Maya Ellison
Keeping your mattress clean is important, as we spend a lot of time in bed. Mattress protectors are a great way to keep your mattress clean, but they need to be washed too. Most mattress protectors have a plastic membrane and fabric surface, which can be washed, but it's important to check the label or care instructions first. To wash a mattress protector, use a mild detergent and cold water on a delicate cycle. Avoid bleach and high temperatures, as these can damage the plastic membrane. If your mattress protector is stained, treat the stain before washing. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the protector to freshen it. After washing, tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash Frequency | Once a year or more if you have allergies or kids/pets |
| Stain Treatment | Treat with detergent or baking soda before washing |
| Wash Cycle | Delicate or gentle cycle |
| Wash Temperature | Cold or lukewarm water |
| Detergent | Mild detergent without fabric softeners or brighteners |
| Bleach | Avoid |
| Spin Speed | Maximum of 800 |
| Dry Cycle | Tumble dry on low heat or air dry |
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What You'll Learn
Check the care label
Before washing your plastic mattress cover, it is important to check the care label. The care label will provide you with the information you need to take care of and wash your mattress cover correctly.
The care label will specify the temperature settings you should use. If your mattress cover is made from cotton, it can usually be washed at higher temperatures, up to 60°C. Covers made from sheep's or lamb's wool, as well as synthetic blends, should be washed at temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. Lukewarm or cold water settings are generally the safest option for plastic mattress covers to prevent the plastic membrane from tearing or weakening the waterproofing.
The care label will also indicate whether you should use a washing machine, hand wash, or dry clean your mattress cover. Most mattress covers can be machine washed, but if your mattress cover doesn't fit in your washing machine, you may need to take it to a dry cleaner. Some mattress covers are hand-wash only, so be sure to check the label.
The care label will also specify the type of detergent you should use. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents on plastic mattress covers as these can damage the waterproof layer. Mild detergents are recommended to prevent damage to the fabric fibres.
Finally, the care label will provide instructions on how to dry your mattress cover. Low-heat tumble drying or air drying are common methods, but always check the label to avoid shrinkage or damage to the cover.
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Treat stains before washing
Before washing a plastic mattress cover, it is important to treat any stains to ensure they do not set in the dryer. Firstly, check your mattress cover for any stains. If you find a stain, rinse it in cold water to help lift it. Then, apply a stain remover and let it sit for a few minutes. You can use baking soda and vinegar, or a small amount of detergent. For tougher stains, an enzyme cleaner or diluted hydrogen peroxide may be needed. You can also try using a solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Be sure to avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, as these can harm the plastic in your mattress cover and degrade any waterproof materials.
Once you have treated the stain, let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break up the grime before washing the cover. Check the care instructions on the tag of your mattress cover before placing it in the washing machine.
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Wash with cold water
To wash a plastic mattress cover, it is recommended to use cold water to prevent damage to the plastic and to prevent shrinkage.
Firstly, check your mattress cover for any stains and treat them before placing the cover in the washing machine. To treat stains, add some detergent onto a nylon brush and gently work it into the stain. Let it absorb for at least 10 minutes to break up the grime before washing.
When using a washing machine, it is recommended to use a front-loading machine if possible, as the central agitator in a top loader could tear the material of the mattress cover. Wash the mattress cover on its own, or with similar materials such as bed sheets or soft clothing. Use a mild detergent that does not have any built-in softeners, as softeners can affect the mattress cover's ability to absorb stains and spills. Set the machine to a delicate or gentle cycle and ensure that the water temperature is cold.
After washing, dry the mattress cover on a drying rack or tumble dry on a low heat setting. High heat can damage the mattress cover and cause shrinkage.
It is important to always check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing and drying your mattress cover, as different materials may have specific requirements.
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Use a mild detergent
When washing a plastic mattress cover, it is important to use a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, as this can damage the plastic and the waterproof layer of the mattress cover. Bleach can also be too harsh on the fabric fibres of the cover.
Liquid mild detergent is preferable because it leaves no marks on the fabric and dissolves well, even at low temperatures. In contrast, washing powder tends to bleach the fabric more.
Make sure that the detergent does not contain any fabric softeners, as these can affect the absorption ability of the cover. The cover's ability to absorb liquids is important, as this prevents stains from spills and accidents.
If you are hand-washing the mattress cover, gently dab and spot clean stains with a mild detergent. If you are machine-washing the cover, use a mild detergent with cold water on a delicate cycle setting.
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Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
After washing your plastic mattress cover, you can either air dry it or tumble dry it on low heat.
Air drying your mattress cover is a good option to avoid shrinkage that may occur with heat. To air dry, spread the mattress cover on a drying rack and ensure it is fully spread out so that it dries all the way. If you are in a hurry, you can put your mattress cover in the tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting. High heat can damage the plastic in the mattress cover and cause shrinkage.
It is important to always check the label attached to the mattress cover and follow the manufacturer's washing and drying instructions. The care instructions will dictate the best method for drying your mattress cover.
If you are hand washing your mattress cover, you will need to air dry it. First, gently dab and spot clean the cover with a mild detergent. Then, hand-wash the top part of the cover and air dry to avoid shrinkage. Wait until the mattress cover is fully dry before putting it back on your mattress.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to wash your mattress cover at least once a month, or every three to four months if you have severe allergies. However, if you have kids or pets sleeping in the bed, you may want to wash it more regularly.
It is best to wash plastic mattress covers with cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, as these can damage the plastic. If your mattress cover has a zipper, you can separate the two parts and wash them separately.
Yes, most mattress covers can be washed in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle and avoid washing with hot water, as this can damage the plastic. If your mattress cover is too big for your washing machine, you may need to take it to a dry cleaner.
