How to Clean Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
Keeping your bedding clean is very important, not only because of hygiene but also to keep dust mites, bacteria and other allergens at bay.
The same goes for mattress toppers. You should clean them at least once a year, but you should know how to clean them properly.
Given the delicate structure of memory foam, they can’t simply be tossed in the washing machine as this could damage the fine structure of memory foam.
They require a different approach and a little knowledge, time and patience so you can clean them properly and make them look and smell like brand new again.
Here are some tips that can help you clean your memory foam mattress topper easier and make it be fresh and clean again.
Vacuum Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The simplest way to clean your memory foam mattress topper is to vacuum it. Vacuuming will help get rid of all the dust and grime from the topper and prevent micro-organisms from forming on its surface and even inside its airy structure.
Place your topper on a flat surface so that you can reach all spots with your vacuum cleaner. Use a powerful handheld vacuum if you have one with a soft brush attachment and pick up all dust and other particles from the mattress with circular motions.
You can also use a water-based vacuum cleaner, but make sure to leave your topper to dry for several hours before using it again.
Use a Gentle Detergent
If your mattress topper is doesn’t have any stains and odors and you just want to make it smell clean and fresh, you can spray it with detergent right after vacuuming.
Use a small amount of a gentle laundry detergent used for hand washing and mix it with warm or luke-warm water. Fill a spray bottle with the detergent, and then spray the entire surface of the mattress topper lightly.
Move your spray bottle slowly while spraying and be careful not to soak memory foam too much. Bloat the excess moisture with a clean cloth or white towel and leave the topper to dry completely before using it.
Spot CleaningÂ
If your memory foam mattress topper only needs spot cleaning, you can do this by using vinegar and water solution. Dip the clean white cloth or towel into a solution and work on stains by using circular motion. Repeat the process by using a clean water this time.
If the stains are still there, you can use mild detergent used for hand washing mixed with water and do the same you did when using vinegar. Work on stains until the detergent dissolves them completely and repeat the process if necessary. Be gentle when rubbing the foam so you can avoid damaging it.
If you want to remove a stain caused by pet urine, you can try using an enzymatic pet stain cleaner. Apply it directly on the stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.Â
Also, baking soda mixed with water is another great solution for removing stains from your mattress. It is a natural solution that can successfully remove even the most persistent stains.
Mix a small amount of soda with water and stir it until the soda completely dissolves and the solution gets a milky white color. Dip the clean cloth or towel into the solution and work on the stains with gentle circular movements. Repeat the process until the stains are gone and leave the topper to dry completely.
Remove Odors from Your Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Sometimes stains from urine, vomit and cigarette smoke can cause the lingering smell. To get rid of it and make your memory foam mattress topper smell fresh and clean, you should vacuum and spray clean it and then sprinkle the entire surface of it with baking soda.
For the best results, let it sit overnight before vacuuming the baking soda. There are other options as well which include citrus-based cleaning products or those designed specifically for eliminating odors.
To remove the bad smell from your topper, you can also take it out and leave it exposed to sunlight for a short time. The heat and fresh air will remove most of the odor. Keeping it in the sun can also help it dry better and remove all the remaining water that might have settled in during cleaning.
Use a Mattress Topper Cover
If you want to protect your memory foam mattress topper as much as possible, you can try using a cover for it. I will protect your topper from dust mites and spills and help keep it in perfect shape.
Besides this, topper covers can be washed in the washing machine so you can always keep them clean without being afraid of damaging them.
Things You Should Never Do When Cleaning Your Memory Foam Mattress topper
You should never put your memory foam mattress topper back on the bed right after cleaning it with water or some solution. Make sure it is completely dry before using it again. If there is any moisture left inside the memory foam, it will eventually lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
If you are in a hurry to dry your topper and can’t wait for it to dry naturally in a well ventilated room or outside in the sun, you can use a hair dryer, but you should never bring it too close to the topper. Make sure you keep some distance and set it on low as high heat will damage the delicate structure of memory foam.
When drying your topper outside in the sun, never leave it for too long as too much heat can damage the topper. If you want to dry it outside, but don’t want to expose it to a direct sunlight, you can leave it in the shade where there is plenty of airflow and no heat.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your memory foam mattress topper as the harsh chemical can destroy the texture and the color of the memory foam.
Never try to wash your memory foam mattress topper in a washing machine and dry it inside a tumble dryer as this can damage and tear apart the topper.
If you still decide to hand wash the whole topper, make sure to do this gently and don’t wriggle or squeeze or the topper as this can cause cracks in memory foam and ruin the topper. Also, never use too hot water to wash or clean the memory foam.
