How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress: A Guide to Stain Removal

Hands placing a mattress topper on a bed

But did you know that memory foam toppers cannot be machine washed? That's exactly why you need to master the step-by-step procedure on how to clean memory foam mattress toppers effectively. For example, how do you handle urine stains on a memory foam topper? How about dust deeply embedded in the topper?

You don't have to struggle and degrade the quality of your precious mattress topper. So, let me walk you through a complete guide on how to handle the cleaning process.

So how do you know your memory foam topper needs cleaning?

Signs It's Time to Clean Your Memory Foam Topper

How do you gauge if your mattress topper requires cleaning or not? Simple, answer the following questions:

When did you last clean your topper?

Bed sheets should be washed frequently, for example, once a week or two. However, since a memory foam topper doesn't experience rigorous wear and tear like bed sheets, you should wash it only after a couple of months. So, if you can't tell when you last cleaned your topper, then the time is ripe to do it.

Are there visible stains?

Check your topper's outward appearance. If you can spot stained areas, then it means it requires thorough cleaning. Regardless of when you last did the washing, obvious stains on the mattress topper should be cleaned as soon as possible.

Does it produce a strange odor?

When body fluids combine with dust, dead skin cells, and mold, odor is inevitable. Sleeping on a dirty topper is unhygienic and discourages healthy sleep. Cleaning eliminates such smells and makes your topper smell pleasant.

Does it trigger an allergic reaction from you?

Dust accumulation on your bed is enough to trigger an allergic reaction. If your allergic symptoms worsen when you are in bed or when you wake up in the morning, then most likely your bed sheet and topper require cleaning.

Have you noticed increased itchiness or unusual bites on your skin recently?

When you fail to clean your bedding for a longer period, bedbugs can spring up. Although initially, it might be difficult to spot, strange red bites on your skin or itchiness are a sure indicator. Only a thorough cleaning and disinfection can clear away such insects.

Hence, if you notice any of the above signs, don't hesitate to clean your memory foam topper promptly.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Memory Foam Topper

Most people take the job of washing memory foam toppers so casually. Consequently, they make costly mistakes. The result is an inadequately washed topper with its quality degraded too.

Therefore, before you think of the cleaning, avoid making the following mistakes:

Returning a damp memory foam topper

Many people never allow a topper to dry fully before returning it to the bed. Putting back a damp topper? That's a recipe for mildew and funky odors. Ensure that you dry off your memory foam topper completely before laying it on the bed.

Using a dryer on a topper at close range

Although a dryer can help dry off your topper faster, it can be disastrous to the surface foam cells if not used correctly. The excess heat produced by the dryer is enough to damage its surface. Therefore, keep the dryer at a safe distance from your topper's surface. At the same time, set it to a low heat level.

Exposing your topper to prolonged direct sunlight

Drying a memory foam topper in direct sunlight isn't appropriate. But if you insist on doing so, then expose it to direct sunlight over a very short interval. Otherwise, the sunrays will damage the mattress topper.

Machine washing a memory foam topper

Can you wash memory foam toppers then dry them off in a tumble dryer the ordinary way? Most aren't safe to do so. So, unless specified by the manufacturer, don't assume it is safe to machine wash a topper.

Using harsh detergent on a memory foam topper

When cleaning your mattress topper don't just pick any cheap, low-quality detergent. Such cleaning chemicals may wash away its color and thus leave it more stained than before. For instance, keep off hydrogen peroxide.

A bottle of hydrogen peroxide

Using hot water

To maintain the texture and even the efficiency of the foam cells, stick to using cold water during cleaning. Hot water ruins the efficiency of the cells and even their texture.

Squeezing your memory foam topper

To remove excess water from your topper, some people resort to squeezing the mattress topper. However, squeezing your topper interferes with its consistency.

Cleaning Your Memory Foam Topper

Depending on the level of stains on your mattress topper, the best way on how to clean a memory foam mattress might take any of these two directions:

• Regular cleaning maintenance involving spot cleaning
• Washing the entire topper after deep staining

So, let's have a look at both cases:

A. Regular Maintenance (Spot) Cleaning

This aims at removing built-up dust and simple stains from your mattress topper.

Before you begin the actual cleaning, the following preparation is necessary:

• Take your topper outside in the open away from direct sunlight. That gives you easy access from all corners.
• Alternatively, you can take it to a large spacious bathroom or any other room. However, such a space should be well ventilated. Switch on the bathroom fan and open the windows for effective air circulation.
• If the room where you will be cleaning your mattress topper has carpeted or hardwood flooring, then cover the floor first with a tarp before resting your topper on it.

What you need

Having cleared the way with the above preparations, also keep the following close by:

● Vacuum cleaner

Picture of handheld vacuum cleaner

● Soft towel or tissue paper

● Spray bottle

A spray bottle

● White vinegar

Picture of white vinegar in a bottle

● Baking soda

A packet of baking soda

● Washing detergent

It's time to start washing your best mattress topper.

Step one: vacuuming

Spread out your mattress topper on an even hard surface then pick a handheld vacuum cleaner. Next attach the mattress vacuuming extension. A soft brush attachment on the handheld vacuum cleaner is ideal since it won't alter the texture of your topper.

Vacuum out the dirt, dust, lint, and crumbs on your mattress topper. Pay attention to the crevices and other hidden parts.

After doing one side of your topper, turn the other side and run the vacuum cleaner over it too.

That should clean dust and loosely-held stains on your topper. If that's all you had on your mattress topper, it should be enough. Otherwise, the stains which weren't visible before should be easy to see now.

Step two: spot and mark the stains

The next phase is spot checking and marking where there are stains on your mattress topper. Doing so will help you when applying the cleaning detergent. You'll then know where to concentrate more with the cleaning agent.

Step three: spot cleaning

Do you see those annoying dark stains on your memory foam topper? One of the best ways on how to wash memory foam mattress topper is using baking soda or white vinegar.

So, let's have a look at how to use the above-mentioned cleaning chemicals.

Using baking soda

Requirements

• One part baking soda
• Two parts cold water
• Mixing bowl
• Stirring rod
• Cotton swab/pieces of clean cloth

Mix one part of baking soda to two parts of cold water. Stir until the solution turns milky.

Then using a piece of clean cloth, apply the milky solution on the previously marked spots one by one. For effective results, apply the baking soda solution generously.

For every stained spot, apply and then wipe off the solution/stain until it turns out clean.

After wiping off every stained spot from your topper, let it rest for about an hour.

Using vinegar and detergent

Vinegar also makes a good cleaning compound for memory foam toppers. But instead of using it in its concentrated state add a little bit of water to dilute it.

• Using a clean cotton swab, apply the white vinegar solution to the stained areas and wipe off spot by spot.
• Repeat for every stained area until the blemishes are all gone.

After cleaning the spots it's time to introduce a gentle cleaning detergent. For example, you can even use a gentle hand washing detergent.

• Mix one part of the detergent to 2 parts of water.
• Soak clean cotton cloth in the solution and then spread it over the previously stained spots. Leave the cloth to rest on the spot for about an hour.

For persistent stains which don't come out of the surface easily, use enzyme-based cleaners (these break down organic matter like sweat and urine at the molecular level).

Alternatively, you can fill the detergent solution in a spray bottle then spray the solution on the spots. However, make sure you don't drench the foam excessively.

Step four: rinsing with clean water

Regardless of the method you use in step three above, after the elapsed time you have to rinse off the detergent from your topper.

To do that, fill a spray container with clean water.

Spray the water over the area previously cleaned with baking soda or vinegar.

After every spray, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off the soapy water from your mattress topper. Repeat the process until there is no more soapy water coming off from the mattress.

Step five: flip over

When you are through cleaning one side of your memory foam topper flip it over. Repeat the cleaning procedure on this side too.

Step six: Blotting

Having rinsed the detergent and baking soda or vinegar from your topper, you have to remove the excess water.

Pick a dry, soft towel and use it to dab the moistened areas. When the towel becomes wet, pick another dry one and continue with the process.

Drying your topper

Having blotted away the excess moisture from your mattress topper you have to let it dry completely before you call off the cleaning exercise.

The drying process can either follow the slow natural way or be quickened by a dryer.

If you aren't in a hurry, then the best way to dry off your topper is to leave it outside in the shade and let the trapped moisture escape. Also, you can turn your mattress topper to face a running fan to increase the rate of evaporation.

But if you are in a hurry to dry off your mattress topper, then use a dryer. However, exercise a lot of caution. Set the dryer to a low heat setting and never bring it too close to your topper's surface.

The steps described above provide the straightforward step-by-step guidelines on how to clean memory foam mattress toppers effectively.

B. Complete Washing of Memory Foam Toppers

Sometimes accidents can't be avoided. If someone urinates or vomits on a memory foam topper, it will smell for a longer period unless cleaned properly. When liquids seep through, simple spot cleaning isn't enough to remove the stain and the smell.

You need an elaborate cleaning process. That's why you need to learn the skills on how to wash memory foam mattress toppers.

Step one: follow through with ordinary spot cleaning steps

To start off your cleaning, follow the procedure described earlier on. That is:

• Vacuuming
• Spot cleaning using baking soda or vinegar
• Rinsing off the surface
• Blotting excess moisture

Step two: wash entire surface

After blotting move on to washing the entire mattress topper. Ensure your topper is laid flat on an even surface. Now using cold water wash off the entire surface of your memory foam topper. During this time check for any remaining soapy residue. If there is any, rinse it out completely.

Step three: roll it inwards

During the washing stage, water seeps through your mattress topper cells. The water trapped inside should help to dissolve and dilute the urine or coffee stains. Are you wondering how to compress memory foam mattress toppers to release the trapped water without damaging their quality?

Then do this: gently roll your topper inwards. Take care not to over-press as it may ruin the cells. Rolling your mattress topper inwards removes excess water.

Remember, too much pressure or squeezing will interfere with its softness.

Step four: dry it off in an airy environment

To finish off your cleaning, allow the foam to dry completely. Ideally let it rest in the shade for approximately 24 hours. Alternatively, you can speed up the process with either a dryer or a fan.

Pro Tips for Memory Foam Topper Care

Here are some expert tips to keep your memory foam topper in pristine condition:

• Regular maintenance schedule Create a cleaning routine that works for your lifestyle. Mark your calendar every two months as "topper cleaning day." This prevents heavy buildup that requires deep cleaning.
• Quick daily care Strip your bed completely once a week and let your topper breathe. This simple habit prevents moisture buildup and extends your topper's life.
• Mattress protector investment Consider investing in a waterproof mattress protector. This creates a barrier against spills, sweat, and accidents, making your cleaning routine much easier.
• Immediate stain treatment The moment you notice a spill or stain, act immediately. Fresh stains come out much easier than set-in ones. Keep a spray bottle with diluted white vinegar handy for emergency spot treatments.
• Proper storage If you need to store your memory foam topper, ensure it's completely clean and dry. Roll it loosely and store in a breathable bag to prevent moisture and odors.

When to Replace Your Memory Foam Topper

Even with proper care, your memory foam topper won't last forever. Here are some indicators that a replacement may be necessary:

• Permanent odors that won't go away after cleaning
• Visible sagging or indentations that don't bounce back
• Torn or cracked foam surface
• Persistent allergic reactions despite regular cleaning
• Loss of comfort and support

Most quality memory foam toppers last 3-5 years with proper care and maintenance.

Keep Your Sleep Investment Fresh and Long-Lasting

Having learned how to clean memory foam mattress toppers the correct way, you don't have to wait till your topper is heavily dusty and smelly. Make it your routine to check on your mattress topper and clean it in time. Otherwise if you don't do so, it will not only develop a strange odor, but insects like dust mites or even bedbugs might start breeding in your topper. And as you have realized, most of the chemicals needed to clean a memory foam topper are readily available at home. For instance, baking soda and white vinegar are easy to acquire.

Your memory foam topper is an investment in your sleep quality and overall health. With these proven cleaning methods and maintenance tips, you can keep it fresh, hygienic, and comfortable for years to come. Remember, consistency is key – regular maintenance prevents major problems and extends your topper's lifespan.

So, what's stopping you from keeping your memory foam topper fresh and clean? Your best night's sleep starts with a clean, well-maintained sleeping surface.