Quick Answer: Yes, most mattress protectors can be machine washed. Use cool or warm water (never hot), a gentle cycle, and mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener. The key rule is avoiding high heat, which damages the waterproof membrane on protected models. Air drying is safest. Wash every one to two months, or immediately after spills.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
The Short Answer
A mattress protector can be washed, and it should be washed regularly. The concern most people have is whether washing will ruin the waterproof layer, and that concern is valid. High heat and harsh chemicals will damage the protective membrane over time. But with the right approach, your protector will come out of the wash clean and fully functional.
The answer does vary slightly depending on what type of protector you have. A basic fitted-sheet-style protector is the easiest to wash. A waterproof protector with a polyurethane membrane needs more care. A full encasement with a zipper has its own considerations.
We sell protectors at our Brantford showroom and hear the washing question constantly. Here is what we tell customers based on the type they own.
Washing by Protector Type
Waterproof Protectors (Most Common)
These have a fabric top layer bonded to a thin polyurethane membrane on the underside. The membrane is what blocks liquids from reaching your mattress. It is also the part most vulnerable to damage from heat and chemicals.
| Step | What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-treat stains | Dab (do not rub) with cold water and mild soap | Rubbing stains, which pushes them deeper |
| Water temperature | Cool or warm (30-40°C / 85-105°F) | Hot water above 60°C / 140°F |
| Cycle | Gentle or delicate | Heavy-duty or spin-heavy cycles |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent, small amount | Bleach, fabric softener, powder detergent |
| Load | Wash alone or with sheets only | Washing with heavy items like towels or jeans |
| Drying | Air dry flat, or tumble dry on low | High heat, ironing |
Quilted Protectors (Non-Waterproof)
Quilted protectors add a layer of padding for comfort but typically lack a waterproof membrane. They are the easiest to wash because there is no special layer to protect.
Machine wash in warm water on a regular cycle. You can use standard laundry detergent. Tumble dry on medium heat. These protectors are more forgiving, though they will still last longer if you avoid high heat consistently.
Full Encasement Protectors (Zippered)
Encasement protectors wrap around all six sides of the mattress and close with a zipper. They are commonly used for bed bug prevention and allergen control. Washing instructions are similar to waterproof protectors, with one important addition: close the zipper completely before washing. An open zipper can snag fabric in the machine, tearing the protector or damaging the zipper mechanism.
Also check the zipper area after each wash. If the zipper fabric starts to separate from the main body, the encasement is no longer providing full protection and should be replaced.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "The number one mistake I see is customers washing their protector in hot water because they want to kill dust mites. I understand the logic, but the heat that kills mites also kills the waterproof membrane. Wash in cool water, and if dust mites are a concern, use the dryer on low for at least 20 minutes. The sustained warmth will address mites without the extreme temperatures that damage the protector."
8 min read
What Damages Protectors in the Wash
Understanding why certain things damage protectors helps you make better decisions, even when you have lost the care label.
Heat
The polyurethane waterproof membrane used in most protectors has a relatively low tolerance for heat. Temperatures above 60°C cause the membrane to soften, crack, and eventually peel away from the fabric layer. This shows up as crinkling noises when you move in bed, or visible flaking on the underside of the protector.
Once the membrane is damaged, the protector may still be partially waterproof, but its reliability is compromised. You will not know it has failed until something spills and soaks through to your mattress.
Chlorine Bleach
Bleach breaks down polyurethane chemically. Even one wash with chlorine bleach can significantly degrade the waterproof layer. If you need to disinfect a protector after illness, use a colour-safe oxygen bleach or add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead.
Fabric Softener
This one surprises most people. Fabric softener coats fibres with a thin waxy layer, which is what makes fabrics feel soft. On a mattress protector, that coating reduces the fabric's breathability and can interfere with the waterproof membrane's ability to function. Skip the softener entirely. If you want a softer feel, washing the protector before first use usually does the trick.
Why "Antibacterial" Detergents Are Unnecessary
Health Canada notes that regular laundry detergent is sufficient for cleaning household bedding. Antibacterial detergents contain additives that can leave residue on waterproof membranes, reducing their effectiveness. The mechanical action of washing, combined with clean water and mild detergent, removes bacteria, dust mites, and allergens effectively.
For households managing allergies or asthma, the Canadian Lung Association recommends washing bedding in water at least 55°C (130°F) to kill dust mites. Since this conflicts with waterproof protector care, a practical solution is to wash the protector in warm water and then run it through a low-heat dryer cycle for 20 minutes.
Source: Health Canada, "Healthy Indoor Air" guidelines; Canadian Lung Association, "Dust Mites and Allergies"
Stain Removal Guide
Different stains require different approaches. Treat stains before putting the protector in the washing machine for best results.
| Stain Type | Treatment | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Blot excess, apply baking soda paste, let sit 15 min, rinse cold | Never use hot water on urine stains (sets the protein) |
| Blood | Rinse immediately with cold water, apply hydrogen peroxide, dab gently | Cold water only. Hot water permanently sets blood stains |
| Coffee or tea | Blot, apply white vinegar, let sit 5 min, rinse cool | Treat quickly before tannins set |
| Sweat yellowing | Soak in cool water with oxygen bleach for 30 min before washing | Colour-safe oxygen bleach only, never chlorine |
| General spills | Blot excess, cold rinse, wash normally | Act quickly for best results |
Drying the Right Way
How you dry a mattress protector matters as much as how you wash it. The dryer is where most damage occurs because it is easy to set the heat too high and forget about it.
Air drying is the safest option. Lay the protector flat on a drying rack or hang it over a clothesline. In Brantford's summer weather, a protector will dry in a few hours outdoors. In winter, an indoor drying rack near a heat register works well. The protector should be completely dry before putting it back on the mattress. Dampness trapped between the protector and mattress surface can promote mould growth.
Tumble drying on low is acceptable for most protectors. Remove the protector promptly when the cycle ends. Leaving it in a warm dryer after the cycle finishes can cause residual heat to damage the membrane. If your dryer has a "no heat" or "air fluff" setting, that is even better.
Never iron a mattress protector. The direct heat will instantly damage the waterproof layer.
How Often to Wash
| Situation | Washing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal adult use | Every 1-2 months |
| Allergy or asthma sufferers | Monthly |
| Children's beds | Every 2-4 weeks |
| After illness | Immediately |
| After spills or accidents | Immediately |
| Guest bedroom (occasional use) | Before and after each guest visit |
| New protector (first use) | Wash before putting on mattress |
Talia, Showroom Specialist: "I always remind customers to wash a new protector before they put it on the bed. It removes the factory chemicals, softens the fabric, and gives you a baseline for how it feels. If something changes after a few washes, you will know because you started fresh."
When to Replace Instead of Wash
A mattress protector does not last forever, even with careful washing. Here are the signs that it is time to replace rather than wash.
- Visible cracking or peeling on the underside. This means the waterproof membrane has broken down.
- Persistent crinkling noise that was not there when the protector was new. The membrane has hardened.
- Stains that soak through to the mattress. The waterproof layer has failed.
- Elastic has lost tension and the protector does not stay snug on the mattress corners.
- Pilling or thinning fabric on the sleep surface. The fabric barrier is compromised.
Most quality protectors last two to three years with proper care. Budget protectors may need replacing annually. When you do replace, consider it cheap insurance. A good protector costs $50 to $100 and extends the life of a mattress that cost ten to twenty times that amount.
We carry several protector options at our Brantford location, from basic fitted styles to full encasements. If you are unsure which type suits your needs, keeping your mattress clean starts with the right protector for your situation.
Sources
- Sleep Foundation, "How to Wash a Mattress Protector" (2024). sleepfoundation.org
- Health Canada, "Healthy Indoor Air: A Guide for Homeowners." canada.ca
- Canadian Lung Association, "Dust Mites and Your Health." lung.ca
- DreamFit, "How to Properly Wash and Care for Your Mattress Protector." dreamfit.com
Most mattress protectors can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and tumble dried on low heat, though waterproof membrane protectors should never be washed with bleach or dried on high heat as this degrades the polyurethane barrier. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford sells mattress protectors and can advise on care for each type. Brad recommends washing your protector every one to two months and replacing it every two to three years, as even well-maintained protectors lose their waterproof integrity over time from repeated washing. Call (519) 770-0001.
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
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Or mattress protectors in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a waterproof mattress protector in the dryer?
Most waterproof protectors can go in the dryer on low heat or tumble dry. Never use high heat, as temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius can melt or crack the polyurethane waterproof membrane. Air drying is the safest option and will extend the life of the waterproof layer. Check the care label for your specific protector.
How often should you wash a mattress protector?
Wash your mattress protector every one to two months under normal use. Wash it immediately after any spills, accidents, or illness. If you have allergies, monthly washing is recommended. Always wash a new protector before its first use to remove residual manufacturing chemicals and soften the fabric.
Can bleach damage a mattress protector?
Yes. Chlorine bleach breaks down the polyurethane backing on waterproof protectors, causing them to crack, peel, and lose their waterproof properties. Use a mild detergent without bleaching agents. For stubborn stains, hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar are safer alternatives that will not damage the protective membrane.
Why does my mattress protector crinkle after washing?
Crinkling usually means the waterproof membrane has been damaged by heat, either from hot water washing or high-heat drying. Once the membrane is crinkled, it may still be waterproof but will be noisier. Prevention is better than cure here: always wash in cool or warm water and tumble dry on low or air dry.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Need a replacement protector or want to see the difference between waterproof and encasement styles? Stop by and we will help you pick the right one for your mattress. We have been helping Brantford families protect their sleep investments since 1997.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.