Pretreat Stains First
Some stains need more than a spin in the washing machine. Fortunately, a little pretreatment can help loosen stubborn marks before you clean the whole protector.
For most stains, start by dabbing the area with a soft cloth dipped in cold water and a small amount of mild laundry detergent. If the residue is greasy, a small amount of mild dish soap and hydrogen peroxide can help break down oil and lift the stain. There's no need to soak the protector in cleaning solution, though. Use a little and gently work through the layer.
If the stain is still there, swap the cloth for a soft-bristled brush. Don't scrub hard, though. It isn't necessarily more effective and can damage the top layer or even tear the waterproof membrane. Instead, use light pressure in a circular motion, working the detergent into the fabric without putting too much stress on the surface.
Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature
For most machine-washable mattress protectors, a normal or gentle wash cycle will do the job. However, you should still check the care label to see which setting the manufacturer recommends, particularly if your protector has a waterproof backing.
Why does the cycle setting matter? That's because the waterproof membrane is delicate. Remember, a mattress protector is different from mattress topper.
Many waterproof protectors use a thin polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) membrane to stop liquids from reaching the mattress. Excessive heat and rough handling can damage this layer, even when the outer fabric still looks perfectly fine.
Water temperature matters, too. Stick to cold or warm water unless the care label says otherwise, since excessive heat can damage the waterproof layer.
Use a Mild Detergent and Skip the Fabric Softener and Bleach
A mild detergent is usually enough to remove everyday sweat and grime. Fight the urge to use more than you need. It won't get the protector any cleaner and can only leave detergent residue behind.
Skip the fabric softener and bleach too. Fabric softeners' conditioning ingredients (specifically the cationic surfactants) may affect the breathability or moisture management. It won't necessarily ruin the waterproof backing, but there's little reason to risk it when softness isn't the main goal.
Chlorine bleach, on the other hand, is a strong oxidizer. It damages not only the fabric top layer (bleach breaks the cellulose chains of fabric), but also weakens the waterproof membrane. Repeated exposure, especially at high concentrations, can thin it and make it more prone to tearing.
This tip also applies to washing TENCEL™ sheets.
Give the Protector Enough Room
A mattress protector needs room to move around the drum, especially if it has a bulky waterproof backing. If you cram it in with sheets and duvet covers, it can bunch up or wrap around them, leaving parts of the load improperly washed and rinsed.
If the protector takes up most of the drum, wash it separately. If there's still plenty of room, you can usually wash it with sheets or a few towels, of course, provided the care label allows it.
Some manufacturers even recommend washing a protector with towels rather than on its own since the extra fabric can help cushion the protector and reduce twisting during the cycle. Just don't add so many items that everything ends up tangled together.
As for which way the protector should face, there's no universal rule. Some manufacturers give specific instructions for positioning the waterproof backing, so check the care label before loading it. If it doesn't specify a direction, what you can do is put it in a large mesh laundry bag so the waterproof backing won't tear or stick to the drum.
Remember, you want enough space for the protector to move freely, not a tightly packed drum that saves one cycle at the expense of a poor wash.
Dry Without Damaging the Backing
Some protectors can go in the tumble dryer on a low-heat setting, while others need to air-dry. So, again, check the care label before choosing a drying method. Remember, high temperatures can damage certain waterproof backings, and some use bonded layers that may separate or deteriorate when exposed to too much heat.
If you need to air-dry yours, spread it out in a well-ventilated area rather than leaving it folded over itself. The waterproof backing can trap moisture, so giving the protector as much exposure to moving air as possible will help it dry more evenly.
Common Questions About Mattress Protectors
