As the name suggests, mattress protectors protect your mattress from spills, dust mites or bed bugs. It is a thin cover that goes over the fitted sheets. Now, while your mattress protector maintains the hygiene of your mattress, it is necessary to wash it over time since it hoards bacteria, sweat, and body oils. So, just like you wash your sheets regularly, your mattress protector, too needs a little tender loving care! But how to wash a mattress protector? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Keep reading for easy instructions.
How to Wash a Mattress Protector
Can you wash a mattress protector? Yes. Washing your dirty mattress protector is usually an easy chore. Most of them are machine washable; since they are thin, they can easily fit a domestic washing machine. Take a look at the step-by-step procedure on how to wash your mattress protector below.
1. First, always check the label
Always take a look at the care label first. Not all mattress protectors are made of the same material or fabric. Therefore, understanding their needs helps you wash the protector without any damage.
2. Wash It
Once the care label gives you the go-ahead to machine wash the protector, see what else you can wash in the same cycle. Things like bed sheets, pillowcases, or any other soft fabric can be washed together. Make sure you opt for a gentle or delicate cycle. Also, it is a great idea to use hot water as it gets rid of the bacteria fast. However, don’t go beyond slightly lukewarm water, as if it is incredibly hot, your protector can get damaged.
Wash With Cold Water
If you are unsure about the temperature of the water and there are no proper instructions, it is always best to use cold water for washing your mattress protector.
Use a Mild Detergent
When it comes to detergent, opt for something mild. Avoid bleaches or chlorine, as they can be harsh on the protector. Remember, after putting the mattress protector in the washing machine and cleaning it, complete the rinse cycle to avoid any detergent residue as it can lead to mold and mildew build-up.
3. Dry It
Finally, it is time to dry your mattress protector! Drying mattress protectors are very easy. You can put it in the dryer or even air dry it under the sun. If monsoon has taken over, you can also dry the protector under the fan. Remember, if you choose to tumble dry it, choose low tumble and low heat settings.
How Often Should You Wash Your Mattress Protector?
Now that you know how to clean a mattress protector, let’s see how often to wash mattress protectors. The thumb rule is to wash it every two months but sooner if you notice any dirt or if there are any spills.
Guest Bedrooms: Quarterly
While it is not used regularly, they can accumulate dirt and dust. So, you can wash your guest bedroom mattress protectors once every two to three months. Also, ensure you wash the protectors before your guests arrive and after they leave to maintain hygiene.
Allergy Sufferers: Bimonthly
If you suffer from allergy flare-ups, cleaning mattress protectors must be a regular chore and you must do it every two to four weeks. This is because your mattress protector becomes home to dust mites and bacteria.
Cold or Flu Sufferers: Post-Illness
If you have recently recovered from the flu or cold, wash your mattress protector immediately to prevent the ailment from spreading. In fact, along with your protector, it is also essential that you wash your bedding and opt for clean sheets.
After Spilling Food or Drinks: Immediately
Sometimes, a glass of wine in bed sounds great when you have had a long hard day at work. But accidents happen. So, if there are any liquid or food spills on the bed, clean your mattress protector immediately to avoid stains. Always use a towel to absorb any liquid or clean any food particles before putting it into the washing machine.
Mattress protectors are great because they keep your mattress safe. Today, various mattress protector sizes and materials are available in the market. Usually, most of them can be machine washed effortlessly. That said, make sure you go through the care label before cleaning your mattress protector.
