How to Clean a Foam Mattress Topper
Shortly after moving into my first college dorm, a gift arrived in the storage room for me. Unhappy with the thin mattresses she noticed while helping me move, my mom sent me a luxurious fluffy mattress topper. It wrapped around my mattress, adding a few inches of foam on top for my body to sink into after a long day of studying (or procrastinating on studying). Since then I have never been without it.
Mattress toppers are a great, cheap way to improve any sleeping situation. But like anything that comes into close contact with your body, especially when you sweat and roll around, they get dirty. Think about how much sweat and dirt there is in that foam. This foam, as wonderful and comfortable as it is, is also the reason they are so difficult to clean.
How to remove a stain from a mattress cover
First, there is one exception to everything below regarding cleaning a mattress topper: if your mattress topper is filled with feathers rather than foam, it can be washed like a regular pillow. Double check the instructions on the tag and you’ll be fine.
If a stain appears, blot it with vinegar or another mild cleaner. Don’t get it too wet; The rag just needs to be damp. According to Gold Bond Mattress CEO Bob Naboychek, excess moisture is absorbed into the foam and can cause mold growth. Let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours.
How to completely clean a mattress pad
When it comes to more thorough cleaning, you still don’t want to get it wet. Instead, place it on a flat surface and sprinkle with baking soda, according to the Sleep Foundation . Leave for eight hours, then vacuum. If possible, use a handheld vacuum attachment or small vacuum cleaner, as aggressive suction can damage weaker or thinner foam. If yours is very thick, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side. You should clean it this way two to three times a year or as needed.
If there is a large spill or the topper is very dirty, take it to a dry cleaner. Soaking that much suds in your washing machine is a disaster waiting to happen, as the suds can feel dry to the touch but still be quite damp on the inside. Bringing mold and its associated stench is pretty counterproductive here, so let’s let the professionals handle anything too serious.