How to clean a foam mattress topper
Mattress pads add extra comfort and extend the life of your mattress. But because they’re on top of the bed, they’re in the firing line to attract dust, dirt, skin cells, and other debris. They can also become soiled with sweat, splashes, and residue from creams and other beauty products. Therefore, it is important to clean them regularly, otherwise they will have to be replaced prematurely.
If you have a memory foam mattress topper, you need to be extra careful. This is because the structure of memory foam is very delicate and cannot be put in the washing machine. It will be damaged by soaking in water, and the centrifugal force of the machine and the heat of the drum are likely to contribute to further destruction. Some of the best mattress pads have removable covers that you can put in the washing machine (the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Pad (opens in new tab) is an example). But if your topper doesn’t have any of these, it requires a different approach.
As with the best memory foam mattresses, cleaning a foam topper is entirely possible if you know how. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to properly clean a foam topper from start to finish. Alternatively, if you have a different filling for your mattress topper, see our more general guide to cleaning a mattress topper.
1. Getting Started
Depending on the condition of your foam mattress topper, you’ll need the following before you begin:
- Space to lay out your foam topper in a well-ventilated area
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- If your foam topper is stained: cleaning cloth and either a stain remover OR baking soda, water and vinegar + a spray bottle
- If your foam topper smells: baking powder
- If you have hardwood or carpet: Plastic wrap or tarp for protection
Note that the cleaning process can take a long time, so it’s best to start early in the day if possible. Alternatively, if you buy a replacement mattress topper and take turns using them, you can have all the time in the world.
2. Carefully vacuum your foam topper
First, remove your foam mattress topper from the bed and place it on the floor. (This is better than cleaning while still on the bed, since it’s easier to reach all four corners.) If your floor is hardwood or carpet, you should first lay down plastic sheeting or a tarp to protect it. Also make sure there is plenty of space around your topper for access and that the room is well ventilated.
Now take your vacuum cleaner and use a soft brush attachment to lightly vacuum the topper in small, circular motions. This sucks in hair, dust mites, allergens and other invisible microorganisms, so it’s important to do this regularly even if there are no visible stains on your pad.
When you’re done vacuuming one side, remember to flip it over and do the other as well. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use a soft brush instead. Either way, it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate memory foam inside your topper.
3. Remove any stains
If there are visible stains on your memory foam topper, all you need to do is spot clean them. It must be repeated: never put a foam topper in the washing machine. Also, avoid harsh cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide, which can discolor and damage memory foam and other filling materials.
A suitable method is to use a stain remover such as Tide’s Laundry Stain Remover with Oxi (opens in new tab). Spray lightly over the stain, then wipe gently with a damp, light-colored cloth. Blot the liquid with a slightly damp cloth, then dry with paper towels. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Make sure you don’t use too much liquid, otherwise it can penetrate the foam and damage its internal structure.
An alternative way to remove stains is to mix baking soda, vinegar, and water, place in a spray bottle, and spray onto the area. Rub into the stain using small, circular motions, then leave on for about 30 minutes. For more information on this at-home trick, see our article What makes baking soda and vinegar so good for cleaning. Again, make sure to use only a minimal amount of liquid.
Before using any of these methods, check the care label if your particular foam mattress topper has special requirements.
4. Remove bad odors
If your mattress topper is suffering from bad odors, baking soda is a tried and true way to deodorize it.
This process couldn’t be easier, but it takes time. Simply sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface of your topper, making sure it’s evenly distributed, and leave on for about eight hours or overnight.
Then carefully remove all the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. To learn more about using baking soda for cleaning, read our article Why baking soda and vinegar are so good at cleaning.
5. Dry your topper
If you’ve used cleaning products on your foam mattress pad, it’s important to dry them thoroughly before placing them back on your mattress. Because if even a trace of moisture remains, it encourages the growth of mold and mildew, leading to bad odors and damage to the foam.
After cleaning, then store your topper in a well-ventilated area or outside on a line and allow sufficient time to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours. However, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight in hot weather, as the heat generated can damage the internal structure of the foam.
6. Maintaining Your Foam Mattress Pad
To maintain your foam mattress topper, you should clean it regularly: at least every month or two, or sooner if you have pets or spills.
If you get hot at night, you can help minimize the amount of sweat seeping into your topper by purchasing one with cooling properties like the Layla topper (opens in new tab)which is enriched with copper gel.
Finally, you can help keep your foam mattress topper clean and hygienic by pairing it with a mattress protector to wrap around it. Read our round-up of the best mattress protectors to find the right one for you. If you decide it’s time to invest in a new mattress topper, our roundup of mattress topper deals can help.