Mattress protectors are thin, fitted sheets that fit over your mattress.
They’re generally waterproof, and they guard your mattress from stains, dust mites, bed bugs, and other pests.
A mattress cover acquires a lot of germs and perspiration over time, so you need clean it often to keep it working properly and keeping it sanitary.
Because a fitted sheet covers a mattress protector, the protector only has to be cleaned once or twice a year (as opposed to every two weeks for a fitted sheet).
However, before using your mattress protector for the first time, wash it to remove any smells and soften it.
Related: When is The Best Time to Buy A Mattress?
We go through a few instances when you may need to wash your mattress cover more regularly, as well as standard maintenance instructions, in this post.
Quarterly guest bedrooms
Before and after visitors, always wash your mattress protector.
If the mattress protector isn’t used on a regular basis, it doesn’t need to be washed as often as other protectors.
To prevent dust accumulation, you should clean it every two to three months.
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Bimonthly for allergy sufferers
Dust mites and dander may gather on a soiled mattress cover, causing allergic responses.
Itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, red splotchy skin, and puffy eyes are also possible symptoms.
To avoid dirt build-up and allergy responses, wash your mattress protector every two to four weeks.
Post-Illness Care for Cold or Flu Sufferers
After a cold or flu has gone, wash your mattress protector (along with the rest of your bedding) to remove any germs that may have lingered.
This keeps your sleeping surface clean and prevents the transmission of illness.
The United States’ health-protection organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), protects against threats to health and safety.
Anyone else in your family may see the source.
Related: How To Make A Mattress Firmer?
Immediately after spilling food or drinks
If you spill drink or food on your mattress, wash your mattress protector right once to avoid stains.
There’s no need to wash your mattress protector if you merely spilled a glass of water in bed since it’s waterproof.
However, you should use a towel to wipe up any extra water.
Clean any food accidents and absorb any liquid spills using paper towels before placing the protection in the washing machine.
How to Clean a Mattress Cover
Mattress protectors are normally machine-washable and simple to clean.
Furthermore, every mattress cover size should fit into a regular household washer.
However, carefully read the care label for specific washing recommendations and temperatures.
Dry washing mattress covers is not recommended since the heat might damage the waterproof material.
Using Cold Water to Clean
Wash your mattress separately or with similar things like bed sheets or soft apparel.
Set your washer to the moderate or delicate cycle and use cold or lukewarm water—extremely hot water can harm your protector’s waterproof components.
Using a Gentle Detergent
Wash your mattress cover in a washing machine with a mild detergent (no builders) and avoid bleach or chlorine.
Complete a rinse cycle after washing the protection to verify that all of the detergent has been removed.
Mold and mildew may grow from any unused detergent.
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Air Dry or Tumble Dry
Finally, you have the option of drying your mattress cover in the dryer or air drying it in the sun or with a fan.
If you decide to tumble dry it, be sure you use comparable textiles with a low heat and low tumble setting.
The topping is ready to use after it has dried fully.
If you iron your mattress cover, the waterproof lining will be damaged.
Do mattress coverings go over mattress toppers?
Mattress toppers are placed underneath mattress covers, which are designed to enclose the surface beneath you.
While mattress toppers do protect your mattress to some degree, their primary purpose is to provide additional support and padding.Â
Use a deeppocket mattress protector if your mattress with the topper is a little thick so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off.
Is a mattress protector required?
Although mattresses may be used with or without a mattress cover, they are exposed to dirt, dust, and stains.
There’s no excuse not to use a mattress protector since they’re often affordable, easy to maintain, and extend the life of your mattress.
At all times, we suggest using a mattress protector.
When should your bedding be replaced?
You should change your bedding in the following order:
1. Mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
2. Mattress protector: once or twice a year
3. Pillows: once or twice a year
4. Bedsheets are replaced every two years.
5. Duvets and comforters should be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
You may extend the life of your bedding by doing routine maintenance.
If you detect holes, torn seams, or discoloration on any of your bedding, it’s time to replace it.
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Conclusion
Mattresses are an expensive investment, therefore cleaning your mattress cover on a regular basis protects your bed from dirt and stains that might invalidate the warranty and destroy the mattress.
The usual guideline is to wash your mattress protector every one to two months, while particular circumstances, such as being sick, having visitors, or spilling food, may cause this to change.
This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used to substitute medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider.
