How to Wash Mattress Protector?

In this article, you´ll find out how to wash a mattress protector. Follow about tips to make sure your mattress protector stays in great shape for years to come. Find out what kind of detergent is the best non toxic option to wash your organic mattress protector.

What Is a Mattress Protector?

Depending on what stage of life you’re in, a mattress protector seems to mean different things. To a parent of little ones, for instance, it’s the difference between having to wash the sheets after a night of failed potty training versus having to somehow attempt to clean the now stained and unhygienic mattress. In general though, a mattress protector may be valuable to anyone just for protecting the mattress from accidental spills and stains. This can extend a mattress’ lifespan by years.

The mattress protector, simply put, is just a protective layer of extra fabric that is between your mattress and your regular bed sheet. The mattress protector usually only protects the top layer in the form of a waterproof sheet. There are other options that can encase the mattress completely, but those are usually referred to as “mattress encasements”.

If you ask an employee at your local home store to show you a mattress protector, this person will probably lead you to an item that looks like a bed sheet with dual purpose sides. The one side is most likely to feel almost rubbery, and water repellant, while the other side is usually softer and more like a bed sheet fabric.

Tips to Wash Your Mattress Protector:

If you have a conventional mattress protector, you should check the label to be sure it’s machine-washable. Most of them are, but the label may indicate any specific care instructions so be sure to double-check anyway. You should avoid dry cleaning the mattress protector because the heat could melt the water resistant material. Here’s the general steps for washing your conventional mattress protector:

Set your washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle. The water should be cold or lukewarm. Any overly hot water may damage the waterproof material.
No bleach or chlorine, just a mild laundry detergent will be sufficient for cleaning.
Be sure to check that the mattress protector was thoroughly rinsed as any leftover buildup from the detergent may cause mold or mildew.
For drying, you can either air dry it or tumble dry. The tumble dryer must be on a low heat setting though to avoid any melting. Also, try to dry the sheet with similar fabrics.

If you have chosen an organic mattress protector these are the steps for cleaning it, although they are very similar:

Like with the conventional mattress protector, you need to use a gentle, cold cycle on your washing machine. Avoid dry cleaning it not only for the heat, but also so it’s not exposed to harmful toxins. The washing machine may be set to hot water only if you’re washing to rid the mattress protector of mold. Hot water will cleanse and rid the organic mattress protector of mold far better than cold water could. But this is a last resort if you find that there has been a buildup of mold. Natural fabrics are more prone to mold and mildew than conventional fabrics so it’s something to watch out for if you don’t wash the sheets regularly and if you live in a humid area.
Use an eco-friendly, non-toxic detergent. This is gentle on the mattress protector materials and on the environment, as well as your skin. You can use your eco-friendly detergent to pretreat the mattress protector for stains too. You can read more about a great natural detergent below in the next section.
Tumble dry or air dry. Just as always, avoid high heat exposure in the tumble dryer so it doesn’t damage the material.
Be extra sure that the mattress protector is fully dry before putting it back on your bed. Shake it out and be certain it’s thoroughly dry so as to avoid the mold or mildew buildup that natural fabrics are more prone to.

What Detergent Should I Use?

Any certified eco-friendly, nontoxic, or natural laundry detergent will work. We recommend Tru Earth Detergents. They are convenient laundry detergent strips that come in zero waste packaging and are paraben and phosphate-free. Tru Earth Detergent is also free from bleach or added dyes. They are a vegan, natural choice to take the best care of yourself and your mattress protector.

How Often Should I Wash a Mattress Protector?

This depends on the reason for washing. If your mattress protector is only used occasionally, for instance, in a guest bedroom, then you can simply wash it after each use. However if your guest room is left unused for long periods of time, you should wash the bedding, including the mattress protector, every three months to get rid of dust.

If you suffer from allergies, you should wash it with your other bedding every 2-4 weeks to dispose of dust mites, allergens, and any dander that might irritate your sinuses and allergies. If you spilled any liquids or it somehow was stained, you should wash it immediately after each occasion of coming in contact with fluid. You can count on washing it with every change of your linen to be sure you keep all dust at bay and control any moisture that might be trapped.

The more water resistant the mattress protector is, the more you may need to monitor the moisture buildup, especially if you live in a damp area with stagnant air. And finally, experts recommend replacing your mattress protector completely every 1-2 years.

What Does a Mattress Protector Do?

Protect your mattress from allergens. This is very important if you have pets, if you suffer from allergies, or have sensitive skin. Dust mites and allergens in general can be kept at bay through the help of a mattress protector.
Protect your mattress from you. Let’s face it. Accidents happen. People drool and sweat and little ones may struggle with potty training. A mattress protector can keep your mattress safe from all of that.
If you eat or drink in bed, a mattress protector can prevent stains and keep food particles from finding their way to your mattress to grow. Overall it’s just hygienic to keep it away from contact with your mattress.
No more bed bugs. Mattress protectors can allow you make sure you “don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Add some softness. You can choose a mattress protector that not only adds a layer of protection, but also a layer of extra cushion to your mattress. It’s a two birds, one stone sort of situation.
You don’t have to keep spot-treating. If you don’t have a mattress protector, you can attempt to clean your mattress through spot treatment. But it’s time consuming, annoying, and usually less effective than just preventing the accidental contact of a fluid with the mattress in the first place.
It protects your investment. If you have invested in a great mattress, a mattress protector can allow you to hang onto that warranty and extend the lifespan of your mattress.
It gives you peace of mind. Last, but not least, a mattress protector can be a way to gain peace of mind knowing your mattress is protected from any accidents. Kids, pets, a quick drink in bed - it can all lead to a significant decrease in the lifespan of your mattress. An organic mattress protector can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money

Conclusion

We hope that our tips will help you to know exactly how to wahs your mattress protector to keep it in a tip-top shape. If you've alreayd got an organic mattress protector, consider investing in organic bedding, organic mattress topper and natural wool comforter for a truly chemical-free bed.

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