How to Care for Pillowtop Mattress Cover

Pillow top mattress covers supply a cushion-type sleeping surface at less cost than a pillow top mattress. The covers also provide a shield for your mattress against stains such as bed-wetting. Just like bed sheets, pillow top mattress covers require regular cleaning to keep them in good condition. Most covers are machine washable and can dry on an outside clothesline or in the dryer. King-size or thick pillow top mattress covers may require a commercial washer because of their size. By following the label instructions, your covers will last many years.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Sweeper with brush attachment
• Spray bottle
• Cloths
• Drying rack or table

Instructions

Wool and Cotton Pillow Top Mattress Covers

1. Remove the pillow top mattress cover from the bed. Place the cover into the washer. Launder the mattress cover alone, without other clothes which could overcrowd the washer.

2. Set the washer to the delicate cycle with warm water. Pour 2 tbsp. liquid laundry detergent into the wash water.

3. Place the mattress cover into the dryer or hang it on a clothesline. If using the dryer, set it for low heat. After 30 minutes, check the mattress cover. If it's still damp, continue drying and checking it every 10 minutes until it's completely dry. Put it back onto the bed.

Memory Foam Pillow Top Mattress Covers

1. Remove the memory foam mattress cover from the bed and lay it on the floor.

2. Attach the brush attachment to a sweeper. Run the brush slowly over the mattress cover, using small rotating motions. When finished, flip the cover over and vacuum the opposite side as well.

3. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and 1 tsp. liquid laundry detergent. Replace the nozzle on the bottle and shake it to mix the soap evenly. Spray a white cloth with the mixture and rub it on any stains on the memory foam mattress cover. Wipe the soap and the stain from the cover with a damp cloth.

4. Lay the mattress over over a table or drying rack. Lightly spray the front side of the cover with the detergent. Do not saturate the fabric; mist it only. Allow the detergent to remain on the fabric for two to three hours.

5. Moisten a white cloth and rub it over the cover, removing the soap residue. Flip the cover over and lightly mist the back side with the detergent. Remove the soap after two hours with a damp cloth. Dry the mattress cover on a drying rack or on a table with airflow from open windows or fans. Wait 24 hours for the cover to dry before returning it to the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a dryer ball to help fluff the mattress cover.

• Clean pillow top mattress covers once or twice a month.

References

• The Mattress Lady: Pillow Top Mattress Pads
• Overstock.com: How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Cover