Mattress toppers aren’t lazy. In fact, they work overtime absorbing sweat, dead skin cells, dustmites and accidental spills when you sleep. Sooner or later it needs a thorough clean. Not only for hygienic reasons but also to keep it performing at it’s best for longer. The problem is that mattress toppers can’t be tossed into the laundry like a sheet. One wrong decision and you’ve destroyed its delicate structure & comfort.
In this complete guide we cover safe and effective ways to clean every type of mattress topper found in the UK market today. From fragile memory foam to lofty down. You’ll learn what you can do yourself at home and when to call in the professionals.
ATTENTION: RULE NUMBER ONE BEFORE YOU START: Any Mattress Topper Cleaning Task
Locate the care label on your mattress topper. It is there for a reason – legal and practical. Refer to the symbols:
Machine washable – Yes! But read on for precautions first.
Spot Clean Only – This includes most memory foam & latex tops.
Dry Clean Only / Do Not Wash – RESPECT IT. If it says this DO NOT ATTEMPT to wash it yourself. See below for professional cleaning info.
Tumble Dry / Air Dry – Important to know for later.
The Gentle Universal Spot & Stain Removal Process (Safe for ALL Mattress Toppers)
Ideal for small accidents and stains, or for mattresses labelled "Spot Clean Only".
What you’ll need:
Mild liquid detergent. (Refer to examples below)
Cold water
White towels or microfibre cloths
Spray Bottle (optional)
Steps:
Blot Immediately – Never rub! Gently dab at the area with a dry cloth. Absorb as much of the spill as possible.
Prepare Cleaning Solution – Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent with 250ml of cold water. Hot water is likely to set stains and damage materials.
Test – Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area to check for colourfastness.
Clean – Dampen a cloth with the solution and gently dab at the stain working from the outside in.
Rinse – Dampen a new cloth with cold water only. Dab at the area to rinse out any soap residue.
Dry – Blot with a dry towel and allow area to air dry completely before replacing bedding. Use a fan to accelerate drying time for foam toppers.
Topper Material Specific Deep Cleaning Guides
How To Clean A Memory Foam Topper
RULE TO REMEMBER WHEN CLEANING MEMORY FOAM: Don’t Let It Get Wet!
It absorbs moisture like a sponge and if not dried properly can develop internal mould. Ruining its structure and lifespan.
Vacuum –Using the upholstery attachment, give your mattress topper a good vacuum to remove any dust/mattress debris.
Deodorise – Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface of your mattress topper. Leave for 1 hour. Vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs smells.
Spot Clean/Stains – Use the Universal Spot & Stain Removal Process above for any spots or spills.
Dry Thoroughly–Allow your mattress topper to dry completely after any cleaning. Place near an open window and put a fan on it. Bonus points if you can flip it over as well. Depending on humidity this could take anywhere from 24-48 hours in the UK. Foam holds moisture very well.
NEVER EVER……….Put in your washing machine, Tumble dry, Use Steam Cleaner or ANY harsh chemicals.
Mattress Topper Maintenance Tip: Vacuum & Deodorise with baking soda every few months. prolongs the freshness between deep cleans.
How To Clean A Latex Topper
Latex is similar to memory foam but is slightly more durable.
Follow all the steps above for spot cleaning and deodorising.
You can also give it a wipe-down with a cloth dampened with mild soap solution then wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water to rinse.
Avoid sunlight when drying as UV rays break down latex and will make it brittle.
Allow to air dry flat in a well ventilated room out of direct sunlight.
How To Clean A Feather / Down Topper
HOPEFULLY machine washable! Always check your label!
If YES it’s safe to Machine Wash:
Clean Machine – Ideally use a large capacity commercial machine from a laundrette. You want it to have plenty of room to agitate without overloading.
Washing Instructions – Use a small amount of mild, liquid detergent. No powder (ouch those clumps!) and absolutely no fabric softener (kills feathers). Use cold water and a gentle/delicate cycle. Run an extra rinse cycle just to make sure all soap is removed.
Drying Instructions – Tumble dry on LOW heat with 2-3 clean dryer balls or tennis balls in socks. The balls break apart any clumps. This could take 3-6 hours. Check hourly and fluff. Must be 100% dry.
If NO, it’s NOT machine washable:
Same spot cleaning methods as above.
Professional mattress cleaning recommended.
How To Clean A Wool Topper
Wool is naturally antimicrobial but still needs some love.
Most wool tops are spot clean only. Use the Universal Cleaning Method above with a very mild detergent.
Some can be dry cleaned. Check your label.
Maintenance– Air your wool topper outside regularly on a dry breezy day. Sunlight naturally sanitises & freshens.
Vacuum regularly with upholstery attachment.
How To Clean A Fibre/Polyester Topper
Thankfully the most durable and often machine washable.
Check your label to confirm. If yes use a cool gentle cycle with mild detergent.
Tumble dry LOW heat or air dry. They dry quickly.
Keep in mind that washing fibbre mattress toppers will often cause them to flatten faster. Inexpensive models are most susceptible.
Why A Mattress Protector Is Non-Negotiable
Far and away the best thing you can do to keep your mattress topper clean is to encase it in a high-quality waterproof, breathable mattress protector. It creates a barrier between your mattress topper and sweat, allergens, spills and dustmites. Wash your protector every week or fortnight and your mattress topper will stay clean and fresh for years. Do this and you can forget about the hassle of cleaning your mattress topper… well almost. Especially if it’s one you can’t/won’t machine wash yourself (i.e. memory foam)
Mattress Topper Cleaning FAQ
Q. Can I use my Carpet Cleaner/VAX on my mattress topper?
A. No. Not unless it’s a fibre topper and you have enough guts to try it. Even then you’re injecting so much moisture deep into the topper that it’s almost certain to lead to mould. Never risk it with foam. If your fibre topper is thick enough you MIGHT be able to get away with it. But can YOU pull out every last trace of moisture and dry it perfect? Of course not. So you’ll invalidate your warranty too. Never worth the risk.
Q. How often should I wash my mattress topper?
A.
Vacuum / Deodorise (Baking Soda) – Every 1-2 months.
Spot Clean – As Needed.
Deep Clean – At least once a year (follow Mattress Material Specific guides above) or as recommended by manufacturer.
Q. My mattress topper smells funny. How do I get the smell out?
A. Odds are there’s moisture/mould trapped inside. With foam there’s not much you can do. Try giving it the baking soda treatment and leave for 24 hours then vacuum. You can re wash it if it’s washable butDry time is critical so make sure it dries thoroughly this time. Smelling problems are exactly why you should use a protector at all times!
Q. Can I dry clean my mattress topper?
A. Only if the label says ” Dry Clean”. Standard dry cleaning chemicals (perchloroethylene) will damage foam & Latex toppers. You’ll need to find a specialist “wet clean” service.
When To Seek Professional Upholstery Cleaning Help
If you aren’t sure or…
If the care label specifies it.
The stain is too large, old or unidentified. (Pet accidents, wine…)
It’s expensive and you don’t want to risk anything. (High end latex or wool)
You don’t have the necessary equipment to dry a feather/down topper.
Mattress Toppers are an investment. With a little preventative care – vacuuming, airing, spot cleaning – you can keep your topper in great condition for years to come. Couple that with a good mattress protector and you’ve got a sanitary sleeping environment.
Shop our range of breathable waterproof mattress protectors and cleaning kits that are safe for mattress toppers at MyHomeLiving.co.uk. Designed to keep your home & family healthy.