You're Probably Not Cleaning Your Mattress Topper As Often As You Should Be

A mattress topper or pad is a thick, cushioned layer placed between your mattress and fitted bed sheet. These toppers provide support and increase the comfort level of your bed to ensure you get a good night's sleep. They can even make your mattress last longer and keep it cleaner. But in the process of guarding your bed, these pads get exposed to dust mites, sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and all kinds of spillage — despite being covered by a fitted sheet. So, to maintain the effectiveness of your topper and promote a hygienic sleep environment, it's important to clean your mattress topper at least once every three months.

The ideal cleaning frequency also depends on how dirty your mattress topper gets. For instance, if the surface witnesses frequent spillage or gets stained often, you'll have to clean it more frequently. However, if you don't want to wash it regularly, make it a habit to spot-clean all spills or stains as soon as they occur.

As noted, you must clean your mattress topper every three months, but you might have to clean it more frequently if it's triggering your allergies as soon as you lie down or if it begins smelling bad. While a thorough wash will easily help you get rid of the odor, you might need to replace your mattress topper if it begins smelling like mold or mildew. Sleeping on such a pad will deteriorate your sleep quality and may even lead to fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and cough.

Moreover, if you notice spills and stains on your topper, it's time for you to give it a deep clean immediately. If left untreated, the stains and spills can cause lasting damage and even give off an unpleasant smell. Further, if your topper shows signs of discoloration and begins turning yellow or brown, you should deep clean it to eliminate the dust, dirt, sweat, and body oil buildup.

If your mattress topper is due for a routine clean-up, begin by stripping off the bed sheets and moving it onto the floor. Now, arm yourself with your vacuum cleaner that has a soft brush or is water-based to eliminate dust, dirt, hair, and dead skin cells. Remember to vacuum both sides of your topper to clean it thoroughly. If it continues smelling bad even after it's vacuumed, sprinkle some baking soda on the surface and leave it for about eight hours before you vacuum it again.

If you want to get rid of stubborn stains and accidental spills, mix one part baking soda with one part cold water to prepare a cleaning solution. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle, apply it directly to the stain, and use a dry cloth to rub it in. Let it sit for about an hour before wiping it off with clean paper towels. Allow the topper to air dry completely to ensure there's no mold or mildew growth before putting it back on your mattress. Additionally, before stripping off your mattress topper and throwing it in the washing machine, read its care label to confirm it can be machine cleaned.