The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Learn how to wash mattress protectors properly to keep them functioning as intended.

Most mattress protectors are fairly easy to clean but the right method depends on the material.

Then, remove the protector from the mattress.

Cleaned mattress protector held in a wicker basket

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Every mattress protector has a care label that will direct you in choosing the correct washing and drying temperatures.

Work the stain remover into the mattress protector with a soft-bristled nylon brush.

Washdown-filledprotectors using a cleaner, like Granger’s Down Wash or Nikwax Down Wash.

A selection of different mattress pads folded and stacked on top of each other on a bed

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

These products are formulated to remove soil and odor while protecting the moisture-repellent qualities of the feathers.

If you do not have down wash available, use a gentle and low-sudsing detergent.

Harsher detergents can strip the feathers of their natural oils.

collage of two Gain Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap Plus Aroma Boost on a light tan background

Warning

Do not use chlorine bleach or dry clean a waterproof mattress protector.

The chemicals can damage the waterproof quality of the protector.

pick the Water Temperature and Washer Cycle

Usewarm or cold waterto wash mattress protector fabrics.

Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam on a table in front of a washing machine

Wash the protector on its own to avoid damage.

Choose thenormal or bulky items cycle.

The bulky cycle has a slower final spin speed to help keep your washer in balance.

A person taking the Everspring Wool Dryer Balls out of its box

One exception is a polyurethane or waterproof protectorit should be air-dried or dried on very low heat.

Ensure the mattress protector is thoroughly dried before placing it back on the mattress.

Trapped moisture could cause problems with mildew growth on the mattress.

Materials and tools to clean a mattress protector

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

What Is a Mattress Protector?

There are three basic styles of mattress protectors, each with variations.

Styles come down-filled, made from natural or synthetic fibers, or waterproof polyurethane.

Mattress protector label being checked before cleaning

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Waterproof protective coverings should be replaced if they become torn.

A mattress protector with a broken zipper should be replaced.

Be sure that the protector is thoroughly dry before storing.

Soft-bristled nylon brush scrubbing stain remover on mattress protector

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Instead, wash the protector twice in warm water and dry an extra long time at a medium setting.

Laundry detergent added to washing machine

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Warm water temperature set on washing machine

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Dryer set to a timed drying cycle

The Spruce / Sarah Lee