Fact checked by Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE
Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE
Jonathan Eilenberg is a Certified Professional Ergonomist who is a Senior Ergonomics Engineer at Casper with over 6 years of experience in occupational injury prevention.
To wash a machine-washable mattress protector, use a mild detergent with cold water on a delicate cycle setting. Tumble dry low or air-dry, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Updated 09/25/2024
Your mattress protector is the silent guardian of your sleep health. It’s kind of like a fitted sheet that goes over your mattress and provides a fabric force field against enemies of hygienic slumber. Mattress protectors guard your mattress from stains, accidental spills, bacteria, and even some allergens. Meanwhile, your mattress protector also protects you from irritants like dust mites, mold, and dust.
So how do you show your appreciation for your dreamland protector, your slumber savior, your paladin of perfect sleep? By washing it, of course!
Washing your mattress protector can help keep you and your mattress safe. But you need to know how to wash the encasement properly, and that’s what the experts at Casper are for! In which case, here’s how to wash mattress protectors the right way.
Just like every sleeper has their own unique sleep needs, every mattress cover has their own washing needs. That’s why it’s paramount that you always check the label attached to the mattress protector and follow the washing instructions.
Here are some quick instructions on how to clean a non-machine washable protector:
At Casper, our premium mattress covers are designed for comfort and ultimate protection. Our Breathable Mattress Protector is machine-washable, and so is our Waterproof Mattress Protector, though hand-washing is preferred and advised for our waterproof model.
If you know that your mattress protector is machine washable, then you can follow the instructions below.
When it comes to washing a machine washable mattress protector, be sure to look at the details on the care instruction label. Doing so will tell you everything you need to know about:
Toss your mattress protector into the washing machine either on its own or with similar materials (think bed sheets or soft clothing). But we get that you may have some follow-up questions for exactly what wash is best.
Cold water is preferred because it will prevent any of the fibers from shrinking. If you’ve watched a beloved sweater go from a perfect fit to “How do I get this on?”, you’ve probably learned your lesson when it comes to washing delicate things with hot water.
Use a mild detergent that doesn’t have any built-in softeners. Why? Because softeners can actually affect your mattress’s ability to absorb all the not-so-great stuff you want to keep off your mattress (we’re looking at you breakfast-in-bed stains).
It’s best to treat your beloved sleep protector with some TLC—set your washing machine to “delicate” or “gentle” to ensure your mattress encasement is thoroughly washed without being put through the (literal) wringer.
Then, once the first wash cycle is through, add another rinse cycle to your washing machine to ensure all the laundry detergent is out. Dried-out detergent in the mattress protection material can irritate your skin through your fitted sheet and may lead to mold and mildew. Talk about a nightmare!
You should avoid using bleach on a mattress protector. Bleach can damage the fabric and diminish the effectiveness of the protector, especially if it has waterproofing or other special treatments.
When it comes to cleaning a mattress protector, Casper keeps it simple with our incredibly durable and comfy Waterproof Mattress Protector. Strong against dirt, spills, and water, our latest model of mattress protectors can keep your mattress pristine and help you rest easy at night.
Once your mattress protector is squeaky clean, it’s time to get it all nice and dry before it goes back on protection duty. This step is important because if there’s too much moisture left over in the fabric, your mattress may switch to the dark side—that is, it may invite bacteria and mold to set up camp in your bed.
There are a few ways you can dry your mattress protector safely, including:
Now that you know how to wash a mattress protector properly, there’s one important question we still need to answer:
How often should I wash my mattress protector?
Typically, you should wash your mattress protector using mild detergent every two months, but it depends on how you use it. Consider the following:
Typically, you should consider replacing your mattress protector every one to two years, depending on the quality and usage. Signs that it’s time for a replacement include visible wear, thinning fabric, reduced waterproofing, or if it no longer fits snugly on your mattress. However, it’s important to keep in mind not all damage is visible, so replacing your mattress protector every one to two years ensures your mattress stays clean and protected for years to come.
Yes, you should wash a mattress protector before using it. Washing removes any manufacturing residues, dust, or packaging odors, ensuring that it’s clean and fresh for your bed. Additionally, washing helps to soften the fabric, making it more comfortable and allowing it to fit snugly on your mattress.
From breathable mattress protectors to pillowcases, at Casper, we know that every layer of your bedding makes a difference in your sleep. This is why we offer the most innovative mattresses, pillows, adjustable bed frames, and more to help you find your best sleep yet.
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