It’s estimated that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, so why not make bedtime as comfortable as possible?
Fluffy pillows, a weighted blanket, a cosy sleep mask… and maybe a mattress topper, too!
Lots of people use mattress toppers or pads to make their beds comfier. But just like a mattress, a topper sees a build-up of sweat, dirt, and dust over time.
When cleaning a mattress topper, check the care label for instructions and the type of material. Some toppers are machine-washable with a gentle cycle, while others only need spot-cleaning.
Like the princess bothered by a pea, you could toss and turn while knowing your mattress topper is dirty. Give yourself peace of mind and keep that topper in tip-top (ha!) condition.
Types of Mattress Toppers | Can You Wash a Mattress Topper? | How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | How to Wash | Cleaning With No Washing Machine | How to Dry | How to Remove Stains | Maintaining the Topper
What Does a Mattress Topper Do?
A mattress topper is a popular way to improve sleep comfort and quality.
Also called a “mattress pad,” toppers are a thin cushion placed on top of the mattress. Different materials will give you different experiences – memory foam offers extra support, while down feels soft and luxurious.
Mattress toppers can also help with the quality of the mattress itself! If your bed’s too soft, a topper can add firmness and vice versa.
For a thinning mattress, a topper provides additional padding and allows your mattress to last longer.
Types of Mattress Toppers
There are several kinds of mattress toppers, each with its pros and cons. Look for one that’s suited to your sleeping needs.
BAMBOO: Bamboo fibres are durable, naturally anti-bacterial, and easily washed. Many bamboo mattress toppers are machine-washable, but on a cold cycle and bleach-free detergent.
COTTON: These are among the most common toppers you’ll find in stores! Cotton mattress toppers are practical, affordable, and easy to clean. On the other hand, they don’t offer as much support as other types of toppers.
DOWN OR FEATHER: Down mattress toppers are highly luxurious, since they’re filled with tiny down feathers. They’re ultra-soft and add warmth while sleeping.
EGG CRATE: These toppers aren’t made from egg crates – instead, they have a unique moulded surface that resembles one! An egg crate mattress topper provides ergonomic benefits and boosts relaxation.
LATEX: These mattress toppers are soft but stable, offering good support for anyone with joint issues. 100% latex offers the most support, but blended toppers are more affordable. Avoid these if you’re sensitive to smells or have a latex allergy.
MEMORY FOAM: This is another highly popular mattress topper material. Memory foam fits the contours of your body, supporting your body while you sleep – though it can get warm at night!
POLYESTER: If you’re on a budget, these are your best bet. Polyester toppers combine natural and synthetic fibres and are often moisture-resistant, although they’re less supportive than other materials.
Can You Wash a Mattress Topper?
Yes, you can wash your mattress topper if the care instructions allow it.
Your mattress topper accumulates body oils, dead skin cells, dust mites, and other dirt over time. Mould or mildew can also develop in humid or damp conditions.
Some signs your mattress topper needs cleaning include:
- Unpleasant odours
- Visible dirt or debris
- Stains or discolouration
If you find yourself sneezing or having allergic reactions while in bed, it’s likely time to clean your mattress and topper.
Always double-check the topper’s care label to see if it’s washable or not!
How Often to Clean a Mattress Topper
Vacuum and spot-clean your mattress topper every time you change your bedsheets – ideally every 1-2 weeks. Let the topper air out for a few hours before putting on fresh linens!
Treat any stains, spills, and other messes immediately.
Deep clean a mattress topper once every 3-4 months. If the topper comes with a removable cover, you’ll only need to clean the cover unless the filling is stained.
If you sweat a lot, have allergies, or allow pets on your bed, you can deep clean more frequently – about every 2-3 months.
Before Cleaning Mattress Toppers
Check the mattress topper’s care instructions for specific cleaning methods or products to avoid. That way, you don’t accidentally damage the topper (and void the warranty).
For machine-washable toppers, make sure your washer can handle the load! Some toppers are too big or heavy for household washing machines.
Front-load washers are more gentle than top-loaders and are better for large items. Avoid using a top-loader with an agitator as it can tear or damage the mattress topper.
If the topper has a removable cover, take it off and set it aside for cleaning. Do not wash the inside filler unless the manufacturer recommends it.
For mattress toppers that are not machine-washable, remove them from the bed. Then move them to a clean, flat surface that can get wet — like a laundry room, bathroom, or clean driveway.
Before cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust mites, and other debris from the mattress topper’s surface.
Make sure to vacuum along any seams and crevices (especially for egg crate toppers).
Contrary to popular advice, you shouldn’t sprinkle baking soda then vacuum it up! Baking soda particles are very fine and can damage your vacuum cleaner, especially one without a bag or HEPA filter.
It can be safe to vacuum a small amount of baking soda with a bagged vacuum or one with a HEPA filter. However, you’ll need to clean the vacuum and filter afterwards — particularly the space around the motor.
Cleaning Different Types of Mattress Toppers
How to wash a mattress topper or cover depends on the material!
Memory foam, for example, needs minimal moisture. On the other hand, cotton and polyester are usually safe for machine washing.
Test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it’s safe to use.
No matter the cleaning method, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. These can degrade the mattress topper material.
How to wash a bamboo mattress topper
Many bamboo mattress toppers are machine-washable, but inspect the care label to be sure.
If it’s safe, wash your bamboo topper separately so you don’t overload your machine. Run a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse, and use a mild detergent with no bleach or whitening agents.
Skip the fabric softener since this can leave a residue on the material.
How to wash a cotton mattress topper
Cotton mattress toppers are among the easiest to clean! The material is durable and generally machine-washable.
Pre-treat stains with a dab of laundry detergent or an appropriate laundry stain remover. Then load the cotton mattress topper into the washing machine.
Run a warm or cold water cycle with mild detergent. Do not use hot water as this can shrink the cotton filling.
How to wash a down mattress topper
A down or feather mattress topper has a delicate filling, so wash it with care. If your topper is machine-washable, use a front-load washer or an impeller washer to prevent tears and damage.
When cleaning a down mattress topper, choose a gentle cycle with warm water and a dedicated down wash.
Alternatively, opt for a high-efficiency laundry detergent with minimal suds and use half the standard amount.
Run two rinse cycles to remove any lingering detergent.
For down toppers that are dryer-safe, use a low-heat or no-heat setting. Toss in a few dryer balls to prevent the filling from clumping.
Give your down mattress topper a good shake afterwards to redistribute the filling and fluff it up!
How to wash an egg crate mattress topper
Egg crate toppers are typically made of foam and feature an uneven surface with raised bumps. The dips in the surface can collect dust and other dirt over time.
An egg crate foam mattress topper isn’t machine-washable, so you’ll need to stick to spot cleaning.
Start by vacuuming both sides of the mattress topper to get any dirt that may be trapped underneath.
Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Working one section at a time, lightly spray the foam surface so it’s just damp, not wet.
If the care instructions allow it, you can use rubbing alcohol since it evaporates quickly.
After a few seconds, blot any excess moisture with paper towels or a clean cloth. Keep going until you’ve cleaned the whole mattress topper.
How to wash a latex mattress topper
Latex is a durable and forgiving material, so cleaning a latex mattress topper is straightforward.
To clean a latex mattress topper, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface. Leave it for 8 hours, then vacuum the surface clean.
To clean a latex mattress topper, mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water in a spray bottle.
Apply the solution to the latex mattress topper, then wait a few moments before blotting the surface dry. Repeat on the rest of the mattress topper until it’s fully clean
NOTE: Keep your latex topper out of the sun while cleaning! The heat and sunlight can break down the latex and compromise the structure.
How to wash a memory foam mattress topper
Memory foam toppers are not suited for machine washing. The topper likely won’t fit in your machine, and the agitation can degrade or deform the memory foam.
Moreover, any water trapped in the memory foam can lead to mould or mildew.
To clean a memory foam mattress topper, mix 1 part mild detergent with 3 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Use a low-suds laundry detergent if possible.
Working one section at a time, spritz the memory foam mattress topper with your cleaning solution. Only spray enough to dampen the surface — you don’t want to soak the foam layer!
Let the solution sit for 30-45 minutes, then wipe the mattress topper clean with a damp cloth and fresh water. Rinse the cloth frequently to remove any detergent residue.
Use fresh cloths to blot and press out as much excess moisture as possible. Never twist or wring the topper, since this could impact the foam’s shape or integrity.
How to wash a polyester mattress topper
Most polyester mattress toppers are machine-washable!
Simply load your polyester topper into the washer, then run a gentle cycle with warm or cold water. Use a mild laundry detergent without bleach.
Avoid using hot water as it can shrink the material.
How to Wash a Mattress Topper Without a Washing Machine
If your mattress topper won’t fit in the washing machine, you can hand wash it!
Fill a tub with lukewarm water plus a cup of mild laundry detergent. Lower the entire topper into the tub and let it soak in the soapy water.
After a few minutes, gently agitate the topper to loosen and remove dirt. If the water gets too dirty, drain the tub and refill it with more soapy water.
When you notice the water is no longer murky, empty the tub. Fill it with clean water to rinse any lingering dirt and detergent out of the mattress topper.
Repeat until the water runs clean. Empty the tub one last time and press out as much excess water from the mattress topper as possible.
Best Way to Dry a Mattress Topper
After washing, it’s best to air-dry your mattress topper.
Air drying helps the topper retain its shape, and dries the material without introducing excess heat.
Set the mattress topper to dry in a well-ventilated space but out of direct sunlight, which can break down the material.
Ideally, the topper should be standing or elevated so air can circulate around all the sides. If that isn’t possible, flip the topper every few hours so it dries evenly.
To speed up the process, set up an electric fan pointing towards the topper.
Pat the topper down afterwards to check for any damp spots. Your mattress topper should be completely dry before you return it to your bed — lingering dampness could lead to mould, mildew, or bacteria.
If the manufacturer allows machine drying, use a low-heat or no-heat setting to prevent shrinking and damage. The same goes for your mattress topper cover.
How to Remove Stains from a Mattress Topper
Treat mattress topper stains and spills ASAP – the longer a mess sits, the harder it is to remove.
Pick up any solids with paper towels or a spoon. Blot any liquids with paper towels or cleaning cloths.
Do not rub or scrub the surface since this pushes the stain further into the material and can even damage the mattress topper.
Follow with the appropriate stain remover or treatment.
Getting blood out of a mattress topper
How you remove blood stains from a mattress topper will depend on the material.
For bamboo, cotton, (some) down, and polyester, treat blood stains with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution with a soft sponge and work from the outer edges towards the middle.
However, hydrogen peroxide can damage foam or memory foam, so use a different solution! Salt is one natural way to remove blood from your mattress topper.
Dampen the stained area with cold water before sprinkling a generous amount of salt. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes, then vacuum up the salt.
Dab the spot with a clean cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
Alternatively, use a safe enzyme-based stain remover. Check the product label to make sure it’s compatible with your mattress topper.
Once you’ve removed the stain, wash the mattress topper ASAP.
Getting urine out of a mattress topper
Dampen the stained area of your mattress topper with a soft cloth dipped in cold water. This will help dilute the stain and absorb excess urine.
Sprinkle a thin layer of laundry borax onto the mattress topper. With a damp sponge, work the borax into the stain with gentle, circular motions.
Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes or until the affected area has dried. Vacuum the remaining borax powder and wipe the surface clean.
If you prefer a milder solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and wait 20 minutes, then blot the mattress topper with a damp cloth.
Repeat as needed until you’ve removed all the urine. Then allow your mattress topper to dry in a well-ventilated space so the odours can dissipate.
Getting vomit out of a mattress topper
Wear rubber gloves then remove all solids from the mattress topper. Blot the affected area with paper towels or old rags.
Use a safe enzymatic cleaner and follow the product instructions. Enzyme-based cleaners are highly effective for organic stains, including vomit.
Wash the mattress topper afterwards.
Maintaining Your Mattress Topper
Regularly wash your bed sheets to keep your mattress topper fresh and clean for longer.
Clean linens minimise the dirt and grime that come into contact with the mattress topper. They also limit the moisture on and around the topper’s surface.
Use a mattress protector over your topper and mattress to protect them from spills and messes. Wash the mattress protector every 2 months.
Rotate your mattress topper whenever you rotate your mattress. This evenly distributes the wear and tear over time, especially if you’re a solo sleeper!
No need to flip the topper, though, unless the manufacturer recommends it. Many mattresses and toppers are designed to have layers with specific functions — flipping will put things out of order.
And of course, know when to replace your mattress topper! With everyday use, a standard mattress topper will last 3-5 years.
However, if there are signs of mould or degradation, best to get a new mattress topper ASAP.
