Buying a quality mattress can be a major investment considering you spend approximately 25% to 30% of your life in bed. Naturally, you want to keep that investment as clean as possible by protecting it from dirt, dust mites, bed bugs, sweat, dead skin cells, and various stains. A mattress pad is an easy way to prolong the life of your mattress, but is it washable?
Mattress pads are washable. However, each type of mattress has its preferred method of care. Since the average cost of a queen-sized mattress pad can range anywhere between $20 to hundreds of dollars, choosing a washable one that suits your needs best would get you the most for your money.
Read on to learn more about the different kinds of mattress pads and their features to each bed in your household. You’ll also discover the best ways to clean each type of mattress pad. Let’s get started.
The Differences Between a Mattress Pad and a Mattress Topper
Some people tend to use the phrases ‘mattress pad’ and ‘mattress topper’ interchangeably, but the two differ in construction and purpose. It is confusing to shop because many retailers and manufacturers also use these terms as if they are the same thing.
A mattress pad is a mattress protector that encases the mattress, usually on five sides, similar to a fitted bed sheet. The top is usually padded in varying amounts but is still thin enough to be quilted or at least box stitched. A mattress pad can make a small difference in comfort level, but it’s meant to keep contaminants, like dust mites and bodily fluids away from your mattress.
A mattress topper lays on top of the mattress. It can be up to 4 in (10.2 cm) thick. Although a mattress topper might ultimately protect the top of your mattress without protecting the sides, it is usually added to a bed to increase the comfort level during sleep. Depending on the material the topper is made of, it can also help regulate your body temperature at night.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mattress Pad
What is the purpose of your new mattress pad? Determining this will help you decide what features you’ll want to look for.
- If you like to eat and drink in bed, or have young children or pets, then you might want to consider a waterproof mattress pad. A waterproof pad will protect your mattresses from spilled coffee, wine or soup, bedwetting, pet messes, and much more.
- If you or someone in your house has allergies, you might consider an anti-allergen mattress pad. Then you can simply wash your bedsheets to rid it of dust mites, pet dander, dead skin, and pollen without worrying that those contaminants are on your mattress.
- If you are particularly concerned about bed bugs infesting your mattress, there are mattress pads with bed bug barriers. This may be a larger concern if you live in a region that has summer-like weather almost year-round.
- If you’d like to feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, you will want to pay attention to the fiber content in your mattress pad. You could get a cotton mattress pad for the warmer months and a wool mattress pad for the cooler months. Down or down-alternative mattress pads are usually suitable for three seasons.
If none of the above features are particularly important to you, then you may only need a regular cotton mattress pad to protect your mattress from everyday wear. If this is the case, you can ask about service plans for your mattress at the time of purchase.
Is Your Mattress Pad Washable?
Before washing any mattress pad, you should always read the manufacturer’s recommended washing instructions because they can vary from brand to brand.
Is a Waterproof Mattress Pad Washable?
If you opted for a waterproof mattress pad, then the surface of the pad might be treated with a liquid repelling agent. It might also have a vinyl backing. Even so, waterproof mattress pads are usually machine-washable in cold water. Mild detergent should be used on all washable bedding to avoid any skin irritations. Waterproof mattress pads usually can be dried on low or no-heat.
Is a Cotton or Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Washable?
Cotton mattress pads can be washed in warm or cold water. A mild detergent is always a good idea, but eco-friendly detergent is recommended for organic cotton mattress protectors. Always tumble dry on low heat when machine drying and use dryer balls, like this highly-rated Wool Dryer Balls Organic XL 6-Pack by Ecoigy. These dryer balls are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and they help the fibers inside your mattress pads to remain fluffy without forming clumps.
Is a Down or Down-Alternative Mattress Pad Washable?
It is very important to check your down mattress pad for any tears to avoid having the filling leak out during the washing and drying process. It is recommended to use a down detergent to maintain the inherent properties of the down, like the nearly 5-star-rated Le Blanc Green Meadows Downwash. This organic product is made to launder washable down bedding and jackets and is gentle enough for both a cotton or silk shell.
Is a Wool Mattress Pad Washable?
Unless the wool in a wool mattress pad has been specially treated, then the mattress pad should not be submerged in water. It is also not recommended to steam clean the wool either. With a wool mattress pad, ensuring that it will require as little cleaning as possible is ideal. You can do so by not sleeping directly on it without at least a sheet in between you and the mattress pad, don’t eat or drink in bed, and avoid allowing your pets on the bed.
Is a Foam Mattress Pad Washable?
As previously mentioned, what some people refer to as ‘foam mattress pads’ are really foam mattress toppers. Unless the manufacturer’s care instructions recommend otherwise, it is best to steam clean or spot clean a foam mattress topper to avoid saturating the foam.
Washing Frequency and Temperature
For machine washable mattress pads, such as waterproof, cotton, or down pads, it’s best to set your machine to cold. Warm water can be used if there are stubborn stains, but washing with cold water will prolong the life of your mattress pad. The frequency of washing should be as necessary. The mattress pad of a child who has frequent bedwetting accidents would need to be washed far more often than the average adult’s.
When machine drying your washable mattress pads, low or no-heat is recommended. For all types of mattress pads, the pad must be completely dry before putting it back on your mattress. Wet or damp mattress pads can cause mildew and odor.
Which Top Mattress Covers/Protectors Are Washable?
Here are three highly-rated yet affordable mattress pad options to start your search:
- HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Microfiber Quilted Mattress Pad & Topper (Rating: 4.7/5). It is an overstuffed mattress pad that will increase the comfort level of your mattress if you enjoy a plush feel. This down-alternative product is machine washable and can be tumble dried on low. Another popular feature of this mattress pad is its deep pocket, which accommodates a mattress up to 18 in (45.7 cm).
- AmazonBasics Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Topper Pad Cover (Rating: 4.6/5). This very affordable mattress pad is hypoallergenic, can accommodate a mattress up to 18 in (45.7 cm), and is made of an easy-to-care-for machine wash and dry poly/cotton blend. I have always had good experiences with AmazonBasics brand products because of their low prices and high quality.
- Oaskys Queen Mattress Pad Cover Cooling Mattress Topper (Rating: 4.4/5). This topper can accommodate a mattress up to 21 in (53.3 cm). This mattress pad is 100% cotton on the outside with a down-alternative fill on the inside, making it cool and breathable, which will minimize perspiration throughout the night.
Final Thoughts
Mattress pads are washable unless they are wool in most cases. It is always prudent to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the product before washing it. Since there are many choices for different types of mattress pads out there, once you’ve determined your list of must-have features, it won’t be difficult to find the right mattress pad for every bed in your household.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 13, 2020.
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