How to Clean a Mattress Topper

Written by Chris Willatt | Edited by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 References

The extra layer of comfort from a memory foam mattress topper feels amazing when you go to bed, but dust, sweat, and other bacteria can gather on it over time. Luckily, you can easily clean a mattress topper in less than an hour whether it’s made from memory foam, polyfoam, or wool. Keep reading for the best ways to clean and remove stains from your mattress topper so it's refreshed and ready for a great night of sleep!

This article is based on an interview with our house cleaning professional, James Sears. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

For a basic clean, run a vacuum over the mattress topper to clean up all the loose dust and debris.
To spot clean a mattress topper, soak up spills with a towel. Gently scrub the stain with a cloth dipped in a mixture of laundry soap and water.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the mattress topper to get rid of odors. Let it sit for 8 hours before vacuuming your mattress topper.
Do a basic cleaning every 2–3 months, but clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains.

1

Remove the topper from your mattress.

Taking the topper off keeps cleaners from soaking down to the mattress. Strip the sheets off of your bed so you can get to your mattress topper underneath. Pick up the topper and set it on a flat, sturdy surface like your bedroom floor or a large dining table.^{[1]
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- Be sure to clean your work surface before putting the mattress topper on it. Otherwise, the topper could get even dirtier.
- Use this opportunity to wash your bedding and clean your mattress.

2

Vacuum the mattress topper.

A vacuum picks up loose dust, dirt, and hair on your mattress topper. Put the hose attachment on your vacuum and run it over your entire mattress topper. Pay extra attention to the seams and other areas where dust can build up. Once you finish vacuuming one side of the topper, flip it over to clean the other side too.^{[2]
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- If you don’t have a vacuum, try picking up the mattress topper and shaking it out. You may also try brushing off the dust with a clean hand brush.

3

Spot-clean messes with a laundry detergent solution.

Mild detergent works best for general cleaning and newer stains. Mix equal parts of laundry detergent and warm water in a small bowl, and dip a washcloth in the solution. Gently rub the washcloth in circular motions over the stain. Let the detergent sit on the mattress topper for 30 minutes.^{[3]
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- If there’s a fresh spill on your mattress topper, soak it up right away with an absorbent towel or paper towels. Blot the towel up and down rather than rubbing it from side to side, or it may work the liquid deeper into the material.^{[4]
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- You can also use an oxidizing stain remover to dilute the stains.
- If your mattress topper has a removable cover, you may be able to take the cover off to machine-wash it. Read the manufacturer’s tag to see if it’s safe to put in your washer.

4

Spray a vinegar solution as a natural alternative.

White vinegar works on stains and odors if you want to avoid chemicals. Combine equal amounts of vinegar and water in a bowl to use for your cleaning solution. Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar solution and apply it to the stains on your mattress topper using circular motions. Once you’re able to work the stain out, use a clean cloth dipped in water to rinse out the vinegar.^{[5]
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- Apply enough cleaning solution to get the stain damp, but not so much that it soaks through your mattress topper.
- After you apply the vinegar solution, try gently scrubbing stubborn stains with a toothbrush.

5

Apply enzyme cleaner for sweat and urine stains.

An enzyme cleaner neutralizes stains and odors from natural sources. Enzyme cleaners are most effective on stains from proteins found in sweat and urine. Spray the enzyme cleaner directly on the stain to wet the area and gently rub it in with a toothbrush or clean cloth. Run a damp clean cloth over the area to flush out the stain and cleaner.^{[6]
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- Enzyme cleaners are great for cleaning cat urine from a mattress topper.

6

Try boric acid for the most stubborn stains.

Boric acid works well as a last resort to remove stains from memory foam. Start by blotting the stains with a damp cloth before sprinkling boric acid over them. Let the boric acid sit for 15 minutes before blotting the stain again with your cloth. Gently wipe the stain with a dry towel and run your vacuum over the topper to lift up any boric acid residue left on the surface.^{[7]
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- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on stains since it could discolor or damage your mattress topper.

7

Sprinkle baking soda to eliminate odors.

Baking soda absorbs bad odors so the topper smells fresh. Spread a thin layer of baking soda over your entire mattress topper. Leave the baking soda on your mattress topper for 8 hours so it has a chance to completely remove the odors. Then, vacuum up the baking soda so your mattress topper is clean again.^{[8]
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- Baking soda can also help lift moisture leftover from cleaning solutions.

8

Leave your topper to air-dry completely.

Mold and mildew could form if you use your mattress topper when it’s wet. If your mattress topper still feels a little damp, leave it in a well-ventilated space so it can dry out. Keep the mattress topper away from direct heat or sunlight while it dries so you don’t damage the material. Once the topper feels dry to the touch, you’re safe to put it back onto your mattress.
- Keep the windows open and run a fan in the room with your mattress topper to help speed up your drying time.

9

Clean your mattress topper every 2–3 months.

Regularly cleaning your mattress topper keeps it from getting too dirty. Your sheets and bedding protect your mattress topper from wear and tear, so it doesn’t need to be cleaned very frequently. Take a peek at your mattress topper anytime you change your sheets, and just clean it when you notice it looking dirty.
- Flip your mattress topper over every time you clean it so it doesn’t develop any soft or sagging spots.

Warnings

Avoid putting any foam mattress toppers in your washing machine since it could damage the material.^{[10]
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If your mattress topper has a set-in odor or looks worn down, it might be time to replace it.^{[11]
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