How to Care for Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress Topper Basics

Before we dive into how to clean a mattress topper, let’s review some common questions. A high quality mattress topper should last you several years if taken care of properly, so knowing how to care for it is important.

Can You Put a Mattress Topper in the Washing Machine?

To answer this question, consider the type of mattress topper you have. Some mattress toppers, such as those filled with synthetic fiberfill, can be put straight into the washing machine and laid flat to dry. Others, including toppers made out of memory foam, should never be put in the washing machine because it can ruin the material inside.

How Often Should You Wash or Clean a Mattress Topper?

Good news: you don’t need to wash your mattress topper as often as you wash your bedding. Most people add a cover or mattress protector as a top layer, and you’ll want to wash that once a week along with your sheets. For the topper itself, however, you can spot clean as needed and give it a deeper clean a few times a year.

When Should I Replace My Mattress Topper?

A few factors can impact how long your mattress topper will last, including the materials used, how often you sleep on it, your weight and—as we’re discussing here, of course—how well you care for your topper. In general, a good quality mattress topper should last you about 3 to 4 years. Thinner, lesser-quality toppers (anything less than 3”) may need to be replaced sooner.

Keep in mind, also, that if your mattress is starting to sag, your topper might eventually end up sagging along with it. The average lifespan for a mattress is 7 to 10 years, so it may be time to invest in a new one if you’re at that point!

How to Clean a Mattress Topper

Now that you know more about the basics of mattress topper care, let’s look at a few simple ways to clean it.

How to Clean Your Mattress Topper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is how to clean a memory foam mattress topper:

1. Strip the bedding, including your mattress protector or cover for the topper. Wash the cover or protector separately.
2. Carefully remove the mattress topper off the mattress and lay it flat.
3. Vacuum the mattress topper to remove any dust and allergens (optional: sprinkle baking soda on your mattress topper and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it off).
4. If needed, spot clean the mattress topper using one of the solutions listed below. Be careful not to soak the foam, since it’s very absorbent.
5. Let the mattress topper dry for a few hours. Direct sunlight can be helpful here!
6. Repeat on both sides.

DIY Cleaning Solutions for Memory Foam

Luckily, you likely have many of the ingredients you need to clean your topper at home already! There are a few simple DIY recipes to help you clean your mattress topper of sweat stains, urine, pet odors and more.

• Baking Soda - Baking soda is great for an overall clean when you want to spruce up and deodorize your mattress topper. It smells fresh and clean, and can absorb moisture that may be trapped in your topper. Sprinkle a light layer all over the top, let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum it off.
• Detergent or Dish Soap & Water - For spot cleaning stains on your topper, dish soap or even a gentle laundry detergent can do wonders. Simply dilute about a tablespoon of soap in a cup of water and gently dab (don’t rub) the area with your cleaning solution. You can also put the mixture in a spray bottle, spray the topper lightly and use a cloth to clean gently in a circular motion. Finally, blot the area gently with a clean towel.
• White Vinegar & Water - White vinegar is another great natural cleaning solution to help you clean your topper, especially if you’re trying to get rid of odors. With a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part warm water, dab gently on and around the stain. Finish by blotting with a clean towel.

Other Solutions to Clean a Mattress Topper

If creating a DIY solution isn’t your thing or you have some hard-to-clean blood, urine, or sweat stains, a commercial cleaner might be your best bet. Enzyme-based cleaners are powerful yet safe for memory foam and are designed to penetrate even the toughest stains. To use, fill a spray bottle with the cleaner and spray lightly across the topper. Give it about 20 minutes to rest, and then dab with a clean damp cloth.

Tips for Caring for Your Mattress Topper

Learning how to wash a memory foam mattress topper is helpful, but the best way to keep your mattress topper clean is to prevent stains from occurring in the first place. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Add a Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors are covers that go over your mattress topper to help eliminate stains and odors. They can be thrown in the washing machine with the rest of your bedding, which makes it easy to keep your mattress topper clean and dry.

Store Your Mattress Topper Correctly

In addition to knowing how to clean a memory foam mattress topper, you should also know how to store the topper when not in use. We recommend storing your mattress topper in a vacuum-sealed bag to eliminate any dust or dirt from collecting.

Note: Before storing your mattress topper, make sure that it’s clean and dry. You can use the cleaning tips we shared earlier before you put your mattress topper in storage.

Replace Your Mattress Topper

Like we mentioned earlier, mattress toppers are typically designed to last about 3-4 years depending on care and quality. When it’s time to replace it, doing so in a timely manner is important. If you notice that your mattress topper is too dirty to clean or doesn’t support you as much as you would like, consider replacing it sooner.

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