How to clean your mattress protector in the right way

A mattress cover is designed to keep liquids, dust mites, dead skin and other assorted nasties away from your mattress. It's there to take the brunt of the damage - its waterproof/anti-allergenic membrane keeps the threats out, while the surface fabric absorbs liquids and collects allergens.

This means that every night you sleep on it, the cover gets dirty and must be cleaned adequately lest it develop yellow stains (or worse) from sweating, or start to smell like bacteria growth. The common perception of protective gear is that washing can damage it - so it's completely understandable if you're reading this article just to find out if your covers are washable!

Fortunately, this guide will not only answer that question, but it will also teach you how to wash your mattress protector the right way so you don't have to spend a fortune on a new one because your old one got damaged in the wash.

Can you clean a mattress protector?

The short answer is yes: Because a mattress protector usually has a fabric surface and a plastic backing, it can be cleaned in a standard washer/dryer combination. However, if you set the temperature too high, or use harsh detergents or bleach, the plastic can easily warp/split from the fabric on top.

The exact temperature threshold for washing these covers varies from product to product, but in general, it's safe to never exceed the warm setting. In fact, cheaper products may even recommend never exceeding the cold water setting.

You may be tempted to wash the covers at a high temperature because it removes odors and absorbed liquids more effectively, but in reality, this just weakens the water resistance so that liquids will keep getting into your mattress the next time you use it

First cleaning

Please note that some manufacturers recommend washing the protector before using it for the first time, as this removes any chemical odors and softens the top fabric for greater comfort - just be sure to read the cleaning instructions provided (and the general guidelines in subsequent sections) carefully before doing so.

Can I dry clean it?

Never dry clean or iron your cover, as this will certainly damage the waterproof membrane of the cover.

How often should I wash my mattress protector?

Since the sheet on top of the protector takes the most obvious hits (i.e. gets dirty and accumulates dirt and debris), it needs to be washed/replaced more often than the protector itself. That said, you should wash the protector every two months, regardless of whether you have any spills.

If you have pets, or suffer from allergies, you will need to do this more often to make sure the cover stays sanitary enough for your daily use. Eventually, you will figure out the perfect time frame through trial and error.