How to Clean Mattress Toppers and Maintain Their Condition

 

Your Bed Will Smell Fresh and Will Last Longer

Depending on the material, a mattress topper can make your bed more comfortable, offer better support, and make the bed cooler. However, no matter how nice it feels, mattress toppers require the same level of care and cleaning as bedsheets or pillows. This is to say that they need maintenance in the form of dusting, cleaning, and sanitizing sweat, dead skin, and other bodily fluids. Not to mention, with time, its odor becomes musty, which no one wants. In this article, we provide easy-to-follow, actionable guides to help clean and maintain mattress toppers.

What Happens If A Mattress Topper Is Not Cleaned?

Your mattress topper endures a lot of weight and pressure each night. In such cases, not cleaning your mattress means the following sleep hygiene issues: not having odor-free air, exposure to undesirable agents within the vicinity, and skin abrasions owing to an unstable surface, which eventually leads to annoyance. All of this adds up because, with time, a person will experience sleepless nights, which can cause bigger issues. Mattresses and beds provide the body with comfort by cushioning it. A clean mattress and fresh bedding enhance sleep quality and decrease the odds of suffering from unnecessary health problems.

Know the type of topper you use

Knowing a topper's construction is important when cleaning it. The most common types include memory foam, latex, down/feather, polyester (down substitute), or natural wool/cotton. Memory foam and latex soft toppers cannot be machine washed; however, feather and polyester ones often can. Check the care label to provide proper care; if none exists, search the material online first.

General Tips for Cleaning Mattress Toppers

No matter the topper type, here are some fundamental steps to follow. Firstly, regularly vacuum the topper with a portable vacuum cleaner or the upholstery attachment on a standard vacuum cleaner. It is best to clean both sides of the topper while vacuuming, ideally every time you change your sheets, roughly once a week. This simple habit fosters ease against accumulation.

Cleaning dirt and stains off an item is always an essential practice. For every minute spent on prevention, you save five on cleanup later. Remove excess spills right away by gently blotting with water for blotting and then dabbing with a towel. Rubbing the affected area will only worsen the problem. Use a mild detergent mixed in warm water to gently dab on the affected area using a cloth. Dry with a separate cloth and plain water. Blot until no more liquid seeps out. Let the topper air dry completely before placing it back on the mattress. Prolonged exposure to water may damage the topper foam. Refrain from using soaking water for washing.

Different Types of Mattress Toppers

Mattress topper made of memory foam or latex foam

Refrain from using washing machines when it comes to sensitive foam mattresses. Do not drown in water, too. It is best to stick to vacuuming and spot cleaning. For musty smells that are often damp odors, sprinkle some baking soda all over and let it rest for hours before vacuuming. Baking soda is a great odor remover. After spot cleaning, allowing it to air dry flat is best, but avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the foam.

Feather or Down Toppers

Most of these toppers can be washed in a machine, but a large washing machine is needed in order to give the feathers the space to move. Feather toppers should be washed with cold or warm water on a gentle cycle with some mild detergent. After washing, they should also be dried on low heat. Placing a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer will aid in fluffing the feathers. The topper should be completely dry before it is used again to prevent mold or mildew from developing.

Polyester or Down-Alternative Toppers

These are often machine washable and easier to clean than feather down toppers. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent for washing. For drying, keep it on low heat and add dryer balls to maintain the even distribution of the filling. Down-alternative toppers dry quickly and regain their shape after washing, making them low-maintenance.

Wool or Cotton Toppers

These are made from natural materials, which require extra care. Usually, these should not be washed in machines unless the care label permits. For light cleaning, vacuum and air out. Mild soap and water can also be used to spot clean. For deeper cleaning, it is best to take them to a dry cleaner that specializes in natural fabrics.

How Frequently Should Topper Cleaning Be Done?

Depending on your bed's usage and whether or not a mattress protector is used, cleaning frequency differs. As a baseline, vacuum your topper once a week. Take care of small, cleanable stains as they happen, and do not wait until they accumulate. Remove odors with baking soda every two to three months or at the start of a new season. If your topper is washable, deep clean it every few months. Regardless, it is best to consider a trip to a store for replacement after every 3 to 5 years, depending on its condition.

Topper Cover: Maintaining Topper Hygiene

Using mattress protectors or removable topper covers is the best method to maintain hygiene. These protectors are useful in shielding from sweat, spills, and dust. The best part is that most of such protectors can be machine washed; therefore, they can be simply tossed in along with your sheets. In addition to ease in cleaning, using protectors elongates the lifespan of the topper. Usage of protectors prevents grime and prolongs the time between washes, conserving the sharpness of the mattress.

Storing Tips for Your Mattress Topper

While you’re on a trip or during the summer, you might not be using your mattress topper for a long time. It is necessary to make sure that it is stored correctly. Cleaning and drying it completely are absolute prerequisites. Instead of folding, rolling it up helps in maintaining its structure. Instead of putting it in plastic bags, which will trap moisture, storing it in breathable bags like cotton will help. While storing, also ensure that there is no humidity or sunlight so that odor and mold cannot form.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Topper Quality

Apart from cleaning, there are a few things that can make a topper last longer. Rotating it every month or two will help toppers keep their shape and prevent wear. If you sleep on one side of the bed, this will be especially helpful. Give it a bit of fresh air as well. On sunny days, putting them outside in shaded areas will help refresh them. Reducing the chances of spills can be done by not eating or drinking in bed. If there are pets at home, keeping them off the bed will also reduce pet fur, along with weird accidents.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your mattress topper, whether it’s cleaning or maintenance, isn’t challenging. By doing a few simple tasks like spot cleaning, regular vacuuming, and using a cover, you can make sure it remains comfy and fresh for a long time. Knowing how to properly care for the type of topper you own makes a difference. Having a clean topper vastly improves the sleep experience because you feel better knowing it is fresh. So, treat your mattress topper with care, and with minimum effort, it will greatly enhance how you feel when waking up every day.