How to clean a mattress topper – 7 easy steps to remove stains and keep your topper fresh

If you're wondering how to clean a mattress topper, then we're here to help. 

We've asked multiple bedding and cleaning experts for their advice on how to remove stains from a mattress topper, whether it's suitable to wash a mattress topper, and how to keep your topper fresh.

So, if you've invested in one of the best mattress toppers and want to keep it in tip top condition, then read on for our step-by-step cleaning guide.

How to clean a mattress topper

A mattress topper can be a useful addition to a sleep surface, whether that's a mattress that's too firm for comfort or one that's causing you to overheat and has lead you to invest in one of the best cooling mattress toppers to add breathability to your sleep set-up. 

As even the best sofa beds can be on the firmer side, a mattress topper can also be a really useful way to make a sofa bed more comfortable. 

However, as Martin Seeley, CEO and Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay explains, 'without proper washing, bacteria and dirt can build up on the topper and trigger allergies and even skin irritations that can stop you from sleeping’. 

So, keeping your topper fresh and clean is key. Luckily, giving most toppers a freshen up is fairly simple.

What you'll need

• A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• A mattress cleaning spray; like this Gardian Mattress Stain Remover Spray from Amazon
• Or a mild laundry detergent; we like Ecover’s Delicate Laundry Liquid, available at Amazon
• Baking soda
• A sponge or cloth

How to clean a mattress topper – a step-by-step guide

Once you're equipped with your cleaning essentials, it's time to get to work.

1. Strip the bed and check the care label

The care instructions for your mattress topper will vary depending on what material it's made from, so always check the care label first to see if the manufacturer advises spot cleaning, machine washing, or dry clean only. 

If your topper says it can be machine washed then you'll also need to use your common sense to judge whether it will fit in your washing machine or whether you need a trip to the laundromat. A single mattress topper is obviously going to be easier to machine wash at home in a standard sized washing machine than a king size topper. 

As Brian Dillon, Bedroom Interior Expert at Crafted Beds advises, ‘if you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution. If the care label says dry clean only or the topper seems too big for your washing machine, don't force it.’

2. Get vacuuming

Whatever cleaning method the topper's care label advises, Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert at smol, advises that, just like how to clean a mattress itself, vacuuming is the next step. 

'Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum is a great way to thoroughly clean the top and sides of the mattress topper, removing any hair, dust or debris’ Catherine says.

‘While you are doing this, I also recommend hoovering your headboard and actual mattress at the same time, as they can pick up tens of thousands of dead skin cells and even dust mites, which can also impact sleep by triggering allergies’ Martin Seeley of MattressNextDay adds.

3. Check for a removable cover

Next up, check your topper for a removable cover. Memory foam toppers often can't be washed, but there is often a cover that can be freshened up by hand or in the machine.

Of the mattress toppers that the Ideal Home team has reviewed, the Panda Mattress Topper, Emma Premium Mattress Topper, and Simba Hybrid Topper all have removable covers than can be unzipped and machine washed separately.

If your topper doesn't have a removable cover, then layering one of the best mattress protectors over it can help to keep it clean in the first place. (Not sure on the difference between a topper and a protector? Our guide to mattress toppers vs protectors explains all).

4. Pre-treat stains and do any spot-cleaning

Now is the time to tackle any visible stains. Instead of rubbing or scrubbing at stains, our experts advise that you should dab at them to stop the stains from spreading and in turn damaging the fibres of the mattress topper.

You can ‘spot-clean stains carefully with a gentle textile cleaner or stain remover, being sure to test a small area first to make sure that the cleaner does not discolour the outer casing,’ suggest Emily and Jonathan Attwood, Founders of scooms. 

Or, you can ‘start with a dilution of washing up liquid and water,’ says Sophie Lane, Product Manager at household cleaning appliance brand Miele GB.

5. Machine or hand wash

‘If your mattress topper is washer-safe, follow the care label instructions for water temperature and cycle type,’ Brian Dillon of Crafted Beds advises. ‘Generally, use warm or cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. And avoid using harsh chemicals which can damage the material.’ 

The Silentnight Airmax mattress topper which features a synthetic hollowfibre fill is one such mattress topper where the whole thing can be popped in the washing machine.

Alternatively, you may be able to hand wash your mattress topper. This is usually easiest in a bath, or you might manage in the sink. If your topper can be washed in water, ‘place it in cold water along with a mild laundry detergent,’ says Martin. ‘However, make sure you clean the protector thoroughly with a hand wash and rinse off the detergent properly to avoid causing any skin irritations from any lingering detergent.’

6. Allow it to air dry

When it comes to drying your mattress topper, the experts concur that air drying is best. If it’s the time of year when you can hang it outside on your washing line, this is a great way to have it dry naturally. Otherwise, any room with enough space to set up a drying rack will also work. 

‘Just remember to open a window to increase airflow when drying these kinds of items inside to reduce the chances of dampness and mould’ cautions Rebecca Swain, Mattress Expert at Winstons Beds.

You’ll also want to double-check that your mattress topper is completely dry before replacing it on your bed, to prevent any mould or mildew growth.

7. Finish by sprinkling it with some baking soda

‘Baking soda is a fantastic deodoriser and can be found in most stores for as little as £2,’ says Martin. ‘Once the topper is dry, sprinkle the baking soda over it and leave for as long as possible before vacuuming.’ Anywhere from an hour to overnight will allow the baking soda to work its magic.

You can also use baking soda in between washes to freshen up your mattress topper.

FAQs

Why is my mattress topper turning yellow?

There are a number of different reasons why your mattress topper might have turned yellow or yellowish in colour. ‘Oil from your hair and skin, sweat, saliva and fake tan,’ are some of the top culprits, according to Catherine.

‘If you tend to use your topper intermittently, storing it in plastic boxes could actually cause the topper to turn yellow as the plastic can emit gases,’ warns Rex Isap, CEO and Sleep Expert at Happy Beds. Instead, you should be looking to store it in a cool, dry location, away from any dampness or moisture, when it’s not in use.

And if your bed is routinely bathed in sunlight – when the sun does make an appearance here in the UK – direct sunlight can also cause your mattress topper to discolour more quickly. In this case, you’ll want to rotate your mattress topper more frequently to stop this from happening.

Can a mattress topper be machine washed?

Only certain mattress toppers can be machine washed, so it’s important to check the care level and any instructions before you go to do so. ‘This will also give you the best temperature to wash it at,’ Rebecca of Winstons Beds advises.

‘Generally, memory foam toppers should not be machine washed as the agitation can damage the material,’ warns Fabric Online's Materials Expert, Thomas Bird.

Since specific toppers can be rather large and bulky, it may make more sense to hand wash them or take them to a professional dry cleaners, to avoid causing any damage to the mattress topper itself or your washing machine.

How often should you clean a mattress topper?

While you don’t need to wash a mattress topper as frequently as you would need to wash your pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers, the experts agree that once every three months is ideal.

Failing to routinely clean your mattress topper ‘can lead to a buildup of bacteria, dust mites and dirt which can worsen conditions, including asthma and allergies, if left untreated,’ Rebecca warns. So, if you or someone in your household suffers from either you’ll definitely want to keep on top of your cleaning schedule.

However, if you notice a stain or any dirt as you go to change your bedding, you’ll want to spot-clean this right away to avoid the stain from taking hold. And as you might imagine, we tend to sweat more during the warmer months, while others may be more prone to sweating all year round. To stop this from building up, you’ll want to wash your mattress topper more frequently, potentially on a monthly basis.