However, your waterproof, anti-allergenic, thermal-controlling mattress cover amasses dirt and odors and changes color after a while. Because of this, it requires regular cleaning to keep your bed pristine and untainted.

Here is a guideline to help you remove unwanted dirt and stains from your mattress cover.

Read the Label

Cooling mattress covers come in different fabrics. It can be wool, cotton, waterproof polyurethane plastic or down-filled with feathers or quilted material. The label contains care instructions on the ideal temperatures required for washing and drying.

Stain Removal

Inspect the mattress cover for stains. Dab the areas with an enzyme-based stain remover or strong detergent. Use a soft-bristle nylon brush to work the stain. Let the cleaning agent sit on the fabric and break down the stain molecules before removing them with water. Ensure the water is at the temperature specified on the label.

Here is how you remove specific stubborn stains:

• Urine stains: Create a solution by combining one quart of water, one tablespoon of dish soap and 1/2 tablespoon of ammonia. Gently dab the stained area with this mixture and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly to remove the solution.
• Blood stains: Soak the affected area with cold salt water and wash it in the machine.
• Coffee or tea spills: Use an enzyme-based stain remover.

Choosing Your Detergents

Any detergent removes dirt, soil, discolorations and scents from your cooling mattress cover efficiently. Use a down cleaner like ReviveX Down Cleaner or Granger's Down Wash for down-filled mattress protectors. A down cleaner's formulation gently removes dirt, stains and odors from down-filled materials without damaging or diminishing their loft or insulation properties. You can use a gentle and low-sudsing detergent if you do not have a down cleaner.

Selecting a Water Cycle

Check the label for any specific wash instructions from the manufacturer and follow them. In case there are no guidelines, use a gentle or delicate wash cycle. It is less aggressive on fabrics, reducing the risk of damaging the protector's cooling properties or causing shrinkage.

Wash the cover alone to reduce the risk of damage. We recommend using cold or lukewarm water because hot water can affect the cooling features of the mattress protector.

Choose a Drying Method

For optimal drying of your mattress cover, options like a drying rack, clothesline or normal timed cycle in the dryer are suitable. Opt for very low heat if your mattress protector contains polyurethane, is waterproof or is laden with down.

Including wool dryer balls when drying down-filled covers prevents feather clumping. Ensure thorough drying to avoid trapping moisture that may lead to mildew growth on the mattress.

How Frequently Should You Wash Your Cooling Mattress Protector?

You can wash your mattress protector every other month. However, this frequency of washing depends on the quality of your protector, lifestyle and manufacturer's instructions. Your cleaning frequency may increase if you sweat a lot while sleeping or experience allergies.

Regularly inspecting the protector for stains, odors or visible dirt can also help determine when it needs cleaning.