A mattress protector shields your mattress from spills, bacteria, allergies, and other stains. It also protects you from allergens, including dust, mold, and dust mites. However, with time, a mattress protector gathers a lot of sweat,dirt and bacteria to protect your mattress. Therefore you must clean it.
It is recommended to wash your mattress protector once every one or two months, unlike fitted sheets that need to be washed every few weeks.
But can you wash a mattress protector in the washing machine? In this article, we've elaborated on how to wash mattress protectors in 3 easy steps!
How To Wash A Mattress Protector
Some mattress protectors can't be washed in the washing machine as they risk shrinking more than others. So, if your mattress protector suggests avoiding machine-wash, here's how to clean a mattress protector without washing a machine:
- Remove the mattress protector by unzipping it.
- Spot-clean the area with a mild detergent by gently dabbing.
- Wash the cover's top portion by hand.
- To prevent possible shrinkage brought on by heat, air dry it.
- Before placing the mattress protector back on your mattress, give it time to dry completely.
Now if your dirty mattress protector can be machine-washed, below are the steps you need to follow:
1. First, Always Check The Label
Almost all mattress protectors are easy and safe to wash in a washing machine at normal temperatures. However, you should always check the label of the protector to learn about the temperature and instructions better. Also, look for any particular practices that must be followed for washing your protector. Avoid dry cleaning mattress protectors as the heat can damage the waterproof material.
2. Wash It
Once you see that the protector can be washed in the machine, put it in the washer either by itself or with other similar items, like bed sheets or any soft clothing.
"But what kind of water and detergent should I use?" Here's what you should know:
Wash With Cold Water
Wash your mattress protector using cold or lukewarm water and the moderate or delicate cycle on your washer to avoid damaging your protector's waterproof materials and prevent it from shrinking. Do not use extremely hot water.
Use a Mild Detergent
Avoid using bleach or chlorine while washing your mattress protector, and instead, use a gentle detergent (one without builders). Do a rinse cycle after washing the protector to ensure all the detergent is gone. Any residual detergent can trigger mold and mildew growth, which can irritate your skin through the fitted sheet.
3. Dry It
Last but not least, dry your mattress protector because left out moisture can cause bacteria or mold to build up in your bed. To overcome that, you can either dry your mattress protector in the dryer or let it air dry in the sun.
If you tumble dry it, use similar textiles and a low heat and tumble setting to prevent it from getting damaged.
Here are a few things to note about drying mattress protectors.
- Don't be afraid to leave your mattress in the dryer for long to ensure it is completely dry.
- The protector is ready for use once it has dried completely.
- Ensure not to iron your mattress protector because too much heat may destroy the waterproof lining.
- If you've more time, you can sun-dry your mattress protector and let it soak all the fresh smell!
How Often Should You Wash Your Mattress Protector
Although you know how to wash it, you might wonder, "how often to wash mattress protectors?". Depending on your use, you should wash your mattress protector with mild detergent every two months. Here are a few scenarios and how to wash your protector in those.
Guest Bedrooms: Quarterly
If you have a mattress protector in a guest room that only gets used sometimes, it may not require frequent clean-ups. So, you may wash it every quarter.
Allergy Sufferers: Bimonthly
If you or anyone in your family is allergic, you can wash your mattress protector twice a month to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Cold or Flu Sufferers: Post-Illness
If you've just gotten over a cold or flu, consider washing it off as early as possible after recovering.
After Spilling Food or Drinks: Immediately
If you've spilled some coffee or your toddler has peed on the bed, just drain off the excess strain with a paper or cloth and then immediately consider putting the mattress protector in the washing machine for a wash. (If it is machine-safe, or else, wash it by hand)
Conclusion
Mattresses are an expensive investment, so by routinely washing your mattress protector, you can protect your bed from dirt and stains that could void the mattress' guarantee and otherwise harm it. In general, you can wash it every one to two months. However, your schedule may change in situations like being sick or having allergies, having guests in place, or spilling food. Also, it is recommended to read the label of your protector to wash it the right way.
