In addition to providing an extra layer of comfort to your bed, memory foam mattress toppers protect the mattress and extend its life by several years. This exposes them to spills, dead skin, hair, and body fluids that sneak through the bedsheets, which can attract dust mites, fungi, and bacteria, affecting your sleep and health.
Your memory foam mattress topper needs regular cleaning. They typically come with a tag with instructions on how to be cleaned and maintained, and don’t expect to simply toss it in the washing machine. Because they’re delicate, you’ll likely need to hand-wash and air-dry the topper.
Cleaning a memory foam mattress topper requires a different approach. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning a memory foam mattress topper. We will get into details about how often you should clean it, how to remove stubborn stains, and so much more.
Can You Wash A Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
There are several ways to clean a memory foam mattress topper. The right approach depends on how dirty it is. Vacuum cleaning will remove hairs and dust mites.
Cleaning with baking soda should be enough to refresh and deodorize the topper. You may use vinegar or another gentle cleaning agent for a liquid spill.
Some stains, however, will require you to wash the mattress topper as a whole. While some mattress toppers can be machine washed, memory foam mattress toppers must be washed gently by hand to avoid ruining them.
How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Whether it’s routine cleaning or cleaning after a spill or accident, restoring the freshness and cleanliness of your mattress topper is a straightforward process when you have the proper steps to follow.
The first step is to determine how much cleaning your mattress topper requires. This will help you decide the best place to clean it and the supplies that you will need. There are several cleaning processes you can use. Use one or more of the following processes depending on the situation.
Vacuum Clean
Vacuuming is ideal for removing dust and debris from your mattress topper. Therefore, it is recommended that you vacuum your memory foam mattress topper at least once weekly as part of regular maintenance.
This will prevent the accumulation of debris and the growth of fungi and bacteria. You should use a powerful handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment if possible. Follow these steps to vacuum clean your mattress topper:
- Strip the bedding from your bed and remove the topper carefully from the mattress. Then, place the topper on a flat surface like the floor.
- Move the brush in a circular motion and work your way across the mattress topper, sucking all the dust, debris, and other particles from top to bottom. And vacuum both sides of the topper.
- A water-based vacuum cleaner is effective, but you must dry your mattress topper entirely before putting it back on the bed. Depending on its thickness, drying a topper might take 10 to 24 hours.
Deep Cleaning
In the event of accidental spills or accidents such as bed-wetting, you may need a deeper cleaning. Here are the steps to follow:
- Use a dry towel or paper towels to soak up any substantial liquid on the topper gently.
- Remove the topper gently from the mattress and put it on the floor.
- Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.
- Use a towel to blot out excess moisture before sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area of the mattress topper.
- Allow the baking soda to rest for at least 8 hours before vacuuming.
- Repeat the process if there are any remaining stains or odors.
How Often You Should Clean Your Mattress Topper
Cleaning your foam mattress topper regularly extends its lifespan. You should vacuum it daily to remove dust and debris and look out for stains. You should always clean chemical or biological stains when you notice them.
The frequency of deep cleaning your memory foam mattress cover should be determined by how well you protect it and whether you have kids or pets in the house.
How To Remove Stains From A Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Your memory foam mattress topper can get stained with various things throughout its use. Therefore, you should spot clean your mattress topper when you notice a stain on it to prevent setting.
Stain removal involves using a cleaning solution like laundry detergent. However, since stains are different, you cannot use the same cleaning solution to remove them. Some stains are more stubborn than others and require special solutions. You may need to use several cleaning solutions to remove tough stains.
We recommend reading the care label on the mattress topper to help you choose the right cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions that you may consider include:
Laundry Detergent
Use a gentle detergent free of harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the topper fabric. Avoid powder detergent as it may discolor the fabric cover or affect its texture. Here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare your cleaning solution by mixing one part of laundry detergent and two parts of water.
- Dip a clean, soft cloth in the solution and rub it on the stain. Make sure you do not soak the topper. Instead, spread a layer of the cleaning solution on the topper and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Use another damp cloth to rub off the solution until there is no detergent residue on the topper.
Distilled White vinegar
- Make a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water.
- Dip a clean, soft cloth in the solution and rub it on the stain. Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
- Rinse the vinegar solution from the topper using a cloth dipped in clean water. Use paper towels or a clean towel to pat dry the area.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is effective at removing stains and neutralizing odor. You can sprinkle it as a powder and vacuum it after several hours or prepare a solution and use it to clean your topper.
- Make a solution with one part baking soda and two parts of clean water.
- Use a cloth to rub the milky solution onto the stain and let it sit for half an hour.
- Rinse off the residue with a cloth dipped in clean water. Blot the area with paper towels to dry it.
Boric Acid
- Use clean water to moisten the stained area before sprinkling boric acid.
- Use a soft cloth to dab the stain by moving it in a circular motion. Avoid scrubbing as it may set the stain further.
- Use a clean towel to dry the area, then vacuum to remove all boric acid residues.
Enzyme Cleaner
Commercial enzyme cleaners effectively remove biological stains such as blood, urine, and sweat.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is very powerful and should be used sparingly since it may discolor or damage your mattress topper. You should only use it when other solutions have failed.
Final Thoughts
The best way to maintain your memory foam mattress topper is to prevent staining in the first place. However, considering most of us spend an average of 6 to 7 hours in bed every night, it is impossible to keep body fluids such as sweat from leaking through the sheets and mattress protectors.
You must learn how to clean your memory foam mattress topper correctly. Whether regular vacuum cleaning or handwashing to remove stubborn stains, the instructions above should help you clean your mattress topper without damaging it.