There are three main areas to study if you want to know how to clean a memory foam mattress pad. We will teach you the proper methods and timing to ensure that you maintain your mattress pad without damaging it accidentally. Remember that this material is as used as the bed itself, so it should be cleaned regularly.
If you know how to clean a memory foam mattress topper, you can apply similar techniques. However, pads and toppers have differences. We will talk about them too in this article to help you learn about mattress accessories.
How Do You Clean A Memory Foam Mattress Pad?
The right process
The proper way of cleaning a memory foam mattress pad is dry and moisture-free unless you’re doing a deep cleaning, which we will discuss in more detail later. If you’re familiar with other memory foam products, you know that getting it wet can damage the material since it’s porous, and drying can take a long time.
If you don’t want to be at risk for mold and mildew, how can you keep your mattress pad clean? Start by vacuuming the surface with the soft brush or upholstery attachment to get rid of dust, dander, and other particles that have accumulated on your bed. You should separate the pad and place it on a floor to reach everything.
A useful technique is to vacuum in a circular motion while making sure you’re digging into the notches and crevices. Once done, you can freshen the pad by sprinkling some baking soda over it and let it sit for several hours. Vacuum the powder off and ventilate your cushion before using it.
Can You Wash A Foam Mattress Pad?
The right deep cleaning
Since you can’t machine wash or soak your memory foam mattress pad, how can you eliminate spills and stains? Don’t panic because you can still recover your damp or stained pad. The key is to soak up the excess liquid as soon as possible, treat the discolorations, and dry the pad thoroughly.
Stubborn stains may require specific cleaning solutions, depending on what they are. You also want to check what cleaners the label allows to avoid damaging the material. Overall, avoid harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer mentioned that it’s okay.
Generally, you can lightly mist the affected areas with a solution of mild detergent and water. Let it sit for about an hour and use a cloth soaked and wrung in water to remove the soapy residue. Then, use another cloth to wipe the misted areas again to help with drying.
How Do You Wash A Mattress Pad?
The right timing
In general, washing a mattress pad is misting the dirty areas and wiping them off with a cloth. Most materials don’t allow washing by soaking and wringing the pad because it can deform them. But to ensure good bed hygiene and prevent tricky stains, clean your pad as soon as spills occurred.
Then, air-dry the pad on both sides and place it on a surface with slats or holes to help the air reach underneath it. You can also use the heatless hairdryer setting to hasten the process. The emphasis is necessary on never using a pad when damp because it can lead to fungal growth.
And finally, make it a part of maintenance to freshen your mattress pad with a vacuum cleaner and baking soda each time you change sheets. This can also prevent odor accumulation and keep your pad fresh. Even occasional drying your mattress pad outside will also kill pathogens or bacteria.
Mattress Pad Vs Mattress Topper
The process of cleaning a mattress pad and a mattress topper is similar unless there are specifications on your product’s label. However, it’s natural to be confused if these mattress accessories are synonymous with each other. The answer is no because a mattress topper is thicker than a mattress pad.
Of course, a topper is what you’ll put over your bed, and you can layer your mattress with a pad if it needs more height or a softer feel. Nonetheless, both accessories help extend the lifespan of your bed because they keep the latter from getting worn down due to consistent pressure. Since you use them every day, learning the proper cleaning methods is crucial for them to last long.
Remember that some mattress pads are also machine-washable, but you must always check the label before doing so. Mattress pads are not only made of memory foam, and there are other variants made of synthetic fibers, latex foam, wool, feather, and even cotton. Their cover is typically a quilted fabric, and you can secure the pad to the bed with straps for tucking underneath the main mattress.
Conclusion
Not to be confused with mattress toppers, mattress pads are another bed accessory that requires regular maintenance. If you want to know how to clean a memory foam mattress pad, the process is similar to how you’ll work with other memory foam products. You want to avoid soaking or wringing it, and the drying should be thorough.
You can freshen the memory foam pad with baking soda and then vacuum the powder off. But for stains, spot treatment is ideal, and then air-dry the material. Always check the product label for possible indications, and your mattress pad should be good as new.