All the tips for properly cleaning a mattress topper

If the primary function of a mattress topper is to reinforce the support capacity of a mattress, it also provides a protective role for the latter. Particularly exposed to body perspiration and dust, like the pillow, it quickly becomes prey to stains. Here are the best tips for how to clean a mattress topper and rid it of dirt.

How to protect a mattress topper?

Before even thinking about cleaning your bedding , you must first protect it. When it comes to the mattress topper, two elements in particular protect it against stains, odors and wear: sheets (or a fitted sheet ) and a mattress pad. The fitted sheet provides a barrier against dust mites and bacteria. The mattress pad, or waterproof mattress protector, is ideal for toddlers' beds: its waterproofness offers effective protection to protect the mattress topper from small surprises ;-) It is also possible to double the barrier effect by adding a towel between the mattress pad and the fitted sheet. Properly protecting your mattress topper is half the battle: the better it is protected, the less difficult cleaning will be.

How long to keep a mattress topper?

Generally speaking, the durability of a mattress topper is significantly lower than that of a mattress. Less thick, the mattress topper is less resistant to the passage of time. If the mattress should be changed approximately every decade, its counterpart in the top layer should not be used for more than five years. Please note, however, that certain models, particularly in latex, can maintain their quality for a few more years. The eye and especially the body remain the best arbiters in this matter.

Can you machine wash a mattress topper?

Overall, it's best to be very careful with machine washing. This, relatively aggressive, could damage the filling, particularly if the latter is made up of feathers. A general rule: trust the product label . If machine washing is permitted, care must be taken not to exceed a temperature of 30°C. Otherwise, or if the label is torn off or illegible, we don't take any risks: we then move towards “hand” washing.

How to clean a mattress topper “by hand”?

Wash a feather mattress topper

First of all, and even before cleaning, maintaining a feather mattress topper requires good daily ventilation of the room. Once a year, machine wash it at a gentle temperature if this is recommended. If in the meantime, a stain or bad odors appear, treat the soiled areas with white vinegar or baking soda diluted in a little water. A simple washcloth or sponge is sufficient for application. A brush can be useful for stubborn stains.

Wash a bultex mattress topper

The term bultex corresponds to an antonomasis, that is to say a proper name (brand name in this case) that has become a common name through the force of use. Bultex actually refers to a bedding element made of polyurethane foam. The steps to follow for maintaining a foam mattress topper are essentially the same as for feather protection. We open our windows daily, we machine wash them once a year if possible, and we use white vinegar or baking soda for stains or marks. If the stain is particularly pronounced, the use of soda crystals diluted in water can be particularly effective on the mattress protector. If the fabric has a blood stain, leave a paste composed of bicarbonate, salt and water until completely absorbed.

Wash a memory foam mattress topper

The fact that a mattress topper has memory foam has little influence on cleaning recommendations. This type of mattress protector is based on a particular foam technology, sensitive to heat, and therefore to the points of contact between the bedding element and the body. You should know that if occasional cleaning is carried out, on moisture stains for example, this does not really have an impact on the upholstery. We follow almost the same recommendations as for other types of protection. We can add to the list of “homemade” solutions the use of an ammonia -based solution to complete a wash: in a homeopathic dose and highly diluted in hot water, particularly on a halo.

What should I do if my mattress topper has mold?

If excess humidity has caused mold stains to appear on the fabric, we opt directly for soda crystals diluted in hot water, or for white vinegar diluted in the same way. These ingredients have the property of being disinfectant, therefore very effective against the bacteria which constitute mold. Beforehand, make sure to absorb the excess moisture present in the mattress with talcum powder. If odors persist, the solution may be to spray lavender essential oils, for example, in problem areas.

Other methods of maintaining a mattress topper

A good habit to get into, in addition to frequent ventilation, is to remove dust from the mattress using a vacuum cleaner . This simple manipulation can be carried out on a weekly basis. This is an excellent way to prevent the appearance of dust mites. In addition, after any intervention that wets the mattress, care is taken to dry the fabric quickly. During the summer, it can be left to dry in the open air during the day. And during cool, humid weather, you can speed up the drying process with a hairdryer. This is essential, because any residual moisture from washing encourages the appearance of fungi, and therefore mold.

Wash a mattress topper in the dry cleaners

This is the safest and most convenient way to clean your mattress topper. Of course, it is a little more expensive and takes longer (around a few days), but when you are unsure of yourself, especially regarding machine washing, entrust the cleaning to a professional is a guarantee of safety. As a precaution, you can still take care to consult the table of guarantees, which can be consulted in any good dry cleaner, in order to be aware of the terms of coverage by the brand in the event of accidental deterioration.

Maintaining and properly cleaning your mattress topper not only guarantees its lifespan, but also preserves the mattress that supports it. We spend on average a third of our time on a bed: adopting the right gestures is as much a question of hygiene as it is of longevity ;-)

	Sweat stains	Urine stains	Residual humidity	“Heavy” stains (coffee, blood, etc.)	Mold
Feather mattress topper	Water and white vinegar or water and baking soda	Ammonia	Talc	Paste composed of bicarbonate, salt and water	Soda ash
Bultex mattress topper	Water and white vinegar or water and baking soda	Ammonia	Talc	Paste composed of bicarbonate, salt and water	Soda ash
Memory foam mattress topper	Water and white vinegar or water and baking soda	Ammonia	Talc	Paste composed of bicarbonate, salt and water	Soda ash