HOW TO WASH A MATTRESS PROTECTOR IN 4 STEPS
As the name suggests, your mattress protector is designed to extend the life of your mattress by guarding it against spills, dirt, allergens and general wear and tear. But as the first line of defense, the protector itself can accumulate dirt, odors and more.
Keep reading to learn how to wash a mattress protector, how often you should wash it and tips to help remove stains.
WHAT IS A MATTRESS PROTECTOR?
A mattress protector is a removable cover designed to shield your mattress from dirt, allergens, sweat and general wear and tear. Unlike a mattress pad, which simply adds a layer of comfort, mattress protectors can help extend the life of your bed. Some are even made of waterproof materials to help prevent stains.
CAN YOU WASH A MATTRESS PROTECTOR IN A WASHING MACHINE?
Some mattress protectors may be machine washable, however it depends on the instructions on the care label. Always refer to the care label before washing an item. This is especially true for waterproof mattress protectors, which are often made with unique materials such as polyurethane that could require special care.
HOW OFTEN TO WASH A MATTRESS PROTECTOR
If your mattress protector is washable, it’s recommended that you wash it every one to two months to help keep it fresh; however, certain situations may require you to wash your protector more frequently. For example, you may need to clean it immediately after spills or accidents, to tackle pet hair or after you’ve been sick.
MATTRESS PROTECTOR WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
Similar to washing bedding and comforters, it’s important to regularly care for your mattress protector to help keep it fresh. Use the steps below as a general guide for how to wash a mattress protector.
1. CHECK THE CARE LABEL
Start by reading the mattress protector’s care label to find the recommended wash settings and instructions. If your mattress protector is hand wash only, avoid putting it in the washing machine even if there is a hand wash setting.
2. TREAT STAINS
Next, check your mattress protector for any stains and spot treat them as directed by the care label. You may have better success removing stains the earlier you treat them. However, if you don’t get the results you’re looking for after treating the stain, you can always repeat the stain-treatment process as needed.
3. WASH ACCORDING TO THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the instructions on the care label for recommended cycle settings, water temperatures and any special cleaning guidelines, such as the type and amount of detergent to use. This can help you provide ideal care to help maintain the quality of your mattress protector.
4. DRY THE MATTRESS PROTECTOR
How to dry a mattress protector will depend on the instructions on the care label. Refer to this label to find any recommended settings or to discover whether your protector is air dry only. However you dry it, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back on the mattress.
HOW TO HELP REMOVE STAINS FROM A MATTRESS PROTECTOR
Nobody wants to change their sheets only to discover a stained and sketchy looking mattress protector underneath. Help keep your mattress protector in tip-top shape by taking the time to address and remove stains when you first notice them. Pretreating stains as early as possible can also help make them less difficult to remove. Following specific cleaning instructions based on the type of stain you’re treating can also help.
Keep reading to find out how to help remove blood, sweat and urine stains.
Blood stains: Flush the stain with cold water to help keep it from setting into the fabric. Then soak the affected area in a large bowl filled with cold water and a small amount of laundry detergent for about 30 minutes. Finish by washing as directed by the care label. Once the wash routine is completed, dry the protector as directed by the care label, avoiding direct heat unless the stain is completely removed.
Urine stains: Soak urine stains in cool water with an enzyme detergent for about 30 minutes before washing in either cool or warm water, depending on the instructions on the care label. You can also add oxygen bleach to the wash load if directed by the protector’s care label. Finish by drying the protector as directed by the care label.
Sweat stains: Soak the stained area in cool water with a gentle detergent for about 30 minutes. Then refer to the care label. Unless directed otherwise, wash with cool or warm water, along with oxygen bleach. Opt for air drying until the stain is entirely removed or refer to your care label for specific drying instructions.
EXPLORE DEPENDABLE MAYTAG® WASHERS
No matter what laundry day brings, you can count on Maytag to get the job done and help keep your bedding clean and fresh. Select Maytag® washers are equipped with an Extra Power button which boosts stain-fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away. Some models also feature a Built-In Water Faucet, which gives you a handy place to rinse and spot-treat large items like mattress protectors, right at your washer.
