How to wash a waterproof mattress protector

How to wash a waterproof mattress protector

The safest way to wash a waterproof mattress protector is to follow the care label on that protector, since materials and waterproof layers differ. In general, wash gently, keep heat low and let it dry fully before putting it back on the bed. This guide covers the steps, what to leave out and how to tell when the waterproof layer is wearing out.

Read the care label before the first wash

The label tells you the highest wash temperature, whether a dryer is allowed and at what heat, and any warnings about bleach or fabric softener. Take a photo of it or save the product page, because labels can wear off or get cut out.

Some protectors are wipe-clean instead of machine washable. A vinyl style like the Vinyl Mattress Protector, Zippered, Twin or the Mattress Protector Zipper Vinyl 36" x 80" x 6.5" may have different care steps from a fabric-topped one, so check what the product page says.

Routine washing vs washing after a leak

Routine washing is for a protector that has not taken a leak, and a gentle cycle within the label's limits is a sensible starting point. How often depends on use. An underpad on top, such as those in our washable underpads and bed pads, can reduce how often the protector itself needs washing.

After a leak, deal with it promptly:

  1. Put on disposable gloves if you are handling a soiled cover.
  2. Remove any solids into the toilet, and rinse the area with cool water in a laundry tub or bathtub if the label permits.
  3. Wash it right away, rather than leaving it damp in a hamper.
  4. Wash your hands afterwards.

Laundry looks after the cover, not the cause. If leaks are new or becoming more frequent, check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Water temperature, detergent and what to leave out

  • Temperature: stay at or below the label's limit. Heat above the limit can damage a waterproof layer.
  • Detergent: use a mild detergent in the amount its label gives for the load. Extra suds are harder to rinse out of a thick cover.
  • Bleach and fabric softener: many labels advise against them. If yours does, leave them out.
  • Other items: avoid washing the cover with items that have hooks or rough zippers, which can snag it.

Fitting a bulky protector in a home washer

A thick protector can swell in the drum, so give it room. If it fills the drum tightly, it will not move or rinse properly. Check your washer's manual for its capacity. If your washer is too small, a laundromat with a larger machine is an option.

If a single bulky item throws the washer off balance, adding a towel or two can help, unless the label says to wash the protector alone. Run an extra rinse if detergent lingers.

Drying without damaging the waterproof layer

Dry on low heat, or air dry, as the label directs. High heat can make a waterproof layer crack or peel. A thick protector can take a long time to dry, so allow plenty of time, and longer if it is drying on a rack indoors.

  • If you tumble dry, check halfway and shake it out so heat spreads evenly.
  • If you air dry, lay it flat or hang it over a rack, and flip it so both sides dry.
  • Do not iron it, unless the label says you may.

Putting it back on a fully dry mattress

Check that the protector is completely dry, including the seams and any pocket corners, before you make the bed. A damp cover can trap moisture against the mattress.

Also check that the mattress is dry. If a leak reached it, let it air out, and check the manufacturer's advice for cleaning your mattress. Then put the protector on and smooth it flat, with no wrinkles.

Signs the waterproof layer is wearing out

Look the protector over each time it comes out of the wash. These are signs it is near the end of its life:

  • peeling, flaking or cracking on the back of the fabric;
  • thin or shiny patches that feel different from the rest;
  • damp spots on the mattress or the sheet that were not there before;
  • holes, split seams or a zipper that no longer closes;
  • a smell that stays after washing.

To check a spot you are unsure of, lay the dry protector over a dry towel in the bathtub and pour a small cup of water onto the middle of the top, away from the seams and edges. Lift it after a few minutes and look at the towel under that spot. If the towel is damp, water is getting through, and it is time to replace the protector. A spare on the shelf means the bed is not left uncovered while you wait for a new one.

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Common questions

Can I wash a mattress protector with my sheets?

Only if the care labels match and the load is not too full. A bulky protector washes better with room to move.

How often should I wash it?

It depends on use and the care label. If you use a pad or a sheet on top, the protector may need washing less often than one that has taken leaks directly.

Why does my protector feel stiff or sticky after drying?

The waterproof layer may be damaged by heat, or detergent residue may remain. Check the label and rewash with an extra rinse. If the back of the cover is peeling or tacky, it may be worn out.

Can I use bleach, vinegar or a stain remover on a stain?

Only if the care label allows that product. Some labels rule out bleach, and other additives may not suit the waterproof layer. Rinsing with cool water and washing soon after a leak is the gentler first step.

Need help picking a replacement or a spare? Send us your mattress size through our contact page, and we will reply within one business day.