If you’re unsure how to wash a waterproof mattress cover, check these three steps. They are the common procedures for cleaning a waterproof mattress cover to ensure that you won’t ruin your product. We’ll also discuss the proper way to dry a waterproof mattress cover.
Do you have a regular mattress cover? Feel free to also check this guide for cleaning mattress protectors. Remember that bed covers should also be well-maintained as much as other beddings.
How To Clean A Waterproof Mattress Cover
Step 1. Find the care label
Find the care tag of the waterproof mattress cover to check the manufacturer’s instructions. You must follow the cleaning indications to avoid accidentally ruining your waterproof material. Confirm the care tag if it’s machine washable, but if you can’t find the label, refer to your cover’s brand customer service.
Step 2. Set the washing machine accordingly
Most waterproof mattress covers in the market allow using the washing machine. Follow the indications in the tag to know the setting, such as the specific temperature recommended for your waterproof mattress cover. The most common temperature range is 40 to 90 degrees.
Why is following the recommended temperature crucial? Waterproof mattress covers typically use materials like vinyl to make them waterproof. If you use a very high temperature, you might ruin the vinyl layer and lose the waterproof characteristic of the cover.
Step 3. Use the recommended cycle and cleaners
In general, you want to avoid using harsh cleaners on your waterproof bed cover. However, you still want to clean it thoroughly because of the dirt, odor, and stains accumulated on the material. You can start with white vinegar on an entire washing cycle, followed by a mild detergent on the second cycle.
The cycle can take around an hour to ensure the complete removal of dirt and germs on the mattress cover. Just remember not to overwash your waterproof mattress cover because it might wear the material too much. If the care label eliminates the guesswork for the cycle duration, then it’s much better.
Should I Wash A Mattress Protector Before Use?
You must wash the new waterproof mattress cover before using it. This will help soften the material to make installation easier. You will also feel confident that it’s free of any germ, odor, or dirt accumulated while inside the package. If the brand doesn’t recommend against lukewarm water, it would be ideal to ensure good sanitation.
How often should you wash your mattress protector?
Waterproof or not, you must clean your mattress cover every two months. The frequency will also depend on how you use it or if it is heavily soiled. Remember that it’s exposed to dirt and oils, so washing the mattress protector should be part of your bedroom cleaning routine.
Homeowners might assume that being waterproof means it won’t need washing often. But even if it’s spill-free, it would be best to maintain the cover regularly. We also recommend checking this guide on cleaning a mattress topper, because it gets dirty as well.
How Do You Clean A Waterproof Cover?
Can you clean a waterproof mattress cover with other items?
You can clean your mattress cover with other items in the washing machine. However, the emphasis is necessary on checking the cleaning requirements of their materials. The clothes or towels you’ll wash with the cover should have the same recommended settings in the washer.
Furthermore, some materials transfer their dye onto other items in the washing machine. Consider doing a fabric bleed test on the things you’ll wash with the mattress cover to avoid potential staining. Better yet, wash the same colored items only.
Don’ts when washing a waterproof mattress cover
Can you use dryer sheets with a waterproof mattress cover? Unfortunately, washing the mattress cover with dryer sheets is a no-no because they can cause some wear and tear on the material. After all, they wouldn’t even benefit the waterproof cover like they would with other fabrics prone to static.
Furthermore, never use bleach when washing the mattress cover because it’s too harsh on the waterproof material. You also want to avoid high temperatures and hot water for the same reason. And finally, never attempt to iron the waterproof mattress protector even if it’s tempting due to wrinkles after washing.
Can A Waterproof Mattress Protector Go In The Dryer?
The best way to dry a waterproof mattress protector after washing is to let it air-dry on a drying line. Lay the cover over the line so that its waterproof side is inside and won’t come in contact with clips and pegs when securing the cover in place. However, note that some waterproof mattress covers can go in the dryer with precautions.
Can You Tumble Dry Waterproof Mattress Covers?
You can tumble dry a waterproof mattress cover as long as you have a low or heatless setting. Remember that high heat can deteriorate the waterproof material. It would be risk-free to opt to dry it outside if you’re unsure about your dryer settings.
Conclusion
Waterproof mattress protectors make cleaning against liquids easier. However, it’s still important to know how to wash a waterproof mattress cover to extend its lifespan and maintain good bedroom hygiene. In this tutorial, we went through three steps: checking the tag, setting the washing machine accordingly, and using the right products.
We hope you remembered the dos and don’ts of the procedure. Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions!