Can You Wash a Mattress Cover in a Washing Machine?

Yes, most mattress covers can be washed in a washing machine, but the correct method depends on the cover’s material, waterproof backing, and care-label instructions. Washing a mattress cover regularly can help remove sweat, dust, body oils, stains, and odors while keeping your bedding cleaner.

However, washing it incorrectly can cause shrinkage, damage to waterproof layers, or loss of protective properties. Here is how to safely wash a mattress cover in a washing machine.

Check the Care Label First

Before putting your mattress cover in the washing machine, check its care label. Look for instructions about:

• Machine washing

• Maximum water temperature

• Recommended wash cycle

• Bleach restrictions

• Tumble drying

• Air drying

• Ironing restrictions

If the label specifically says "hand wash only" or "do not machine wash," follow those instructions instead.

Can You Machine Wash a Waterproof Mattress Cover?

Many waterproof mattress covers can be machine washed, but they require extra care. Waterproof covers often have a thin polyurethane or similar protective layer that can deteriorate when exposed to excessive heat or harsh washing conditions.

For a waterproof mattress cover:

1. Use a gentle or normal cycle according to the care label.

2. Choose cold or lukewarm water unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

3. Use a mild liquid detergent.

4. Avoid chlorine bleach unless specifically permitted.

5. Avoid fabric softener because it may affect the waterproof coating.

6. Use low heat or air-dry the cover.

Avoid very hot water and high dryer temperatures unless the care label explicitly allows them.

How to Wash a Mattress Cover in a Washing Machine

1. Remove the Mattress Cover

Take the cover completely off the mattress. If it has a zipper, close the zipper before washing to prevent it from catching on other items.

2. Shake Off Loose Dirt

Take the cover outside and shake it gently to remove loose dust, hair, and debris. You can also vacuum it if necessary.

3. Pre-Treat Stains

Inspect the cover for stains before washing. Apply a small amount of mild detergent to stained areas and gently work it into the fabric.

Allow the detergent to sit for a few minutes, following the detergent's instructions.

4. Load the Washing Machine Correctly

Place the mattress cover loosely in the washing machine. Avoid overloading the drum.

A tightly packed washing machine may prevent the cover from getting thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

For a large mattress cover, a sufficiently large washing machine may be necessary.

5. Select the Right Wash Cycle

Use the cycle recommended on the care label. If no specific instructions are available, a gentle or normal cycle with cold or lukewarm water is generally a safer choice than a hot, heavy-duty cycle.

6. Use a Mild Detergent

Use a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue in the fabric and may make rinsing more difficult.

Avoid aggressive stain removers unless they are safe for the cover's material.

7. Rinse Thoroughly

If your washing machine offers an extra-rinse option, consider using it, particularly if the cover is thick or tends to retain detergent.

8. Dry the Cover Properly

Check the care label before using a dryer.

If machine drying is permitted, use the recommended temperature. For waterproof covers, low heat is generally preferable to high heat.

If you are unsure, air-drying is often the safer option. Hang the cover or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area until it is completely dry.

Can You Wash a Mattress Cover With Other Clothes?

It is usually better to wash a mattress cover separately or with similar bedding rather than mixing it with everyday clothes.

This is especially important for waterproof mattress covers because zippers, thick seams, or protective coatings can behave differently during washing.

Avoid overloading the machine.

Can You Put a Mattress Cover in the Dryer?

Some mattress covers are dryer-safe, while others should only be air-dried. Always check the care label.

If the cover contains a waterproof membrane, excessive heat may damage the protective layer. When tumble drying is allowed, use the recommended low or medium temperature rather than automatically choosing a high-heat setting.

If there is no clear drying information, air-drying is the safer choice.

How Often Should You Wash a Mattress Cover?

For regular household use, washing a mattress cover approximately once every few weeks to once a month can be a reasonable starting point. However, the ideal frequency depends on how it is used.

You may need to wash it more frequently if:

• You sweat heavily at night.

• Children sleep on the mattress.

• Pets regularly use the bed.

• There are spills or stains.

• Someone in the household is sick.

• The cover develops an unpleasant odor.

Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

How to Remove Odors From a Mattress Cover

If your mattress cover smells unpleasant, wash it using the recommended detergent and water temperature.

For persistent odors, make sure the cover is thoroughly rinsed and completely dried before putting it back on the mattress.

Do not simply cover a damp mattress protector with bedding, as trapped moisture can contribute to unpleasant odors and potentially encourage mold or mildew growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent does not necessarily mean a cleaner mattress cover. Excess detergent can leave residue behind.

Using High Heat

High temperatures can shrink some fabrics and damage waterproof coatings.

Using Fabric Softener on Waterproof Covers

Fabric softener may interfere with the performance of some waterproof materials.

Overloading the Washing Machine

A mattress cover needs enough room to move freely through the wash and rinse cycles.

Putting the Cover Back While Damp

Always make sure the cover is completely dry before putting it back on your mattress.

What If the Mattress Cover Has a Waterproof Side?

Place the cover in the washing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid harsh detergents, excessive heat, and abrasive washing conditions that could damage the waterproof layer.

If the waterproof side is made from a coated material, inspect it periodically for cracking, peeling, or deterioration. A damaged waterproof layer may no longer provide reliable protection.

Can You Wash a Mattress Cover With Bed Sheets?

You can often wash a mattress cover with other bedding if the care instructions allow it and the washing machine has enough capacity.

However, washing the cover separately can make it easier to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can usually wash a mattress cover in a washing machine, provided the manufacturer's care instructions permit machine washing. Use the recommended water temperature and cycle, avoid harsh chemicals, don't overload the washer, and dry the cover according to its care label.

For waterproof mattress covers, pay particular attention to heat, bleach, and fabric softener, as these can potentially damage the protective layer. When in doubt, cold or lukewarm water, mild detergent, and gentle drying are safer choices.

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