Mattress covers give you an extra layer of comfort and help extend the life of your mattress. But as they lie above the bed, they fall directly into the firing line to attract dust, dirt, skin cells, and other debris. Plus, they can get contaminated with sweat, spills, and residue from creams and other beauty products. So it is important to clean them regularly, or they will need to be replaced before their time.
If you have a memory foam mattress cover, you need to be especially careful. That’s because the memory foam construction is so delicate that it can’t be put in the washing machine. It will be damaged by being soaked in water, and the centrifugal force of the machine and the heat of the cylinder will probably increase the destruction further. Some of the best mattress covers have removable covers that you can put in the washer ( Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper (Opens in a new tab) one example). But if your upper tier doesn’t have one of these, this will require a different approach.
Like the best memory foam mattresses, cleaning the top layer of foam is entirely possible, once you know how. In this article, we will guide you through the correct way to clean a foam topper from start to finish. Alternatively, if you have a different padding for your loft, read our more general guide on how to clean your loft mattress.
1. Getting started
Depending on the condition of your mattress cover, you will need the following things before you begin:
- Space to put the foam cover in a well-ventilated room
- Soft brush vacuum cleaner
- If the top of the foam is stained: Cleaning cloth and either stain remover or baking soda and water and vinegar + spray bottle
- If your foam cap smells good: baking soda
- If you have hardwood or carpet: Plastic covers or tarps to protect it
Note that the cleaning process can take a long time, so it is best to start early in the day if possible. Instead, buying a spare mattress cover and swapping it out means you can spend all the time in the world.
2. Gently vacuum on top of the foam
First remove the top of the foam mattress from the bed and place it on the floor. (This is better than cleaning it while you’re still on the bed, as the four corners are easy to reach.) If the floor is hardwood or carpeted, you may want to put some plastic sheeting or tarpaulin on first to protect it. Also, make sure there is plenty of space around the top for access, and that the room is well ventilated.
Now take your vacuum cleaner and, using a soft brush attachment, gently brush the top off, in small circular motions. This will absorb hair, dust mites, allergens, and other invisible microorganisms, so it’s important to do this regularly, even if there are no visible spots on the top.
Once you’ve finished dumping one side, remember to flip it over and do the other side as well. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a soft brush instead. Either way, the important thing is to be gentle, to avoid damaging the delicate memory foam inside the top cover.
3. Remove any stains
If there are visible stains on the top of the memory foam, you need to remove them using only spot cleaning. It’s worth repeating: Don’t put a piece of foam in the washing machine. Also avoid using harsh cleaning agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which can discolor and damage memory foam and other packing materials.
One convenient way is to use a stain remover such as Tide Laundry Stain Remover With Oxi (Opens in a new tab). Gently spray onto the stain, then dab gently with a damp, light-colored cloth. Wipe off the liquid with a slightly damp cloth, then dry it with paper towels. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Make sure not to use too much liquid, or it may seep into the foam and damage its internal structure.
An alternative way to remove stains is by mixing baking soda, vinegar, and water together, pouring it into a spray bottle and spraying it on the area. Rub it into the stain using small circular motions, then leave it for 30 minutes to seep off. For more information on this home hack, read our article What makes baking soda and vinegar so good at cleaning. Again, be sure to use a small amount of liquid.
Before using either of these methods, check the care label, in case you have certain requirements for your foam mattress cover.
4. Remove bad odors
If the top of your mattress has bad odors, baking soda is a tried and tested way to deodorize it.
This process couldn’t be easier, but it does take time. Simply sprinkle baking soda directly onto the surface of your lid, making sure to distribute it evenly, and let it sit for eight hours, or overnight.
Next, gently remove all of the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. To learn more about using baking soda for cleaning, read our article What Makes Baking Soda and Vinegar So Good at Cleaning.
5. Dry your upper part
If you have used any cleaning products on the top layer of your foam mattress, it is essential to dry them thoroughly before applying them back to your mattress. Because if there is a single trace of moisture, it will encourage the growth of mold and fungi, which leads to bad odors and spoilage of the foam.
After cleaning, keep your cap in a well-ventilated room, or outside on a line, and give it adequate time to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight during hot weather, as the heat generated may damage the inner structure of the foam.
6. Maintain your sponge mattress cover
To maintain the top layer of a foam mattress, you should clean it regularly: at least every 1-2 months, or sooner if you keep pets or have had spills.
If you feel hot at night, you can help reduce the amount of sweat that seeps into your upper layer by purchasing one with cooling properties, such as Laila Topper (Opens in a new tab)which is filled with copper gel.
Finally, you can help keep your foam mattress topper clean and hygienic by combining it with a wrap-around mattress protector. Read our roundup of the best mattress protectors to find the best for you. If you decide it’s time to invest in a new top, our first-rank bargain round can help.
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