How to Clean a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are a popular and a more affordable way to improve the comfort of a mattress. Since they sit on top of the bed, just under the sheets, mattress toppers are exposed to spills, body oils, sweat, and other contaminants that can make the topper dirty. This guide will show you how to clean mattress toppers, without damaging their interior material.

Most mattress toppers in the market are made from memory foam, polyfoam, and latex.. These materials absorb moisture and cleaning products, so a special method is needed when cleaning them. Let’s go over how to clean a memory foam mattress topper and other types of toppers.

How to Clean a Mattress Topper

The best approach for cleaning mattress toppers depends on how dirty they are. If you only need to deodorize and refresh, baking soda cleaning will suffice. If there’s a liquid spill, then you may need to use a gentle cleaning agent like white vinegar or an enzyme cleaner.

In any case, it is best to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, which can discolor and even damage the delicate materials used in mattress toppers.

Cleaning a Mattress Topper 

1. Strip and launder the bedding.
2. Remove the topper from the mattress, place it on the floor or a flat surface.
3. Vacuum the topper thoroughly using only the handheld attachment from the vacuum cleaner. 
4. Spread a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the topper.
5. Leave the baking soda on the topper for about 6-8 hours. 
6. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. 

This method is simple and uses only baking soda and a vacuum. It’s effective due to baking soda’s unique ability to draw moisture out and neutralize odors. We recommend doing this entire process 2-4 times a year. 

How to remove Stains Out of a Mattress Topper

If there are stains set on your topper, you may need a different cleaning method. 

Here’s how to remove stains:

1. Select a cleaning solution 
2. Apply a small amount of solution to a clean towel or rag.
3. Gently blot the stained area with the solution soaked towel.
4. Use a separate cloth, dip it in cold water, then blot the stained area.
5. Apply baking soda, let it sit for 6-8 hours to draw out moisture.
6. Vacuum the mattress surface and let it air-dry.

There are a few different cleaning solutions you can use to remove stains from mattress protectors:

Enzyme Cleaner – Most commercial enzyme cleaners are effective, especially for biological stains such as those caused by sweat, blood, and urine. Enzyme cleaners may be found in most grocery stores, near the laundry detergent.

Dish Soap – Using dish soap mixed with water can also be very effective. Get the mixture sudsy and use only the foam that forms on the top to clean the topper.

Vinegar – White vinegar, diluted  to 1:1 with water, is also effective at removing some stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide – Very difficult stains, such as wine or blood, may respond better to a diluted mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide (1:1 ratio). However, it is good to keep in mind that peroxide can damage or bleach memory foam, so use it carefully as your last resort. 

Ideally, you want to use a relatively small amount of cleaner.However, if the stain is set in, you may need to use more cleaner and let it soak in for 30 minutes. If you do this approach, use plenty of baking soda afterwards and then be sure to allow adequate time for the mattress topper to dry fully.