As a mattress topper sits on the top of your bed, it gathers dust, dead skin, sweat, and body oils. Do you know a dirty mattress topper can invite bacteria, fungi, and allergens that are harmful to your overall health? These can cause skin rashes, breathing problems, sneezing, watery eyes, and more. The only way to prevent this is to keep your mattress topper clean. But, how to clean a mattress topper?
A mattress topper absorbs moisture, so it is not easy to clean them. Still, don’t panic! In our guide, we have covered DIY home remedies to clean your mattress topper.
How to Clean a Mattress Topper
It does not matter how careful you are; mattress toppers are likely to get dirty as they sit on the top of your bed. Maybe you spilled a drink last night on your mattress; maybe it is dirty because of the regular sweat and dust. How to clean a memory foam mattress topper? There are various tips and tricks to clean mattress toppers.
In any case, we recommend you avoid harsh cleaning agents as they tend to discolor and damage the materials of your mattress topper.
Basic Mattress Topper Cleaning Method
You only require baking soda and a vacuum cleaner for basic mattress topper cleaning.
- Strip and wash the bedding.
- Remove the topper from the bed carefully and place it on a flat surface.
- Vacuum the topper.
- Sprinkle the baking soda over the surface of the topper.
- Let it sit for around 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, run the vacuum cleaner over it to remove the baking soda.
- If necessary, flip it and repeat the 3-6 steps for the other side of the topper.
This is an easy, quick, and inexpensive method to clean the mattress topper. Clean the topper twice or thrice a year using this method to keep it clean and make it last longer.
Mattress Topper Deep Cleaning Method
If there is a liquid spill, you may need to use a deep cleaning method to clean your mattress topper. To reduce the chances of permanent stains, soak up liquid as much as possible and use a gentle cleaner.
- Strip and wash the bedding.
- Use a towel to soak up the liquid. Make sure you don’t rub as it may worsen the situation by pushing the fluid into the topper.
- Remove the topper and place it on a flat surface.
- Mix cold water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle in equal amounts.
- Spray the mixture on the affected area.
- Use a towel to get rid of excess moisture.
- Sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress.
- Let it sit for a minimum of 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, run the vacuum cleaner over it to remove the baking soda.
- Check if there is any stain or odor. Repeat the process (6 to 10 steps) if required.
- Let the topper dry. To make it quicker, open the windows or use a fan.
The vinegar and cold water solution will help you eliminate the stain in most cases. Vinegar helps clean the stain and neutralize the smell, and baking soda will neutralize the strong odor of the vinegar.
A commercial enzyme cleaner works better than vinegar and cold water solution if there are any biological stains. Before trying cleaners, read the mattress topper washing instructions carefully to avoid damage and discoloration.
How to Get Stains Out of Mattress Topper
Even after taking all the precautions, if you have stains on your topper, try these easy steps to remove the stains.
- Pick a cleaning solution from the list below.
- Apply the solution to a clean cloth.
- Gently dab the stained area with the cloth.
- Take another clean cloth, dip it in cold water and pat the stained area.
- Repeat the procedure if required.
- Apply baking soda on the stained spot.
- Let it sit for at least 8 hours.
- Vacuum the topper and let it dry.
Cleaning Solutions to Remove Stains from Mattress Topper
Please check the mattress cleaning recommendations before trying any of these cleaners. The warranty does not cover damage caused by not following the cleaning recommendations.
Laundry Detergent
A lousy quality detergent can lead to discoloration. Always use a mild liquid detergent diluted with water to clean your topper. Here are the steps to use a detergent for cleaning a mattress topper.
- Mix the detergent and water in a bowl in the same amount.
- Dip a cloth in the solution.
- Rub the cloth in a circular motion on the stain.
- Leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Use another damp cloth and rub it over the stain to ensure no detergent residue is left behind.
- Dab the area with a dry towel.
You can also use a detergent to deodorize the topper after vacuuming it. Mix detergent with a double quantity of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray it gently all over the topper and let it dry for at least 30 minutes. Finally, vacuum your mattress topper to get rid of the detergent residue.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps in removing stains and getting rid of odors. Follow these steps to remove the stains using baking soda.
- Mix baking soda with double the amount of cold water.
- Gently rub the solution on the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Dip a clean cloth into the water and rub it to remove residue.
- Dab the area with a clean towel.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.
- Leave it for 8 hours and then run the vacuum cleaner over it.
To deodorize the topper, follow these steps.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress topper.
- Let it rest for 8 hours.
- Run the vacuum cleaner over it.
Vinegar
- Mix distilled white vinegar with water in equal quantity.
- Dip a clean cloth in the vinegar and water solution.
- Gently rub the cloth on the stain.
- Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
- After the stain disappears, rub the spot with a clean damp cloth.
- Dab the area with a clean towel.
Boric Acid
- Wet the stained area.
- Sprinkle boric acid over the stain.
- Gently dab the stain in a circular motion with a soft cloth until the stain disappears.
- Wipe the area with a dry towel.
- Vacuum the topper to ensure no residue is left behind.
Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners can help get rid of biological stains like sweat, blood, and urine.
- Apply enzyme cleaner to a dry and clean cloth.
- Blot the stain with the cloth.
- Dip another cloth in cold water and blot the stain.
- Avoid using excess water. It should be enough to lift the stain.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide effectively removes stubborn stains like blood spots on the topper.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal amounts.
- Gently rub a clean cloth on the stain.
- Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
- After the stain disappears, rub the spot with a damp cloth.
- Dab the area with a clean towel.
Keep in mind hydrogen peroxide can bleach or damage memory foam. Use it only if none of the other options works for you.
How to Prevent Stains on Mattress Topper
Use Mattress Protector
Liquid spills are sometimes difficult to clean, even with the most effective methods. Mattress protectors are waterproof, saving the mattress from accidental liquid spills.
Avoid Eating on Bed
Having midnight snacks or breakfast in bed is fun until it accidentally spills on your clean bed. Eat carefully or avoid eating in bed altogether.
Avoid Pets on Bed
Pets can bring dirt, ticks, and fleas to your mattress topper from the ground. Keep your pets clean or keep pet beds in the bedroom to avoid pets on your bed.
Wash Your Bedding
In case of an accidental liquid spill, wash the bedding immediately to avoid a stain on the topper.
How to Prolong the Life of a Mattress Topper
A topper can last longer if you take care of it properly. A good quality mattress topper lasts about 3 to 4 years. Thick mattress toppers last longer than thin toppers as they have a chance of wearing out faster.
Use Fitted Sheets
Fitted sheets save the topper from the accumulation of dust, dead skin cells, and other allergens. Wash fitted sheets once a week to keep them clean. Fitted sheets can be large enough to cover your mattress as well as your topper. Sheets with a thread count of 400 can fit a mattress up to 15 inches. Measure the size of your mattress and topper before purchasing a fitted sheet.
Dry it Properly
After cleaning the mattress topper, it’s crucial to dry it properly. If there is moisture, it can boost the growth of mold and mildew that is harmful to the mattress topper. To make the drying procedure quick, place it in direct sunlight for 40 minutes. If you keep it in a room, keep the windows open and use a fan.
Wash it Regularly
A dirty mattress topper attracts bacteria and allergen, which is terrible for your mattress topper's health. Wash the topper regularly (once every three months) to make it last longer. The easier alternative is to vacuum it. Run the vacuum cleaner over the topper to collect dust and debris particles.
Cleaning a mattress topper is not as difficult as you think. It’s a quick, fun, and easy task! A dirty mattress topper is a home to several skin and health problems. With these simple tips, you can keep your mattress topper neat and clean.
