How to wash a mattress protector mostly comes down to looking after the waterproof layer. Wash it in cold or warm water with a mild detergent, and leave out the bleach. Then dry it on low heat or let it air dry, since high heat can shrink the material and damage the waterproof backing. Make sure it’s fully dry before it goes back on the bed.
Key Takeaways:
- Check the care label first, because some protectors need hand washing.
- Cold or warm water is safest, since hot water can wear down a waterproof backing.
- Use a mild detergent, and keep bleach away from the waterproof layer.
- Dry on low heat or air dry, and never on high.
- Plan to wash a mattress protector every one to two months, and right away after spills or accidents.
How to wash a mattress protector in a washing machine
A waterproof protector has a fabric top with a waterproof layer underneath, such as a polyurethane backing. That layer is the part you’re protecting in the wash. The Sleep Foundation’s mattress protector guide says most mattress protectors are machine washable. The waterproof layer is usually attached to the top with adhesive, though, and regular laundering can break that adhesive down over time. That’s why some protectors call for hand washing. If your tag allows the machine, follow these steps.
- Read the tag for the wash temperature, cycle, and drying instructions.
- Treat any stains first. Rinse them in cold water, apply a stain remover, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Wash the protector on its own so the machine isn’t crowded.
- Add a mild detergent if the maker recommends one.
- Use the cycle on the tag with cold or warm water, never hot.
- Leave out bleach and other harsh cleaners.
- Dry it on low heat or hang it to air dry, as covered below.
For the stain step, the Sleep Foundation says baking soda and vinegar handle most stains and odors. An enzyme cleaner or diluted hydrogen peroxide can take on tougher ones. If you’ve cut the tag off, the brand’s website usually lists the care instructions.
Can you dry a mattress protector?
Yes. The Sleep Foundation says most mattress protectors can be machine dried on low heat, and air drying may help one last longer. Air drying is also the better choice if you’re still working on a stain. Stay off the high setting, because high heat can shrink the material and damage waterproof layers.
To air dry, spread the protector out so it dries evenly. A fan or some sun speeds it up. For the dryer, our post on using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets lays out the pros and cons.
Either way, check that it’s fully dry before you make the bed. A damp protector can give mold a place to grow, especially in a humid climate.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
The Sleep Foundation recommends washing a mattress protector every one to two months. Wash it as soon as you can after a spill or accident, and after anyone in the bed has been sick. If a pet shares the bed or someone has allergies, wash it more often to clear out hair, dander, and allergens.
Your sheets run on a shorter schedule, and our guide on how often you should wash your sheets covers it. One easy habit is to wash the protector on the first sheet day of each month.
Letting OrangeBag take the bedding
Sheets and pillowcases can ride along with the rest of your laundry. Bed sheets ($24.95 each) and pillowcases ($4.95 each) are on our dry cleaning list, priced by the piece. Everyday laundry goes by the bag at $2.65 per pound with a 24 to 48 hour turnaround.
Mattress protectors aren’t on the price list, so call (866) 973-5666 before you add one. Each order also has room for special care instructions, such as a waterproof backing or a low-heat tag. The OrangeBag price list shows every fee, and our page on laundry pickup in Los Angeles covers how pickup and monthly plans work.
Mattress protector FAQ
Can you put a waterproof mattress protector in the dryer?
Usually, on low heat. The Sleep Foundation says high heat can shrink the material and damage waterproof layers. Some protectors are made from delicate materials that need air drying, and waterproof layers may last longer when air dried, so read the tag. Before it goes back on the bed, check that it’s fully dry.
Can you use bleach on a mattress protector?
Leave the bleach out. The Sleep Foundation says harsh cleaners like bleach can harm a protector and degrade its waterproof materials. For stains, rinse in cold water, then try baking soda and vinegar, a little detergent, an enzyme cleaner, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit a few minutes before you wash. The sooner you treat a stain, the better your chances of getting it out.
Can you wash a mattress protector with your sheets?
The Sleep Foundation suggests washing the protector on its own so the machine isn’t overcrowded. Put the sheets in a separate load. Before either load goes in the dryer, check that every stain is gone, because the heat can set it.
Ready to cross bedding off the list?
Hand off the sheets and pillowcases with the rest of your laundry and keep your Saturday. We’ll pick it up at your door and bring it back clean.
