How to Wash Mattress Protector for a Clean Bed

Maintaining a clean and healthy bed goes beyond just changing the sheets. Your mattress protector plays a key role in shielding your mattress from spills, sweat, allergens, dust mites, and everyday germs. But to truly protect your sleep environment, it’s crucial to not only clean, but disinfect your mattress protector regularly.

These protectors, also sometimes called mattress pads, against body oils, bacteria, and other unwanted elements that can accumulate over time. While they help preserve your mattress, they can also harbour germs, odours, and impurities if left untreated, silently diminishing their effectiveness and your overall sleep quality.

To ensure your mattress protector stays fresh, hygienic, and effective, wash it every few weeks with a gentle detergent and cold water. For an  extra layer of protection, add Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen to kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*, leaving you with a peace of mind knowing your bed is as clean and safe as possible.

Keep reading to learn how to properly clean and disinfect your mattress protector, so it continues to provide a healthier, more restful sleep environment.

How to wash a mattress protector the right way

A clean mattress protector ensures healthier, more comfortable sleep. Here are some easy steps to ensure your bed remains fresh and safe:

Step 1: Verify the label initially

Before adding your mattress protector to the machine, always check the care label for specific washing and drying instructions. Some waterproof mattress protectors require a gentle cycle and should be air-dried to preserve their quality.

Additionally, it is best to wash mattress protectors using lukewarm or cold water, rather than hot water, to prevent shrinkage or warping issues. These small actions ensure you're washing it the right way and help extend its lifespan with every wash.

Step 2: Load it in the washer

Can a mattress cover be washed? Absolutely, and it is easier than you think! Most protectors, including waterproof mattress protectors, are machine washable.

Just place it in the washer and select a gentle cycle with warm water. This setting is perfect for removing body oils and light stains without damaging the material.

However, if you want to make your mattress pad hygienically clean by eliminating viruses and bacteria, add Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen to your regular dishwasher detergent.

Simply pour the disinfectant into the fabric softener compartment or during the rinse cycle, and let it work its magic. The best thing about this disinfectant is that it is safe for both whites and colours, eliminates 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*, and works even in cold water.

Step 3: Dry it the safe way

According to the care label instructions for drying, you can either tumble dry your mattress protector or air dry it in the sunlight.

If you opt for the tumble dry process, then use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the waterproof layer, as high heat can cause the fabric to deteriorate. Alternatively, you can simply air-dry it in sunlight, as this is just as effective and helps extend its life.

^*vs detergent alone; Always read and follow the label.

FAQs

How do you wash a mattress cover without damaging it?

To wash a mattress cover without damaging it, use a gentle cycle with mild dishwasher detergent and cold or warm water. Avoid using bleach and high heat, as they can damage the fabric or waterproof layer.

Can germs build up on a mattress protector?

Yes. Even with a fitted sheet on top, mattress protectors can trap sweat, body oils, allergens, and bacteria over time. Washing regularly and adding Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant to the cycle helps kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*, keeping your bedding fresh and germ-free.

How to wash a waterproof mattress protector properly?

For waterproof mattress protectors, machine wash on a delicate cycle with cold or warm water and mild detergent. Skip fabric softeners, as they can reduce the effectiveness of the waterproof barrier.

How to dry a mattress protector after washing?

Air drying is best—either on a clothesline or laid flat in direct sunlight. This helps preserve the fabric, prevent shrinkage, and maintain its protective qualities

How often should you wash a mattress protector or pad?

Wash your mattress protector or pad every one to two months to maintain freshness and hygiene. Increase the frequency if spills, stains, or allergy concerns arise.

How do I keep my mattress protector smelling fresh?

To keep your mattress protector smelling fresh, wash it with a mild detergent and a disinfectant that eliminates germs at the source—rather than just masking odours. Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant not only kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*, but also has a fresh crisp linen fragrance.