You likely use a mattress protector to shield your mattress from stains and dirt, but did you know you should occasionally wash the cover? Mattress covers are thin, usually fitted sheets that cover your bare mattress; they are not to be mistaken, with a mattress topper placed on top of your bare mattress to provide extra comfort.
In this article, we’ll demonstrate how to wash mattress coverings by hand or machine. Let’s talk about how to clean the mattress cover. To thoroughly and deeply clean your mattress coverings, follow our step-by-step instructions!
Can a Mattress Protector Be Washed?
Whether a mattress protector is composed of synthetic or natural materials, the answer is that you can wash it. Regular washing will eliminate dead skin cells and mites, which are allergy triggers. Additionally, it will prevent stains and offensive smells from developing, extending the life of your mattress protector.
Cleaning your mattress protector is essential, but different materials require different maintenance procedures to maintain good shape. According to the manufacturer’s care instructions, get the most life and durability out of your protection.
How frequently should the mattress cover be washed?
It appears time-consuming; washing the mattress cover must be more frequently addressed. But maintaining your cover is not as difficult as you imagine. Of course, the ability to remove the mattress cover is the primary necessity. You can feel secure knowing that Swissflex mattresses have washable and replaceable coverings. Typically, a circumferential zip is used to remove the cover.
Even if you use a mattress protector in addition to your bed sheet, washing the mattress cover once a year usually suffices. Your bed sheets should be changed regularly. Since these are not impenetrable, dust and skin particles may eventually find their way inside the mattress cover, which could lead to the proliferation of mites.
It can even be a good idea to launder the mattress cover every three to four months if you suffer from severe allergies. Noteworthy: Clean sparingly, as this can hasten the cover’s deterioration.
Items You’ll Require
To begin, you’ll need a few everyday household items. Mattress coverings can be cleaned in two different ways: by hand or in a washing machine. The cleaning supplies you require for both, though, are usually the same:
laundry detergent (for non-white coverings) or laundry detergent without bleach
Spot-cleaning remedy:
- baking soda
- white vinegar
- machine wash (washing machine)
- Big wash basin for hand washing
- dryer balls
A Step-by-Step Guide on Cleaning Mattress Protectors
Guide to Machine Washing
First, take the mattress protector off of the mattress.
Take the mattress protector off of the mattress first. While at it, you should dry clean your mattress or put on a new cover. Remove any clips using a flat sheet rather than a fitted sheet.
Step 2: Place the mattress protector in the laundry.
Put the mattress protector and a small amount of mild detergent in the washing machine. Add some borax powder if your mattress cover is white for a laundry boost. If the cover for your mattress is coloured, try adding some baking soda. These will not only deodorise but also provide brightness to your covers. On touch, borax also eliminates dust mites.
Step 3: Start the machine on a gentle cycle.
To avoid tearing or wearing down the fabric, it is recommended to wash your mattress cover on a gentle cycle, regardless of whether it is made of cotton, nylon, or polyester. The mild pressure from the spinning water would clean your mattress protector well without causing any damage unless it is stained.
After one cycle, let the machine run and then drain the water. Rinse the area a few times until the water is clean and no more suds are visible. After thoroughly draining the water, wring away any remaining moisture.
Step 4: Place the mattress protector inside the tumble dryer.
Place the mattress protector in the dryer with a few wool or tennis balls to minimise static and stop shrinking. Instead of using heat, which could also cause the fabric to shrink, tumble dry the cloth until all of the moisture has been removed. Allow to air dry by hanging.
Guidelines for Hand Washing
Step 1: Add soap and water to a basin.
As with a laundry machine, fill a basin with water and soap. Refrain from excessive detergent, which may complicate rinsing the mattress protector afterwards. Add one teaspoon of mild detergent for every gallon of water as a general guideline.
Step 2: Insert the Mattress Guard into the Washbasin
Please take off the mattress protector and put it into the basin. After allowing the fabric to absorb the soapy water, let it soak in the water for ten minutes. You can set up the drying area and hang the cover in the interim.
Step 3: Extract the Dirt Gently
To release the dirt, gently press down on the mattress protector a few times. After emptying the water, rinse the lid with fresh, clean water. To thoroughly rinse away the mattress cover, keep applying pressure and adding more water until no more suds remain.
Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to erase stains. Directly apply to the areas that are soiled, then allow to dry. After washing the fabric, remove any remaining paste. Do this before cleaning the mattress protector to stop the stain from setting.
Step 4: Dry and Wring Out Extra Moisture
After removing as much moisture as possible, hang the mattress protector to dry in a warm location. Select an area with plenty of sunlight and airflow to ensure the mattress cover dries fast.
When are mattress protectors suitable for washing?
Washing your mattress protector once every two months is an excellent general rule. Nonetheless, there are some circumstances in which this cleaning frequency might be raised, including the following:
- Regardless of when it was last washed, clean your mattress protector if you’ve recently recovered from a sickness as soon as possible. As you heal, this will facilitate easier breathing and help eliminate any leftover extra bacteria.
- To stop the spill from seeping into the fabric, you should immediately clean your mattress protector if you recently spilt anything. A set stain can harm the fabric of the mattress protector and is more difficult to remove.
- Cleaning the fabric of your mattress protector should be done every two weeks if you experience allergic reactions such as runny nose or sneezing. This prevents allergens from accumulating in the fabric and causing allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to them.
Last Words:
A straightforward but crucial first step in creating a healthy sleeping environment is cleaning your mattress cover. You may prolong its life and keep your mattress fresh and safe for many years by washing it frequently, pre-treating stains, and adhering to the care instructions. In addition to shielding your mattress from allergies and spills, a clean mattress cover also improves the quality of your sleep.