different mattress toppers require different cleaning instructions and supplies.

In many cases, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Mild (non-abrasive) Washing detergent
• Large enough flat surface or clothesline for drying the topper
• 2-3 clean and soft towels
• Vinegar, lemon juice, water
• Spray bottle for spot cleaning
• Dryer or fan
• Vacuum with a hose attachment or a wet/dry vacuum with a hose

You might not need all of these ingredients, depending on what type of topper you have.

However, these ingredients can be used on any mattress topper if desired.

Always Follow Instructions

The first step in cleaning your mattress topper is always to follow the care instructions given for that specific topper. Some mattress toppers require specific cleaning care due to their material or manufacturer. Before completing any type of cleaning process on your mattress topper, be sure you know the material that it’s made out of and the specific dos or don’ts gave on the tag.

Mattress toppers come in various materials such as mattress toppers with foam, cotton, egg-crate, down, plastic-backed, and more. Because of this, there isn’t just one way to clean all types of mattress toppers. Some materials, however, are much easier to clean than others.

Always start by reading the care instructions and following the steps below.

How to Wash Mattress Topper

How to clean a mattress topper varies according to the material; i.e., you will need to treat a foam mattress topper very differently from a cotton mattress topper. Some will need a delicate touch; others will be suitable for cleaning a washing machine.

We break down the different types of mattress toppers – and how to clean them – to ensure that you are washing your mattress topper in a way that preserves its quality and avoids damage.

Vinyl-Backed Mattress Topper

In many cases, vinyl-backed mattress toppers are machine washable. For machine washing, you’ll want to use warm or cold water and run it on a gentle cycle. Don’t go for harsh detergent when washing your mattress topper in the washing machine.

Instead, choose a mild detergent. You also don’t want to use bleach when washing this mattress topper, as bleach is too harsh for the material. The good idea is to allow the washer machine to fill up with water first, then add in the mild detergent, mix it around, and finally place the mattress topper inside.

This is a great way to get the detergent to distribute across the mattress topper evenly rather than only reaching the areas where you pour it on. If the care instructions permit, tumble dry this mattress topper on low heat. Drying it on high heat will ruin the vinyl.

If placing it in the dryer is not advisable, allow it to air dry. You can hang it on a clothesline outside or place it on a large enough surface in your house. If you don’t hang it up to dry, make sure you flip it occasionally for even drying.

Cotton Mattress Topper

After reading the care instructions, you should be able to place your cotton mattress topper in the washer machine.

Wash with warm or cold water using a mild detergent.

Tumble dry on low or air dry if it’s recommended.

Cotton mattress toppers are one of the most accessible toppers to clean.

Egg-Crate Mattress Topper

If you have an egg-crate mattress topper, then you know just how easy it is for debris to build up in the egg-crate design. Whether it be lint, fuzz, or anything else, the best way to clean this type of mattress topper is to break out your vacuum cleaner!

Vacuum it on both sides using the hand tool.

If the care instructions permit machine washing, then remember to only machine wash in oversized washers or commercial washers. A normal-sized washing machine might cause the foam on the topper to tear.

Use warm or cold water on the gentle cycle with mild detergent.

Lay it on a flat surface to dry, occasionally flipping it for drying. If you don’t own an oversized washer machine or the care instructions don’t permit washer machine cleaning, you’ll need to spot dry your mattress topper.

Spot clean the areas that need cleaning by spraying them with a mixture of equal parts water, white vinegar, and lemon juice.

Allow this to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing in the shower, and then use a wet/dry vacuum to dry. As mentioned, you can fold, press, or dry out on a flat surface.

Down Mattress Topper

If the care instructions permit washer machine cleaning, you first should check the entire mattress topper for any rips. If there are rips, you’ll have feathers covering your washer machine and a less fluffy topper.

Next, you’ll want to find any stains and pretreat them with down or mild detergent.

Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for about 15-20 minutes before washing the entire topper.

Also, remember that when washing a down mattress topper, it’s best to use a washer machine that doesn’t have an agitator (that large middle piece inside many washer machines).

When washing, use cold water on the gentle cycle with a small amount of down cleaner. Rinse the topper twice to ensure all cleaner is removed. Dry in your dryer on the lowest heat setting. During drying, remove the topper several times to smooth out clumps.

Ensure the entire topper is dry before removing it from the dryer.

Foam Mattress Topper

Keep in mind that foam mattress toppers like ours lined with Bamboo are the most delicate type when cleaning. Because of this, it’s best to spot-clean your foam mattress topper. Before you spot clean, grab your vacuum cleaner and vacuum both sides of the topper.

For spot cleaning, you can use an enzyme-based cleaner or a cleaning solution with equal parts of water, lemon juice, and distilled white vinegar. Start by spraying the outside of the stain and scrubbing in circles, working your way in.

This keeps the stain from spreading.

Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with a clean sponge soaked in cold water. Pat it clean with the sponge, and then use a dry, soft towel to pat dry. Continue this until all of the moisture is removed from the topper.

You can take a wet/dry vacuum and vacuum it if needed. Lay the topper on a flat surface, flipping it occasionally for even drying.

If the entire topper needs cleaning, spray it with the solution, allow it to sit for the same amount of time, and then rinse it in the shower.

Never wring it out to dry. Fold and squeeze it, use your wet/dry vacuum, or lay it out for drying.

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Memory foam is the denser, more expensive alternative to a regular foam mattress topper: it’s a popular option for those who wish to enjoy the soft, body-molding traits of memory foam without purchasing an entire mattress.

If you’re wondering how to wash a memory foam mattress topper, you can treat it the same way as any foam mattress. Just like regular foam, a memory foam mattress topper cannot be placed in the washing machine; it will destroy the structure of the foam.

It’s one of the most delicate materials to clean. Still, by following the exact instructions set for the foam mattress – using baking soda as a potential alternative to an enzyme-based cleaner – you can maintain your mattress topper to a high standard for many years.

Removing Odor From the Mattress Topper

If your mattress topper holds in stubborn odors, then you’ll want to clean it first as listed above and then sprinkle baking soda on top of it. Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours, but overnight is ideal. Once the baking soda has sat for at least 8 hours, take your vacuum and vacuum the baking soda off of the topper.

How to Get Stains Out of Mattress Topper

Beneath the bedding, mattress toppers are the first line of defense for your mattress against stains. As such, they tend to bear the brunt of marks, spills, and general wear and tear. Tough stains can often be removed, however, no matter how set in they appear.

Baking Soda, which is also great for removing odors, can be used to get stains out of your mattress topper. You can make a quick cleaning solution from your kitchen cupboard by mixing one part of baking soda with two parts of cold water. Add this mixture to the stains for at least 30 minutes before drying with a cloth.

While baking soda is a fantastic natural solution, detergents and cleaning products designed to lift stains can also work; just remember to check the care instructions for your mattress topper before doing so.

Tips For Regular Maintenance

Other than when your mattress topper is due for a good cleaning, there are some tips for regular maintenance to keep your topper in tip-top shape.

Use your vacuum regularly– don’t only turn to your vacuum when it’s time to deep clean the topper. Vacuum your topper regularly to keep dust mites, dead skin cells, lint, and other debris from accumulating.

Use a mattress topper cover– Although placing a mattress topper cover/protector on your topper won’t keep you from never needing to clean your topper, it will lengthen the time in between cleanings. Covers are easily washed and dried in the washer and dryer.

These tips are simple to do and are worth the extra steps. It’s much easier to clean a well-taken care of mattress topper than a mattress topper that’s been neglected for quite some time.

How to Clean a Mattress Topper: A Summary

Our guide has given you a general overview of the various cleaning methods available. When cleaning your mattress topper, you will be well equipped to do so without causing any damage – though you should always check the instructions for your specific model.

As you may have noticed, there’s no one size fits all approach to cleaning a mattress topper. To maximize the lifespan of your investment, you need to follow the proper method for the material; if done correctly, you can keep using (and cleaning!) your mattress topper for many years.

Need A New Mattress Topper?

After reading this guide, you should know whether to clean your old mattress topper or purchase a new one, like our premium mattress topper. If you decide to clear your current mattress topper, remember to always read the care instructions for your specific mattress topper first, and then follow this helpful guide!

While our guide can help you clean and maintain your current mattress topper, wear and tear may eventually leave you searching for a replacement. At Beloit Mattress Company, we’re experts in all things mattresses; with a company founded in 1929, we’ve had plenty of years to perfect our craft and have never lost any of our passion.

We strive to consistently match great value with bespoke service and exceptional quality and are only able to do so by being a factory-direct business. Our family-run business works factory-direct out of Beloit, WI, providing American-made products made with American materials to the local community and beyond.

For more mattress toppers, we made our own by hand.

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