Can you wash a mattress topper? Expert advice on how to sanitize yours without damaging it

A mattress topper can transform your sleep set-up, making an old mattress feel more comfortable, or altering the firmness of one you can't seem to get along with. But, just like the rest of your bedding, it needs to be kept clean and regularly freshened up.

Bacteria build-up, sweat, natural oils, dust mites, and accidental spills are all reasons your mattress topper might be looking dirty, and you might start to notice some staining, too. So, can you wash a mattress topper?

The short answer is yes, you can, but it's important to do so correctly. If you wash it incorrectly, you risk completely ruining it. Here, we spoke to experts for their laundry tips to keep your topper in tip-top condition, without causing damage.

Can you wash a mattress topper?

Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning and laundry expert, and CEO of AspenClean, advises, 'If your mattress topper is machine-washable, you should definitely wash it to remove sweat, dust mites, and allergens, as it will be designed to handle water and detergent without compromising its structure.'

However, importantly, not all toppers, such as ones made from memory foam or latex, are suitable for machine washing. But, these can be spot cleaned with a gentle detergent such as the all Liquid Laundry Detergent available at Walmart.

Sylvia Emuwa, laundry expert and founder of Dinobi Detergent, explains, 'Foam mattresses are made of a material that is not machine washable, because the foam is not able to withstand machine agitation. It is also difficult to remove the moisture, therefore being highly susceptible to mold and mildew if moisture is trapped,' and risking the appearance of signs of mold on your mattress.

For this reason, to get stains out of a mattress topper and avoid compromising the shape and structure, clean these types of mattress toppers without using your washing machine.

'Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild detergent for spot cleaning, then allow the topper to air dry completely before use,' adds Sokolowski.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Which mattress toppers can go in a washing machine?

When it comes to which mattress toppers can go in the washing machine, laundry expert Sokolowski says, 'Generally, you should only wash mattress toppers that specifically state they are machine washable. These typically include cotton toppers, polyester toppers, and some down or feather toppers.'

Always check the laundry symbols on the care label before getting started and, in the absence of a care label, carefully consider the material. Also, always spot treat stains with a stain remover, such as the Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner Liquid and Upholstery Stain Remover available at Amazon, before popping your topper in the machine.

The key here is choosing an appropriate detergent. 'We recommend using a mild, eco-friendly detergent, such as the AspenClean Natural Laundry Detergent Unscented available at Amazon, for a safe and hypoallergenic clean,' continues Sokolowski. 'Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which can weaken fibers and leave residue that may irritate your skin.'

You will, of course, also need to check whether your mattress topper is actually able to fit in your washing machine drum, to avoid any expensive or irreparable damage caused by washing machine mistakes. Most king-size, or larger toppers will be too big, and can therefore be immediately ruled out of washing by machine, and should be spot cleaned by hand instead.

FAQs

Can you put a mattress topper in the dryer?

Putting a mattress topper in the dryer is a quick, easy solution – allowing you to wash, dry, and put your mattress topper back on your bed before bedtime. But, whether you can will depend on its material composition. Excessive heat will damage foam toppers, and we'd always suggest double-checking the care label when it comes to feather-filled, down, and polyester types, too. You can, however, put a mattress protector in the dryer.

How often should you wash a mattress topper?

The good news is you don't have to clean your mattress topper as often as you should wash your bed sheets. You should spot-clean your topper as frequently as your mattress, and, as a general rule, wash it once every three months. If you're someone who overheats at night, or has pets (or kids) in bed, you may want to clean it more often. And ideally, accidental spills should be treated immediately.

Need some specific advice on how to clean a memory foam mattress topper? Our expert-led guide details how to do so in just five simple steps.