Feather mattress toppers are incredible – once they’re freshly laundered they make your bed feel fantastic. Cushy, comfy and cloud-like.
But over time they’ll become saturated with dust, moisture and allergens. You’ll need to wash them eventually.
But isn’t washing something full of delicate feathers a nightmare? Won’t they just clump up and ruin that glorious loft and coziness?
Not if you do it correctly. In fact you can quite easily wash your feather topper at home. It’ll soon smell sweet as ever and keep your comfort levels up for years to come.
This guide focuses on homeowners in the UK. As such, we’ll take into account UK washing machine sizes, climate for drying your topper and care labels you’re most likely to find.
Can I Wash A Feather Mattress Topper?
Yes. In fact you probably can and should!
Almost all feather mattress toppers these days are machine washable (Feather/Down Mix). But check the care label first!
Care Label = Boss
Machine washable symbol – Great! Read on.
Dry clean only symbol – Do as it says! Find your nearest professional dry cleaner that has experience with feather pillows/toppers/etc.
“No washing instructions” or “do not wash” symbol – See below about spot cleaning.
Remember: Even if the care label is missing, there’s a good chance your topper is still machine washable. Look for other universal laundry symbols too, as sometimes washing instructions aren’t displayed.
PRO TIP: If your topper is completely decorative/very old and has non-removable cover, then just take it to be dry cleaned to be on the safe side.
Can’t remove the outer cover? If your mattress topper comes with a ticking (or outer cover) and this is sewn/sealed shut – do not put in the washing machine!
Pre-Wash Checklist
1. Check The Care Label
CAN’T STRESS THIS STEP ENOUGH!
What to look for:
Machine Wash Symbol – Follow this washing guide.
Dry Clean Only Symbol – Find a good dry cleaner that specialises in feather pillows/toppers/etc.
“No Washing Instructions” or a “Do Not Wash” Symbol – Spot clean with detergent.
2. Prepare What You’ll Need…
You’ll need a big washing machine with a large drum. Ideally a commercial washing machine from your local laundrette or a machine with a 9kg+ drum capacity at home. Standard UK machines usually have only 7kgs which isn’t big enough.
Mild liquid detergent – Do not use fabric conditioner or powder laundry detergents! Powder can clump together when mixed with water and coats will damage the delicate feathers.
Couple of clean Tennis balls / dryer balls – Either 2-3 clean wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls wrapped up in a sock will do.
Large tumble dryer. Or prepare to get innovative with drying…
3. Check For Damage
Inspect your topper for any obvious damage. If you find any holes in the seams, tears or lose threads, get some thread and a needle and do some repairs before washing. It’ll save you a feather-filled nightmare!
THE STEPS
Step 1: Spot Clean Any Visible Stains
Use a small amount of mild detergent mixed in cold water. Dab at the stain with a cloth – never scrub at it as you’ll push the stain/moisture deeper into the fabric.
Step 2: Put your Topper In the Machine
Don’t just chuck your topper in there!
Place your topper in the drum so that it can move around freely. Your machine should be at least half empty with your topper inside.
If you’re struggling to fit the mattress topper in your washing machine, then it’s too small.
Front loaders are better where possible. Top loader washing machines have an agitator in the middle that can damage your topper.
Step 3: Choose Your Cycle Settings Carefully
Detergent – Half the normal dosage you would normally use. Use a mild liquid detergent preferably one you’d use for washing delicates.
Temperature – Cold / Cool cycle (30 degrees maximum). Hotter temperatures will damage your feather topper and wash out the natural oils in feathers leaving them brittle.
Cycle – Gentle, delicate or wool cycle. The slower spin speed is much kinder for the inside baffles.
Extra Rinse Cycle – If your washing machine has the setting, put it on extra rinse cycles. You want to make sure all soap is rinsed out of your mattress topper.
Step 4: Run that Crucial Spin!
Once the final rinse cycle is finished, run your washing machine on a slow spin cycle ONLY. Never use a high speed spin with your feather topper – this can damage and twist the baffles.
DRYING YOUR FEATHER MATTRESS TOPPER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!
Feathers that aren’t dried correctly can become mouldy in as little as 24-48hrs.
METHOD 1: Tumble Dry
Best method. Ideal for the UK climate.
Put your mattress topper in your tumble dryer.
Add 2-3 clean dryer balls or tennis balls (placed inside a sock). These help to separate any clumps of wet feathers that occur during the drying process.
Keep the dryer on a low heat setting (air fluff / delicate cycle). High temperatures can burn and damage both the outer fabric and feathers.
This will take patience. Drying your mattress top can take up to 3-6 hours! Check every 90 minutes and give it a good shake and pull apart any clumps of feathers that have stuck together. You’ll know when your topper is ready when it sounds hollow as the feathers move inside.
Do NOT pull your topper out until you are 100% sure it has dried inside. Any moist areas will grow mould.
METHOD 2: Air Dry
Riskier process but can work…
Don’t even think about doing this unless it’s a hot, dry, breezy summers day.
Take your topper outside and lay it flat on top of 2 clothes horses (or other raised surface).
Never hang it up to dry by one corner! The weight of the water will tear apart the seams over time and ruin the shape of your topper.
Flip and fluff every couple hours. You’ll likely need to leave it outside for a couple of days using this method. UK weather is unpredictable so don’t risk it if it’s crap weather outside.
Maintenance & Aftercare
Fluff It Everyday. Before you make your bed give your mattress topper a good shake and fluff! Re-distributing the filling will help maintain maximum loft.
Mattress Protector. Invest in a good quality waterproof mattress protector. They act as a fantastic barrier between you and your topper preventing spills, sweat and dust mites. You’ll find you have to wash your topper far less.
Air It. If it’s been a while give your mattress topper a good airing! On a dry day pop it near an open window out of direct sunlight for a couple hours. This will help refresh it.
Spot Clean Spills First. If you spill something on your mattress topper spot clean it ASAP with a damp cloth and mild detergent. You might not need to give it a full wash!
FAQs
Q: Can I wash my feather mattress topper in my normal 7kg UK Washing Machine?
A: We’d strongly advise against this. A mattress topper needs space to agitate in the washer otherwise you’ll damage both your washing machine and the topper. Use a larger capacity machine at home (9kg+) or visit your local laundrette.
Q: How often should I wash my feather mattress topper?
A: Every 1-2 years. If you use a mattress protector correctly you should never need to give your mattress topper a full wash. Regular airing and spot cleaning will do the job.
Q: After washing my mattress topper it smells musty. What have I done wrong?
A: It hasn’t dried properly. You’ll need to rewash your mattress topper and dry ASAP. There’s a good chance mould and mildew will have set in unfortunately.
Q: Are there any recommended cleaning products for the UK?
A: Be sure to look for mild, liquid detergents used for washing delicates or wool. Ecover Delicate Wash or Surcare are some good examples as they are hypoallergenic and rinse cleaner.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the care label says do not wash, then take your mattress topper to be dry cleaned.
Very old, antique or large toppers.
If you don’t own a washing machine/tumble dryer big enough.
It has a stain/odour you can’t remove.
Invest In Your Sleep Sanctuary
Don’t let a soiled mattress topper ruin your bed. Freshening up your mattress topper is simple and can improve your sleeping experience ten-fold!
Shopping for Mattress Protectors? Stop by MyHomeLiving.co.uk and check out our fantastic range of breathable, waterproof mattress protectors to keep your mattress topper clean for longer.