5 Tips for Washing a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a waterproof mattress cover designed to protect your mattress from all sorts of damage. There are different types of mattress protectors including breathable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic.
They are especially useful for those who have kids and pets in their homes or apartments. But you might find it challenging to wash it, especially if this is your first time purchasing one.
Let’s have a look at everything you should know about washing mattress protectors.
1. Remove the sheets and assess the label
Remove any sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and toppers that are currently in place on your bed. Next, check the label of your protector to see if it is machine-washable.
If it is not machine-washable, you will need to hand wash or dry clean it instead.
If you have time before washing your protector and want to remove stains or a fresh stain from an accident, soak up as much liquid as possible with paper towels and then immediately apply a stain remover.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before laundering as normal. Repeat if necessary until no more stains come out.
2. Inspect and treat stains
If you have a stain on your mattress protector, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible. The longer you let a stain sit, the harder it will be to remove and the more likely it is that all that washing will cause your protector to tear or fray.
To clean up stains, first, blot up excess moisture with a clean cloth. Don’t rub at the stain—this will spread it around and cause damage to your fabric.
Next, check to see if the fabric is machine-washable before using a stain remover appropriate for both the type of stain and fabric of your mattress protector.
This is because some types of stains require different treatments than others. Remember to always test an inconspicuous area first!
3. Choose the right detergent
Once you’ve added the mattress protector to your washing machine, add the detergent. You’ll want to use a gentle detergent.
Don’t use any other type of detergent that contains bleach, as it can strip both your clothes and your mattress protector of their color.
The amount of detergent that should be used depends on what size load of laundry you’re doing. For an average-sized load (5–7 pounds), use 1/4 cup; for larger loads (8+ pounds), increase this amount by 1/3 cup per wash load.
Once the washer fills with water, start it up and let it go through its cycle!
4. Select proper water temperature and a gentle washer cycle
You can use cold water for the wash cycle. It will not shrink your protector, but it’s important to note that this is a delicate item and may need a gentle cycle.
You should never wash your mattress protector in hot water or on a high-speed cycle, as this could cause shrinkage and damage.
Also, make sure you choose a gentle cycle so there’s no rubbing or abrasion that could permanently damage the material.
5. Dry your mattress protector
After you’ve cleaned your mattress protector, it’s time to dry it. This can be done in different ways depending on how long the protector needs to go through each process and whether or not you have a machine that can do it for you.
If you don’t have a machine or want something even easier, hang your mattress protector over a clothesline outside in direct sunlight.
You’ll want to check on it every hour or so and make sure that it’s not getting too dry. If there are wrinkles, just give the fabric another spritz of water.
The sun will naturally kill bacteria and sanitize any stains that were left behind during washing!
If you’re lucky enough to have access to an industrial washer and dryer combo, then just throw your mattress protector into those with all of your other laundry and wash away!
They can handle up to 12 pounds and dry your mattress protector conveniently.
Learning how to clean a mattress protector can be quite an overwhelming task.
However, you don’t have to live on the edge and deal with the consequences of leaving a dirty mattress protector on your queen or king-sized bed.
Of course, you may also take advantage of cleaning services or disinfecting services for your own convenience. For more home maintenance tips, feel free to visit this page.
More resources on home maintenance:
Best Air Duct Cleaning Service in Dubai