Guide · Laundry and clothes washing ·
How to Wash a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is laid under the sheet to protect the mattress from sweat and liquids. Most cotton protectors are easily machine washed; the thin layer on the underside of waterproof protectors, however, is sensitive to high heat. This guide explains how to wash cotton, waterproof and wool mattress protectors, how to remove stains from them and how to dry them.
Types of mattress protector
- Cotton protector: quilted or single-layer cotton protectors are mostly machine washed at the label temperature.
- Waterproof protector: the thin waterproof layer on its underside can crack at high heat and with rough handling.
- Wool protector: wool felts and shrinks with hot water and friction; wool protectors need the most careful washing.
- The mattress protector's care label always takes priority.
How to machine wash a mattress protector?
- Read the label: check the protector's washing temperature, programme and drying instructions.
- Keep the load balanced: wash the protector on its own or with sheets, without overloading the machine.
- Choose the temperature: if the label allows, cotton protectors are washed at a higher temperature and waterproof ones at a low or medium temperature.
- Choose the right detergent: use detergent for whites on white protectors and put in the amount on the label.
- Add an extra rinse: on thick protectors, use the extra rinse programme so that no detergent residue remains.
How to wash a waterproof mattress protector?
Wash a waterproof protector at the low or medium temperature on the label, on a normal or delicate programme. High temperatures, bleach and ironing can damage the waterproof layer on the underside. Use fabric softener only if the label allows. Use a tumble dryer only if the label allows and on low heat; drying the protector on a line protects the layer for longer.
How to wash a wool mattress protector?
If the label allows, wash a wool protector on the machine's wool programme, in cold or lukewarm water and at a low spin speed; if the label says dry clean, take it to a dry cleaner. Do not rub or wring a wool protector; dry it on a flat surface (how to wash a blanket).
Stains on mattress protectors
- Sweat and yellowing: apply stain remover to yellowed areas before washing (how to remove sweat stains).
- Blood stain: rinse the stain with cold water; hot water sets blood in the fabric (how to remove blood stains).
- Urine stain: rinse the protector with cold water without delay, then wash it at the label temperature.
- For stains on the mattress itself: how to clean a mattress.
- For washing fitted sheets: how to wash bed sheets.
How to dry a mattress protector?
- Dry the protector spread out on a line or drying rack.
- Do not leave a waterproof protector in direct sunlight for a long time.
- Do not put the protector on the bed until it is completely dry; moisture passes into the mattress.
What not to do
- Washing and drying a waterproof protector at high temperature.
- Using bleach on a waterproof protector and ironing it.
- Washing a wool protector in hot water.
- Putting a damp protector on the bed.
For hotels, hospitals and care homes
In hotels, hospitals and care homes, mattress protectors are changed often and washed in bulk; following the temperature and drying instructions for waterproof protectors extends their life. TETİK detergent for whites is sold in 4 kg, powder machine detergents in 20 kg and TETİK Soft fabric softener in 1 kg, 5 kg and 30 kg packs. For product lists, see our guides Hotel cleaning supplies list, Hospital cleaning supplies list and Laundry supplies and chemicals; request a quote for bulk purchases.
