Perhaps the dog has tracked mud all over your mattress cover. Or you’ve spilled wine while watching a late-night movie. Maybe your toddler has used your cover as a giant canvas for their latest masterpiece. Or, your mattress cover is simply overdue for a wash.

Regardless of the situation, your mattress cover needs to be cleaned!

Can I Wash a Mattress Cover?

The first question you need to ask is if the cover is even washable! There are some types which can’t be cleaned at home, and have specialized filling or coating that will be damaged by your washing machine. Your mattress cover will have a tag that will tell you if it is washable or not. If it is not, then you will need to take your cover to a dry cleaner.

It’s important to note that Vinyl and Waterproof covers cannot be dry cleaned. The waterproof coating will be damaged in the process, and will no longer be effective after dry cleaning.

How Can I Wash My Cover?

So, you’ve determined that your Microfiber Mattress Pad is washable and it’s time to toss it in the washing machine. But wait! There’s a bit of prep you’ll need to do before you hit ‘Start’.

1. First, you’ll need to tackle any stains. Apply pre-wash product or stain remover prior to laundering. Follow the directions on the container for best results. It’s important to allow the product to sit for the recommended time, which is usually between 15 and 30 minutes.
2. Find out what the highest recommended temperature is for your specific cover. You will find this information on the handy tag inside the seam.
3. Add mild detergent to the laundry load. If your cover is stained, now is a good time to add more stain remover.
4. Set the washing machine to the highest recommended temperature as indicated by the tag inside your cover, and let your washer work its magic!

Drying Your Cover

When the cycle is done, it’s time to get drying. You can pick from several options, depending on what works best for you.

1. Hang dry. This is a great option for people who have a tight mattress cover such as our Zippered Fabric Mattress Cover, as it results in minimal shrinkage!
2. Set the dryer to a medium setting and add some white tennis balls. They might be noisy, but they’ll help your mattress cover dry faster!
3. Set the dryer to a low setting and dry along with a few other items. This helps reduce shrinkage.

Make sure to avoid using high heat! The temperature will shrink your mattress cover. It can also damage any special coating inside the fabric, decreasing the lifespan of your cover.

But I’ve got a Waterproof Mattress Cover!

Don’t worry! Even though they are waterproof, mattress covers like our Zippered Vinyl Mattress Cover can be washed. The process is much the same as with a regular, washable cover. Waterproof covers just need a more delicate touch. Give your waterproof cover the care it needs regularly, and it will last you for years!

1. The most important thing is that you’ll need to use a bleach-free detergent! The bleach can destroy the waterproof lining of your cover, and void any warranty your cover might have.
2. Make sure to follow the temperature directions as indicated by the tag inside your cover.
3. Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle, set it on to wash, and then sit back and relax!

Drying a Waterproof Mattress Cover

Hang drying is the best option for a waterproof cover, as heat can damage the waterproof lining.

If hang drying is not an option for you, set your dryer to the lowest setting available and add a few other items. The additional items will help diffuse the heat, and prevent your cover’s lining from being damaged.

Do not dry clean or iron a waterproof cover. The heat can seriously harm the waterproof lining and reduce its effectiveness.

Washing a mattress cover – whether waterproof, specialized, or standard – might seem like a daunting task. It just requires a couple of extra steps! By caring for your cover now, you’ll have a reliable bedding accessory for years to come.