How to Properly Wash & Dry a Topper: Step-by-Step Guide

Toppers for the mattresses of box spring beds enhance sleeping comfort and protect bedding from dirt, sweat, and mites. Most toppers consist of a foam core with a removable cover made of cotton or synthetic textiles with a cotton component, in which odors and bacteria have difficulty settling.

If the topper on the mattress is regularly turned, cleaning it in the washing machine is rarely necessary. To avoid permanent stains and discoloration and to create a pleasant atmosphere in the bedroom, you should still wash the topper cover hygienically at least twice a year.

Observe manufacturer's instructions for cleaning

Before you start cleaning the cover of your topper cover after purchase, you should look for a care label at the zipper. Manufacturers typically provide important care instructions on the label regarding washing time, washing and ironing temperatures. You will also find out whether spinning the cover is allowed. From the care label, you can also determine whether the topper is suitable for the dryer. 

Tip: Always adhere to the washing instructions such as the manufacturer's recommended washing temperature to gently clean the material on the surface and inside, and to maintain the shape of the cover and foam. Usually, the topper is washable, but sometimes it is not. Here, we only share additional washing tips that serve as general guidelines.

What you should pay attention to when caring for mattress toppers

• Fresh stains from blood, spilled liquids after breakfast, or urine can be spot cleaned from the fabric of the cover using a sponge and brush by hand washing. Large-scale discolorations caused by a liquid and odors can only be removed through machine washing (possibly with fabric softener) and good ventilation. By doing this, you extend the lifespan of a high-quality topper.
• Mattress toppers should be washed separately and not with clothes, the duvet, or bed sheets to minimize bacterial growth in the washing machine. Afterwards, air drying is the best option for various brands.
• The lifespan of toppers is on average 5 years with regular use. Even with good care and attention to the washing symbols, you should regularly replace your mattress topper.
• To protect your topper and mattress for maximum cleanliness, you should ensure clean bedding. Bed sheets and covers should be cleaned 2 - 3 times a month. By regularly airing and turning, you can provide additional freshness and a pleasant smell in the bed.

Step-by-step guide to washing a topper

Would you like to clean your topper with a washing program? No problem! We will explain below how the washing process works for maximum hygiene during sleep. This way, you can be sure when you take care of your mattress protector. By the way: You can also remove dust with a vacuum cleaner for more comfort while lying down.

1. Remove mattress topper

Conventional toppers for the box spring bed are placed on the bed or the mattress and secured with elastic bands. The elastic bands can be easily removed after taking off the bed linen. Open the zipper and separate the cold foam core from the cover for washing. 

Note: The foam core of the topper cannot be machine washed – by airing it out in the sun or at temperatures below zero degrees, you can combat bacteria in the core of these materials, while the cover is cleaned in a washing cycle and dries.

2. Washing Machine Cleaning

Removable covers for mattress toppers can usually be washed at 30° to 60° Celsius depending on the composition of the textile. Never wash your cover hotter than the manufacturer recommends. The material is less stressed in a large washing drum: the larger the washing machine, the less friction occurs on the textile.

If the size barely fits into the machine, then the topper should be cleaned at the laundromat for a washing duration of your choice. This will remove dust and more! Stubborn stains on the mattress cover can also be removed by hand during this treatment step. Unless otherwise specified on the label, you can use detergent with a normal hardness level.

3. How to properly dry the product

Not every topper is suitable for the dryer, as the material can deform and wrinkle during drying. If in doubt, you should air dry the topper cover by hanging it. Textiles with a cotton content dry fastest in rooms with heating or in the sun. To do this, simply hang the cover over a clothesline in low humidity and smooth it out.

4. Place the topper

Only put the cover back on the freshly aired foam core when both parts are completely dry. Moisture in the fabric or in the cold foam promotes mold growth and odors. By the way: Using a waterproof cloth protects the bed's topper for the future and ensures maximum comfort.

Remove stubborn stains and dirt by hand

To remove fresh stains and old dirt marks, some proven home remedies are suitable. Therefore, we provide you with information in our guide so that unsightly spots are no longer an issue. If the foam core becomes wet, manual labor is required to reliably remove the stain:

Tips and Tricks for Various Stains 

• Mites are best combated by allergy sufferers through regular airing out and cleaning with a hot steam cleaner.
• If sweat stains remain on the topper after washing, you can spray them with diluted vinegar and rinse off with clear water after a short exposure time. Also, solutions of washing soda or baking soda are particularly effective in removing stubborn sweat stains from the fabric.
• If urine from animals or humans gets into the cover or into the foam core, only acidic cleaning agents such as citric acid or vinegar will help. First, the wet urine stain is blotted with a paper towel or cloth towel. Then, the area is sprayed several times with the cleaning agent, aired out, and washed until no unpleasant odors are detectable.
• Lemon juice also helps with coffee stains on mattress toppers – wash the stain with warm water and then let a layer of lemon juice dry on the stain to enhance the effect. You can repeat the process with the mixture until the stain is gone.
• Once blood stains have dried on the topper cover, they are almost as difficult to remove as urine stain edges. Fresh blood stains should be immediately washed out with cold water and then generously sprinkled with baking soda (baking powder).
• The absorption tip also helps with red wine stains: Wash the stain thoroughly with mineral water and cover it thickly with salt. After a few hours, you can brush off the stain.
• Stains from vomit on the topper cover should first be dried with a paper towel. Moist residues can be removed from the fabric using flour or salt. Afterwards, sprinkle the area with vinegar to prevent odors and germs. If only the topper is affected, you can simply put it in the wash.
• Semen stains on the topper cover must always be treated with cold water. In cold wash or with a damp washcloth and dish soap, the unpleasant stains will disappear.
• For mold stains on the mattress topper, only an intensive vinegar treatment followed by airing out in the bright sun will help. If you cannot remove or cut out the mold, you should replace the topper, as mold stains can pose a health risk.

Here you will learn how much cleaning your topper can cost.