Mattress Topper 101: The Ultimate Mattress Topper Washing Guide

To enhance your sleeping conditions and safeguard your pricey mattress from daily wear, many people opt to add a mattress topper on top of their bed. This provides extra softness and eliminates the hassle of cleaning the mattress frequently. However, it's crucial to clean your mattress topper regularly to avoid the buildup of hair, dead skin, and oil that accumulates during sleep. Unfortunately, you may have been washing your mattress topper improperly. That's why we've compiled the ultimate mattress topper washing guide to help you determine if you've been taking care of your topper correctly.

What is the material of your mattress topper?

Before we delve into the washing instructions, it's important to determine the material of your mattress topper. There are several common types of mattress toppers available on the market, including:

#1 Memory foam mattress toppers

#2 Latex mattress toppers

#3 Feather and down mattress toppers

#4 Polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers

Before washing your mattress topper, it's crucial to check the care label as different materials require specific washing instructions. While some toppers can be machine-washed, others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. To prevent reducing the performance of your topper, it's essential to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

#1 Sleep Zone’s washing instructions for memory foam mattress toppers

Spot Cleaning - If there are only a few stains on your memory foam mattress topper, spot cleaning is usually sufficient. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Machine Washing - If your memory foam mattress topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water or high spin speeds, as they can damage the memory foam. Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener. Wash the mattress topper only with similar lightweight items to avoid damaging the foam.

Drying - It is important to dry the memory foam mattress topper properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Air drying is the best option, as heat from the dryer can damage the foam. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the topper and place it on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, turning it occasionally until it is completely dry. Make sure your mattress is not directly exposed to sunlight, as the sun’s rays can deodorize the memory foam. This process may take a day or two, so check the weather forecast before drying.

#2 Sleep Zone’s washing instructions for latex mattress toppers

Vacuum - Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled brush attachment to remove any surface dust or dirt.

Spot Cleaning - For small stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water, and allow it to air dry.

Machine Washing - If your latex mattress topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the latex. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.

Drying - It's important to dry the latex mattress topper properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Air drying is the best option, as heat from the dryer can damage the latex. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the topper and place it on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, turning it occasionally until it's completely dry. Avoid exposing the latex topper to direct sunlight or high heat.

#3 Sleep Zone’s washing instructions for feather and down mattress toppers

Spot Clean - If there are only a few small stains, spot cleaning may be enough. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, and apply the solution to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Use a Front-loading Washing Machine - If the topper is machine washable, use a front-loading washing machine on a delicate cycle with cool water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the feathers.

Rinse Thoroughly - After the washing cycle is complete, run the topper through an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent.

Dry Gently - To dry the feather and down topper, use a large capacity dryer set on low heat with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. This will help to fluff the feathers and keep them from clumping together. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the topper and ensure it is drying evenly. The drying process may take several hours to complete.

Air Out - Once the topper is dry, air it out in a well-ventilated area to remove any remaining moisture and odors. It's important to make sure the topper is completely dry before using it again to avoid the growth of mold or mildew.

#4 Sleep Zone’s washing instructions for polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers

Pre-treat Stains - If there are any stains on the topper, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing.

Use a Mild Detergent - Use a mild detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers of the topper.

Wash on a Gentle Cycle - Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.

Rinse Thoroughly - After the wash cycle is complete, rinse the topper thoroughly to ensure all detergent is removed.

Dry Carefully - Polyester and cotton blend mattress toppers can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, but it's important to check the care label to ensure it's safe to do so. Alternatively, you can air-dry the topper by laying it flat on a clean, dry surface. Avoid exposing the topper to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can damage the fibers.

Fluff the Topper - After the topper is dry, fluff it up by hand to restore its shape and loft.

Sonive Friendly Reminder

Even though we tried our best to come up with this mattress topper washing guide, make sure you always check the label and follow specific instructions before washing your mattress topper or any other fabric. At Sonive, we understand that hand washing or taking your mattress topper to a store for dry cleaning can be inconvenient. That's why all our mattress toppers are designed to be machine washable. By opting for a machine-washable topper, you not only save time and effort but also make it easier to keep your bed fresh and clean for the health and comfort of you and your family. Remember, even small efforts, such as washing your mattress topper regularly, can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.