A mattress topper is used to protect the main mattress, so it comes into direct contact with dust, sweat, and other liquids. To ensure hygiene and breathability while sleeping, everyone should keep their mattress topper clean. The question here is, can a topper be washed? If so, how? Let Ru9 guide you on how to properly wash a mattress topper.
1. Can a Topper Be Washed?
A mattress topper is a thin mattress, about 3cm thick, typically placed on top of the main mattress to enhance comfort and softness for the sleeper.
Some people believe that if a bed sheet is used, a mattress topper is not necessary. In reality, in addition to increasing softness, toppers significantly extend the lifespan of the main mattress. Being thicker than a bed sheet, toppers also protect the mattress from stains, especially liquid stains, more effectively.
Compared to the main mattress, a topper comes into more direct contact with people and is exposed to more stains, making it prone to getting dirty and requiring regular cleaning. The question arises: after a period of use, can we wash a topper? The answer is yes, a mattress topper can be washed.
So, can a topper be machine washed? The washing method varies depending on the topper material, for example:
- Quilted, down, or natural latex toppers: Can be easily machine washed.
- Synthetic latex or foam toppers: Should not be machine washed as it can damage the foam's structure.
See more:
- Are floor mattresses better than traditional mattresses?
- Which type of mattress topper is good and durable?
2. Simple Steps to Machine Wash Your Topper at Home
Toppers can be machine washed; however, to extend the life of your topper and ensure the most effective cleaning, you should follow the washing process below:
Latex toppers can be machine washed
Step 1: Prepare the tools for washing the mattress topper
To clean the topper, you will need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft brush
- Mattress cleaning solutions: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap
- Cleaning cloth (preferably white)
Step 2: Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the topper
The topper surface often accumulates dust, bacteria, hair, and loose fabric fibers. Manually picking or brushing them off won't clean them thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove these particles.
First, remove the topper from the main mattress and attach a soft brush head to the vacuum cleaner. Then, gently run the vacuum over the surface multiple times to remove all dust and dirt.
Step 3: Clean the surface of the mattress topper
For common stains: clean the mattress surface with specialized cleaning agents like dish soap.
For more stubborn stains like tomato sauce, blood, or chocolate, mix 2 spoons of hydrogen peroxide + 1 spoon of dish soap (2:1 ratio) and gently scrub with a cloth to clean.
For yellow stains: To tackle stubborn yellow stains, you'll need to use baking soda. Dampen a cloth with baking soda and dab it evenly onto the stain, leaving it on the mattress surface for 30 minutes. If one application isn't enough, repeat a few times until you achieve the desired results.
Regularly clean the topper to ensure hygiene
Step 4: Deodorize and disinfect the mattress topper
After wet cleaning the topper surface to remove stains, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface and leave it for 30 minutes to deodorize and disinfect. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the baking soda from the mattress surface.
Step 5: Machine wash the topper
As mentioned above, this step only applies to machine-washable toppers such as cotton, down, and natural latex toppers.
When machine washing a topper, roll it up and place it in the washing machine drum. Then, select the Blanket/Duvet wash cycle (if available) and follow the usual washing machine operations.
Step 6: Dry the topper
If the mattress topper has holes, baking soda particles will fall into these holes and be very difficult to clean with a vacuum cleaner. You need to flip the mattress topper over and gently pat it to remove all baking soda particles from the crevices.
Choose a well-ventilated spot with gentle sunlight to dry the mattress topper. Pay special attention not to dry the product in damp, bacteria-prone areas. This will help you avoid factors that cause skin diseases such as dermatitis and rashes.
3. What to do if the mattress topper gets wet? Notes when machine washing the topper
Some types of toppers cannot be machine washed because they should not come into direct contact with water. So, what if you accidentally wet the topper during use or washing?
In such cases, the first thing to do is to place a dry towel on the wet area and gently dab it to absorb all the moisture into the towel. If they are excessively soiled with liquid, and a towel isn't enough, then clean them following the steps in the previous section and then hang them to dry.
Additionally, to ensure you successfully wash your mattress topper at home and don't damage it, please adhere to the following notes:
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner to dry a wet topper, as sucking water or moisture from the topper can damage the machine.
- Only wash thin, light mattress toppers to avoid damaging the washing machine.
- You should wash your topper every 2-3 months to ensure health safety.
- Dry the topper in natural, gentle sunlight until it is completely dry.
- Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions (if any) for the topper.
- When machine washing, choose the "Blanket/Duvet" or "Delicate" cycle for better and more optimal cleaning.
- Do not use cleaning solutions with high bleaching concentrations to avoid damaging the mattress.
- Do not wash the topper with hot water to prevent deformation.
4. How to properly store your mattress topper for long-lasting durability
Proper storage to extend the topper's lifespan
After cleaning, if you don't intend to use the mattress immediately, you need to store the topper to prevent damage and mildew.
First, roll up the mattress topper for easy storage. Roll, don't fold the topper; folding will leave creases and breaks on the topper's surface.
Once the topper is neatly rolled, place it in a protective bag to prevent contact with dirt, mold, and moisture from the storage area. It's best to store the topper in a vacuum-sealed bag, which saves space and protects the topper effectively. Additionally, you can reuse the original topper packaging.
After rolling and placing it in a protective bag, you should store the topper in an environment without significant changes in climate and humidity, such as a warehouse. This place is relatively dry and can prevent mold.
5. How often should you replace a mattress topper?
The lifespan of each type of topper varies. Additionally, how people use it (weight, frequency) also affects the mattress topper's lifespan.
High-quality toppers, such as memory foam or latex, typically last 3-5 years. Other types usually last 1-2 years.
After this period, you should consider replacing it with another topper.
6. Notes when using a mattress topper
A topper both protects the mattress and provides comfort
When using a topper, users should note the following:
- Mattress toppers are not suitable for children under 6 years old and people with incontinence.
- Down mattress toppers will fluff up when exposed to sunlight. When purchased, you should open the plastic bag for about 1 to 2 hours before use.
- The mattress topper should be placed on a flat, even surface. Some toppers have elastic straps at the four corners to secure them.
- If placing the topper directly on the floor, it should be covered or used with an additional bed sheet to prevent dirt and odors.
- Regular cleaning is recommended, changing covers or sheets weekly to keep the topper clean.
- Do not place sharp objects such as knives, scissors, compasses, pens, etc., on the mattress topper.
- Do not use heat-emitting devices like irons on top of the topper to iron clothes, as this can burn the outer layer.
Above, Ru9 has provided readers with methods for washing and cleaning mattress toppers. We hope this useful information will help everyone upgrade their sleeping space for a comfortable, standard sleep.
If your old mattress is too firm or you can't replace it yet, a mattress topper will be a timely solution. Ru9 introduces the Foam Topper Mattress with 2 layers of soft foam and a breathable Tencel cover, anti-bacterial and deodorized with green tea extract and activated charcoal. This topper is the perfect solution to increase softness, provide a comfortable, cool sleeping experience, and protect your main mattress for a long time.
Additionally, you can also make your bedroom more comfortable and healthier with Ru9 products. Ru9 Memory Foam Mattresses with sturdy foam layers ensure your body maintains its natural curve, providing comfort and freshness all night long. Niu Pillows with an ideal height support your neck, shoulders, and back, preventing aches and pains upon waking.
