Header burger open
Search Logo

Jump To

Currently Viewing:

How To Clean Mattress Topper Properly?

image of our writer Filip Maric

Written By Filip

Sleep Advisor

an image of a worker cleaning a mattress topper

29 November 2023 7 min read

Did your new mattress topper lose its shine and pleasant smell? If it did – don't worry. With our tips on how to clean your mattress topper, you'll get it back to as good as new in no time!

Second only to a good mattress, a mattress topper is one of the key components in maintaining healthy sleep. A high quality mattress topper is so great that it can transform a mediocre mattress into something more than passable, but what's even better is – it can transform a good mattress into a great one. On top of that, you can make the entire surface more comfortable and increase the level of support.

However, like  bedding that we sleep on that gets dirty and a mattress that needs to be cleaned – the topper gets dirty and it will require washing. Fortunately, unlike mattresses, a mattress topper isn't too hard to clean. It all depends on the type of mattress topper you have, but in general, there are some basic techniques and tricks that you can apply to almost every mattress topper to keep it squeaky clean for a long time.

So, without wasting any more of your time – let’s get right to business. Here’s a quick info on how to clean a mattress topper and generally keep your bedding in the good condition.

Mattress topper basic cleaning

an image of cleaning a mattress topper with a vacuum cleaner

First things first – let's start with the basic cleaning techniques and things that you can do from your own home. For starters, we'll keep it simple, because in most cases, this is the only thing you'll do, with the exception of an annual deep cleaning, but more on that later.

The first thing to do before washing is actually assessing how dirty the mattress topper actually is. Is it too dirty that you need to buy a new mattress topper or you can clean it? If the topper is fairly clean and you just need to freshen up – even some of these basic cleaning methods might be too much. Be that as it may, let’s check out a few basic methods on how to clean a mattress topper.

Remove bedding and wash it

The easiest and the most obvious method to cleaning a mattress topper is to remove the topper cover and give a good, thorough cleaning in the washing machine. Just make sure that your removable cover is machine washable. You’ll want to clean the bedding at least once every two weeks, to maintain a clean, healthy environment for you to sleep in as bedding can be a great place for dust mites or dust.

Remove a topper from a mattress

To begin cleaning the actual mattress topper, you'd first have to detach it from the mattress. The reason why you're removing the topper is that you will have to clean both sides, and you can't do that while the mattress topper is on the mattress.

Also, be very careful with the memory foam mattress toppers because thin foams can easily rip and damage, and that's the last thing you want to do.

Vacuum the mattress topper

After you’ve removed the topper from the mattress, you’ll want to give a thorough vacuuming. Once again, you’ll want to be careful with the vacuum cleaner, as you don’t want to damage the foam or the filling. Naturally, you’d vacuum both sides.

Sprinkle baking soda over the topper

To remove stains and really clean the mattress and remove all the dirt and smell from it, you’ll want to sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda all over the mattress topper. Don’t overdo it. The mattress topper won’t be cleaner if you add more baking soda.

a baking soda powder in a small glass pot with a lemon next to it

Let it sit for 8 hours

Once you’ve sprinkled baking soda all over the topper, you’ll want to leave it out for about 8 hours. This should be more than enough for baking soda to do the trick.

Vacuum a topper again

Once you have waited for the 8 hours, once again, you'd grab the vacuum, only this time to remove all the baking soda that's been sitting there. Do it thoroughly, as you don't want any baking soda to stay there.

Flip it and repeat the process

After you’re done, repeat the process for the other side of the memory foam mattress topper. This whole process could take about a day or two, but no more than an hour of active cleaning to remove stains will be needed. Repeat the process as well in case you notice a bad odor is still there.

Mattress topper deep cleaning

In some instances, however, a regular baking soda cleanse just won’t cut it. If the mattress topper hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or if you have spilled some juice or any other liquid all over it by accident – you will need to resort to some other methods. In addition, the detergent won't be able to clean the unpleasant odors in your memory foam mattress topper.

A man deep cleaning and removing dust mites from a mattress topper

Remove remaining liquid from a topper

Spills and liquid create stains and unwanted moisture that should be washed ASAP. Naturally, once again, you'd first remove the covers and throw them into a washing machine. But besides that, if the reason for deep cleaning is an accidental spill – you'll want to try and dry out all the extra liquid from the topper. You can use a paper towel for this as paper towel is not expensive and is great for removing excessive liquid. Some mattress toppers won't be adequate for washing machines and using the detergent. Therefore, you will need to get a proper solution instead of a regular detergent and perform spot cleaning to remove stains and remove excessive liquid.

If liquid soaked the topper, sprinkle baking soda

In case the topper has soaked up the liquid, spread baking soda all over it. This should get rid of all the excess liquid and help you proceed further. Remember to remove baking soda after the topper dries out.

Mix distilled white vinegar and cool water and spay the topper

If you want to clean a memory foam topper, grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts vinegar and cool water to spray over the stained area. Instead of laundry detergent, you can use whichever vinegar you want, as long as it’s white. Just make sure you don’t soak the topper. Keep your topper dry as much as possible.

Blot out the excess liquid

If you did overdo it with water and vinegar – don’t worry. Just grab paper towels or any other fabric and wipe off or blot out the excess liquid gently. We highly recommend paper towels as paper towels are not expensive and are used easily.

a woman blotting a wine stain on a mattress topper.

Sprinkle baking soda over the topper

After the water and vinegar have dried out, sprinkle the topper with a generous amount of baking soda, and once again, leave it there for 8 hours. Additionally, before sprinkling additional soda, you can remove the baking soda using a cloth soaked in cold water.

Vacuum the topper

Once the eight hours have passed, grab a vacuum and gently, but thoroughly, vacuum all the baking soda from the topper.

If there are any other stains, repeat the process

If there are any remaining stains after you’ve deep cleaned your mattress topper, feel free to repeat the process again. In case it doesn’t work out the second time – the damage is done. The stain will remain, though you may be able to remove the odors from your bedding and mattress toppers.

Let the topper dry fully

Naturally, before using the topper again, you must let it air dry entirely. A wet topper could quickly become mouldy and infested in case you don't air dry it, which is not something you’d want. Ultimately, you should let topper to dry in the direct sunlight. The direct sunlight will dry it out completely while killing gems.

What cleaning solutions/agents can I use for cleaning mattress toppers?

For some easy or not so easy removable stains, you don't have to wash the entire mattress topper. You could just deal with the stain and then just clean your topper when you would regularly clean it.

In those instances, you may need to take a slightly different approach. Here’s how.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be a good choice if you're dealing with some stubborn stains that can't be removed with soap or vinegar. Keep in mind, hydrogen peroxide is quite abrasive, and it can bleach your topper, so use it carefully and only use it when absolutely necessary.

an image of a plastic container with hydrogen peroxide

Dish soap

Mild dish soap can be quite effective in removing stains from mattress toppers, though people think first of laundry detergent. Mix in a little amount of dish soap with warm water (avoid cold water) and create a foamy mixture for your foam topper. You’ll only want to use the foam to clean the topper, as you want to avoid soaking the topper with water.

Vinegar

As long as you’re using white vinegar, you can use any kind to try and remove some stains from your sleep surface. Mix in equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and gently spray it all over the stained area to help clean it up.

Enzyme cleaner

Once again, if you need to remove some stubborn stains, you can use commercial enzyme cleaners. There are commonly used for biological stains such as blood or urine. These aren't abrasive as hydrogen peroxide but are also very effective. They can be bought in most stores.

A man cleaning a mattress topper with a vinegar

Recommended reading:

FAQs about cleaning mattress topper

In the end, we wanted to answer some frequently asked questions about cleaning mattress toppers. We thought it would be a good idea to end this with some helpful, straightforward answers to some common questions.

How do I clean urine from my mattress topper?

You can clean urine from your mattress topper either with an enzyme cleaner or with a mixture of dish soap, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. it is better to use a specialized solution for this type of cleaning.

What cleaning solution can I use for my mattress topper?

There are various cleaning solutions you can use to clean your mattress topper – just make sure they work well with each other. For instance, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work really well with each other, but neither of them should be mixed with vinegar. Don't forget to follow the instructions for care.

Why do mattress toppers turn yellow?

Mattress toppers turn yellow for a number of reasons, but most commonly, they turn yellow due to stains from skin oil, dead skin, dirt or sweat. Getting a mattress protector or often washing the cover should do the work.

How often should I clean my mattress topper?

You can clean the cover as often as you’d like, but a topper itself should be cleaned every two to three months, depending on how often you use it. If you have odor problems, you will need to perform deep cleaning.

Comments (0)

There are no comments yet

Related Posts

Articles you don’t want to miss

Featured image for why is my electric blanket not working
05 December 2023

Why is my Electric Blanket Not Working?

As with most electronics, electric blankets can "die out of the blue". After all, just one faulty wire can make it so that the entire blanke...
Featured image for how to avoid sleeping on your back
22 November 2023

How to Avoid Sleeping on Your Back - Tips and Trick

To start things off, let's get this out of the way - yes, you can change your sleeping position. It's just a habit and your body will adapt....
Don't Miss Out!
Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…
@thesleepadvisors
Deal Alert!
We loved this Deluxe microfibre duvet from Otty. And we love it more now that it's on Black Friday sale!
Hit the link in bio to check this deal and all the rest this Black Friday

#DealAlert #BlackFridaySale #MicrofibreDuvet #Otty #DeluxeQuality #SleepInStyle #ComfyBedding  #LuxurySleep #BlackFridayDeals #Discounts #ShopTillYouDrop #BedroomUpgrade #HomeDecor #CozyNights #SleepWell #BedroomGoals #LimitedTimeOffer #SaveBig #BestDeals #OnlineShopping #BargainHunting #MustHaveItem #SaleAlert  #SleepInComfort #BudgetFriendly #ShopSmart #DuvetLove #BlackFridaySpecials  #GetItWhileItsHot #HomeComforts
Shhhh.... I'll tell you a secret! Black Friday isn't over!
We've rounded up the stragglers to cater for your Black Friday FOMO. 
Mattresses, Beds & Bedding are still on MAJOR discounts, so don't delay! Get a bargain today.

Links in bio

#BlackFriday #SecretDeals #MattressSale #BedSale #BeddingSale #Discounts #Bargains #BlackFridayFOMO #MajorDiscounts #StillOnSale #LimitedTimeOnly #DealAlert #ShopSmart #SaveMoney #SleepBetter #QualitySleep #LuxuryBedding #ComfortableMattress #GoodNightSleep #BedroomUpgrades #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HappyCustomers #OnlineShopping #Convenience #LinkInBio #Don'tMissOut #ShopNow #GetABargain #GreatDeals
Mattress Deal Alert! 
Here are some top value deals we've sniffed out for you this Black Friday!
We love these from Emma, but they're not all! Check our Black Friday deal summary for all the best bed and mattress deals to save you money and upgrade your snooze this Black Friday!

#MattressDealAlert #BlackFriday #TopValueDeals #EmmaMattress #BlackFridayDeals #BedDeals #MattressDeals #SaveMoney #UpgradeYourSnooze #BestDeals #SleepBetter #SnoozeBetter #BlackFridayShopping #Bargains #BigSavings #HotDeals #LimitedTimeOffer #Discounts #SaleAlert #SleepComfortably #SaveBig #MustHaveDeals #BlackFridaySales #GreatOffers #DreamBedroom #ComfortableSleep #BudgetFriendlyDeals #QualityMattress #SleepHappy
Best Mattresses With Edge Support UK – Top 5 Picks Reviewed 💤

The best mattress with edge support UK has to offer is… Well, let's not get that ahead of ourselves. First, let's understand what edge support is and why it might be important to you!  Check out the link in BIO🔗

#thesleepadvisors #sleep #sleeping #edgesupport #mattresses #topmattresses
Don't snooze! Well.... not yet! First pick up a bargain in the Black Friday sales! 
We've rounded up all the best deals to save you searching. You can find them all at the links in bio... then snooze your little socks off!

#BlackFridayDeals #BargainHunting #Savings #DealFinder #BlackFridaySales #ShopTillYouDrop #Discounts #BestDeals #LimitedTimeOffers #BigSavings #MoneySavingTips #OnlineShopping #SalesAlert #HolidayShopping #ShopSmart #ShopOnline #EarlyBirdGetsTheDeal #MustHaveItems #HolidayGifts #ShoppingSpree #Don'tMissOut #ClearanceSale #BiggestSaleOfTheYear #GetThemandSave #ScoreABargainGiveaway
Do you sleep on your tummy? On the side? Or on your back?
Can a topper suit your sleeping position & improve your sleep?
With 15% Off for Black Friday, the Panda Mattress Topper is worth a try!

#thesleepadvisors #topper  #mattresstopper #saggymattress #panda #sleepingpositio
Beat the queues and get your black Friday shopping done early!
You won't miss out as we've pulled this year's best deals together in one handy page. You'll find it on the link in bio

#blackfridaydeals #blackfridaysale #mattress
You can make or break your bedroom style with the perfect bed! What can make this easier? A HUGE Black Friday discount on your chosen bed frame of course!
From Ottoman to Sofa Beds, Metal or Wooden. The Sleep Advisors have pulled together the best in beds this Black Friday and here they are.
Link in bio

#bedroomstyle #perfectbed #BlackFridaydiscount #bedframe #Ottomanbeds #SofaBeds #Metalbeds #Woodenbeds #SleepAdvisors #bestinbeds #BlackFridayDeals #FurnitureSale #interiordecor #comfortablebed #sleepwell #homeimprovement #dreambedroom #discountshopping #shoppingtime #homefurnishings #cozybedroom #interiordesignideas #bedroominspo #masterbedroom #comfybedroom #sleepingbeauty #bedroomupgrade #relaxationstation #styleandcomfort #sweetdreams
Black Friday deal alert!
Get 15% discount on the award-winning Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Topper!

#BlackFriday #DealAlert #Discount #PandaHybrid #BambooMattress #MattressTopper #SleepBetter #BedroomUpgrade #LuxurySleep #Sale #LimitedTimeOffer #SleepComfortably #SaveMoney #QualitySleep #ComfortableBedding #NaturalMaterials #SustainableChoice #EcoFriendlyMattressTopper #AffordableLuxury #BestPrice #HolidayShopping #HomeDecor #GreatDeal #BlackFridaySale #LimitedStock #InnovativeDesign #PremiumQuality #SleepWell #CozyBedding #BetterSleepingExperience
Do you sleep on your tummy? On the side? Or on your back? Can a topper suit your sleeping positions, and improve your sleep? Let’s find out! Check out the link in our BIO
#thesleepadvisors #topper #mattresstopper #saggymattress #panda #sleepingposition
Close button

Don't Miss Out!

Get the latest reviews, special offers, new releases and more…

By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing lists.
See our privacy policy.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.