The best reason to get a mattress topper is that it improves the feel, firmness or comfort profile of your current mattress without forcing you to invest an entirely new bed. But like anything used daily over a prolonged period, it requires a thorough cleaning on a semi-regular basis—especially since it takes the brunt of spills, stains and sweat. Here’s how to clean a mattress topper in a few simple steps, whether you want to give it a quick refresh or a deeper clean.
Whether your mattress topper needs a quick refresh or a deep clean, the step-by-step processes below outline how to do so using common household products.
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It doesn’t take much effort to make your topper (like one of our recommended best mattress toppers) look as good as new, and common household cleaning products will get the job done: You’ll want baking soda, a vacuum cleaner, soap and a damp towel on hand. Below, we detail step-by-step instructions that can help restore your mattress topper and prolong its life, plus include some regular maintenance tips. You should also consider using a mattress protector to help keep your bed and topper safe from future spills and stains.
If you’re targeting an isolated stain or spill on your mattress topper, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Make a sudsy mixture using water and a dash of gentle soap (we recommend castile soap).
Step 2: Take a clean cloth and grab a heaping scoop of your soapy mixture.
Step 3: Dab the stained area with your cleaning solution.
Step 4: Dip a separate cloth in cold water and blot the stained area.
Step 5: Repeat steps three and four until the stain is removed.
Step 6: Dust baking soda over the affected area to soak up excess moisture and let it sit for at least eight hours.
Step 7: Vacuum the baking soda using a handheld vacuum or an appropriate nozzle attachment.
You can also use vinegar as an alternative to dish soap to help combat tough spots. For even harsher stains like biofluids, consider an enzyme cleaner, which is widely available at most supermarkets and grocery stores, or a mixture of one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide (1:1). With that said, hydrogen peroxide should be used as a last resort because of its harsh, foam-damaging properties.
How To Deep Clean Your Mattress Topper
You should give your mattress topper a regular cleaning at least twice a year, if not every three months. It may sound like an unappealing chore but it’s actually light work.
Step 1: Place your bare topper on a clean, flat surface.
Step 2: Vacuum the surface of the topper using your appliance’s detachable nozzle (or a handheld vacuum) to remove loose dirt and dander.
Step 3: Dust baking soda over the entire surface and let it sit for at least eight hours.
Step 4: Vacuum the topper to remove the baking soda.
Step 5: Flip and repeat steps 2 through 4 on the opposite side.
If you learn your topper is soiled and has passed the point of no return, consider investing in a new one that caters to your sleeping position, firmness preference and budget; our guide to the best mattress toppers includes editor-approved picks for various types of sleepers.
How To Maintain Your Mattress Topper
You can extend the lifespan of your mattress topper and prevent premature dips or sags with regular maintenance. Note that different materials require different care.
- Rotate the head of your mattress topper to the foot every six months to ensure even wear and tear. If your mattress is one solid layer, you can also flip it over when you rotate.
- If your mattress topper is made with with feathers or down, fluff it on a weekly basis to keep its support structure intact.
- Avoid soaking your mattress topper in too much water or liquid in order to prevent the foam from deforming or breaking down. In the case of a spill, use a cloth or towel to absorb excess liquid.
- Keep bleach and other chemicals away from your mattress topper, as harsh cleaning materials can damage the topper and linger for a long period of time.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our mattress and sleep team at Forbes Vetted consists of tenured editors and writers who rely on their industry knowledge, extensive testing experience and expert insights to build a robust catalog of helpful sleep content. Our library of sleep guides includes topics ranging from the best mattresses for side sleepers and the best cooling mattress toppers to tips for a relaxing bedtime routine.
- McKenzie Dillon, author of this story, is a mattress and sleep editor with over six years of research and testing experience. She has a sleep science coach certification and knows what it takes to maintain a comfortable, supportive bed setup. Prior to Forbes Vetted, Dillon was a sleep editor at CNET and MySlumberYard.
- All mattress and sleep stories are overseen by Bridget Chapman, senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted. A seasoned professional in the sleep industry, she also has a sleep science coach certification and years of testing experience under her belt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can A Mattress Topper Be Put In The Washing Machine?
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Can A Mattress Topper Be Put In The Washing Machine?
Most mattress toppers, like those made with memory foam, latex or poly foam, cannot be put in a washing machine because water in high quantities damages and deforms the foam. However, cotton or polyester mattress pads and toppers may be machine washable. Always be sure to check your topper’s care instructions.
