Your mattress protector is the underrated hero who takes care of your sleep health while protecting your mattress from any damage. It almost resembles a fitted sheet, which goes on top of your mattress. These protectors are great because they protect the mattress from spills and stains. But, your mattress protectors get dirty quite frequently since they absorb all the germs and dirt. Hence, it is imperative that you wash them regularly without fail. So, how to wash a mattress protector?
Worry not! In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step guide on how you can wash a mattress protector that will maintain its quality and eliminate all the dirt. Just read ahead to know more.
How to Wash a Mattress Protector
It’s effortless to wash a mattress protector. Unlike your mattress, you can easily remove the cover and put it for a wash. However, you must follow a few steps for a thorough cleaning. So, how to wash a mattress protector? Read below.
1. First, always check the label
Before you wash a mattress protector, it is important to understand that not all protectors can be machine washed. And there are also temperature settings you must take care of. Now, most waterproof linings must not be washed in hot water and you must use cold water instead. Therefore, to ensure you don’t damage the mattress protector, make sure you read all the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the care label to wash a mattress protector.
So, why is it important to read the label before you wash a mattress protector? Well, each manufacturer will have their own set of instructions for the product to prevent any damage. Reading the label will help you understand what you must and mustn’t do. Some of the instructions include;
- How to wash it - Hand, machine, or dry clean
- The ideal temperature
- Should you bleach it?
- Ironing instructions
2. Wash It
While some protectors can be machine-washed, some don’t recommend the same. This is because some protectors are made of delicate material and are prone to shrinkage. Here is how you can clean them without deteriorating the material.
- Remove the mattress protector from the mattress gently.
- Spot clean the protector using a gentle detergent.
- You must handwash the top cover very carefully.
- Only air dry the mattress protector as it will prevent shrinkage.
- Put it back on only after it is completely dry.
To machine-wash a mattress protector, follow the below instructions;
- You can usually wash a mattress protector with other bedding or soft clothing. Putting the mattress protector in the washing machine is step one.
- As aforementioned, only use cold water to wash a mattress protector.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid any softeners, chlorine, or bleach.
- Run the mattress protector through an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is washed off. You must also always wash a mattress protector the first time before you use it as it gets rid of any unpleasant smell and keeps it soft.
3. Dry It
Now that you have a clean mattress protector, it is time for a drying mattress protector.
There are three ways to dry the protector.
Tumble Dry: Again, make sure you use a low temperature setting to avoid any shrinkage and to maintain the mattress protector size.
Air Dry: The best way to dry a mattress protector is to air dry it under the sun. Any left behind bacteria will be killed when you dry it under the sun.
Use a fan: If the weather outside is not favorable or your dryer has given up, you can always dry your protector under a fan. However, make sure you keep turning it hourly to make sure it evenly dries on both sides. This is an important step when it comes to how to wash a mattress protector.
This is extremely important that you must only use it once it is completely dry, otherwise, it will be an open invitation to bacteria, mold, and dirt.
How Often Should You Wash Your Mattress Protector?
Now that you know how to clean a mattress protector, let's move on to understand how often to wash a mattress protector. Generally, you must wash your mattress protector every two months. But, it also depends on the usage.
Guest Room Mattress Protector: When it comes to washing your mattress protector that’s in the guest bedroom, you can clean it every quarter as it doesn’t get too dirty. But don’t put off cleaning mattress protectors in the guest rooms as it harbors dust and other germs.
Allergies: If you are someone who suffers from allergies or has a sensitive respiratory system, make sure you wash a mattress protector twice a month to prevent any allergen build-up.
Illness Recovery: If you have just recovered from an illness, it is important to wash the covers and the protector to prevent the spreading of the disease or falling sick again.
Spills: If there are any spills, make sure you clean the mattress protector immediately. Don’t neglect it. However, if you have just spilled some water, you can blot it away with the help of paper towels.
Cleaning your mattress protectors regularly is incredibly important as it helps you maintain your hygiene. Now that you know how easy the job is, you can maintain the optimal health of your mattress protector.
