Quick Answer: To wash a mattress cover, check the care label first, pre-treat any stains, then machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water with mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Never use hot water, bleach, or high dryer heat, as these damage the waterproof layer. Wash every 1 to 2 months for best hygiene.
In This Guide
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A mattress cover (also called a mattress protector) is one of the most underappreciated pieces of bedding you own. It sits between your sheets and your mattress, catching sweat, skin cells, spills, and allergens before they can soak into the mattress itself. But that protection only works if you know how to wash a mattress cover without destroying the very thing that makes it useful: the waterproof or water-resistant backing.
We recommend protectors with every mattress we sell at our Brantford showroom, and the most common question we get after purchase is: "Can I just throw it in the wash?" The short answer is yes, with a few important caveats.
Before You Wash: Check the Label
Every mattress cover has a care tag, usually sewn into an inside seam. Read it. Different materials have different requirements, and ignoring the label is the fastest way to ruin a perfectly good protector.
| Cover Type | Typical Washing Instructions | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof (polyurethane or TPU backing) | Machine wash cold/warm, gentle cycle | No hot water, no high heat drying |
| Water-resistant (treated fabric) | Machine wash warm, regular cycle | No bleach (degrades treatment) |
| Cotton terry (no waterproof layer) | Machine wash warm/hot, any cycle | Can shrink in hot water |
| Bamboo or Tencel blend | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle | No fabric softener (clogs fibres) |
| Quilted or padded | Machine wash warm, gentle cycle | May need extra spin to remove water from padding |
| Zippered encasement (full mattress enclosure) | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle | Close zipper before washing to protect it |
If the care label is missing or unreadable, default to cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry. This is the safest approach for any mattress cover material.
Machine Washing: Step by Step
Step 1: Remove and Inspect
Pull the cover off the mattress and check for any visible stains. Pre-treat stains before the main wash (see stain removal section below). Stains that go through a wash cycle without treatment often set permanently.
Step 2: Set Your Machine
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water. Cold is safest for waterproof covers. Warm is fine for non-waterproof types. Avoid hot water entirely for any cover with a waterproof or water-resistant layer. Heat degrades polyurethane and TPU membranes, causing them to crack and lose their protective properties.
Step 3: Use the Right Detergent
Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid these:
- Bleach - degrades waterproof backing, weakens elastic, damages fibres
- Fabric softener - coats fibres and reduces the cover's ability to absorb or repel moisture. This is especially important for bamboo and Tencel covers.
- Powdered detergent - can leave residue in the waterproof layer that causes stiffness
- Detergent pods in excess - one pod is sufficient. More creates residue buildup.
Step 4: Wash Separately
Wash your mattress cover on its own or with lightweight items like sheets. Washing with heavy items like jeans, towels, or blankets creates excess friction and can damage the waterproof membrane through mechanical abrasion.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "The number one reason protectors fail early is high heat in the dryer. I have had customers come back saying their protector stopped being waterproof after two months. Every time, it turns out they were drying it on high. Low heat or air dry. That is the rule."
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Hand Washing (For Delicate or Waterproof Covers)
If your cover's care label says hand wash only, or if you want to be extra cautious with a waterproof protector:
- Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
- Submerge the cover and gently knead it for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not wring, twist, or scrub aggressively. This can tear the waterproof membrane.
- Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cool water. Rinse by gently pressing the cover until all soap is removed. You may need to rinse twice.
- Press excess water out gently. Do not wring. Roll the cover in a clean towel and press to absorb moisture.
- Lay flat or hang to air dry.
Stain Removal for Common Problems
Treat stains before washing. Once a stain goes through a wash-and-dry cycle untreated, heat can set it permanently.
| Stain | Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat or body oil (yellowing) | Soak in cold water with oxygen-based bleach alternative for 30 minutes before washing | Works well on white and light-coloured covers |
| Blood | Rinse immediately with cold water, then apply enzyme cleaner | Never use hot water on blood stains. Heat sets them. |
| Urine | Blot excess, apply enzyme cleaner, let sit 15 minutes, then wash | Enzyme cleaners from pet supply stores work best on uric acid |
| Coffee or tea | Blot immediately, apply a paste of baking soda and cold water | Act fast. Tannin stains set quickly. |
| General odour | Add 120 ml (half a cup) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle | Vinegar neutralizes odours without damaging waterproof backing |
Drying Without Damaging It
How you dry your mattress cover matters as much as how you wash it.
Air drying is the safest option. Hang the cover on a drying rack or clothesline, or lay it flat on a clean surface. In Brantford's summer months, outdoor line drying works well and the sunlight provides natural sanitization. In winter, an indoor drying rack near a heat vent works, though it takes longer.
Tumble drying on low heat is acceptable for most covers. Remove the cover promptly when dry. Over-drying on any heat setting degrades the waterproof membrane and elastic faster than necessary.
Never use high heat. High dryer temperatures (above 60 degrees Celsius) cause the polyurethane or TPU waterproof membrane to crack, peel, and lose its waterproofing ability. Once damaged, this cannot be repaired. The cover will still function as a barrier against dust and skin cells, but it will no longer protect against liquid spills.
The Crinkling Test
If your mattress cover starts making a noticeable crinkling or plastic sound when you move on it, the waterproof layer has likely been heat-damaged. This crinkling gets worse over time and can interfere with sleep. Once a cover reaches this stage, it is time for a replacement. The good news is that quality mattress protectors are relatively inexpensive ($50 to $80) and washing them correctly extends their life to 3 to 5 years.
How Often to Wash Your Mattress Cover
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal use, healthy adults | Every 1 to 2 months |
| Allergy or asthma sufferers | Monthly |
| Hot sleepers or heavy sweating | Every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Pets on the bed | Every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Children's beds | Every 2 weeks (more if accidents occur) |
| After any spill or accident | Immediately |
Between washes, you can vacuum the top surface of the cover when you change your sheets. This removes surface dust and keeps the cover fresh without the wear of a full wash cycle.
When to Replace Instead of Wash
Mattress covers do not last forever. Replace yours when:
- The waterproof layer is cracked or peeling (you will hear crinkling)
- The elastic has stretched out and the cover no longer stays snug on the mattress
- There are stains or odours that do not respond to washing
- The fabric has thinned or developed holes
- It is over 3 to 5 years old, depending on wash frequency
A worn-out protector is not protecting anything. It is just an extra layer of laundry. We carry replacement protectors at our Brantford store, and Brad is happy to recommend one that fits your mattress and sleeping situation.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "A $60 protector that you wash properly lasts 4 to 5 years and keeps your $1,000+ mattress clean the entire time. A protector that gets ruined by hot water in 6 months is a false economy. Treat it gently and it does its job for years."
Sources
- Asthma Canada (2025). "Common Allergen Triggers." asthma.ca
- Arroyave, W.D. et al. (2014). "Impermeable versus semi-permeable mattress encasings." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(9).
- Health Canada (2024). "Indoor Air Quality: Moulds and Moisture." canada.ca
- Arlian, L. et al. (2015). "Reducing relative humidity to control dust mites." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8).
Mattress covers with waterproof backing should be washed on a gentle cycle in warm water without bleach or fabric softener, then tumble dried on low heat or air dried, as high heat and harsh chemicals break down the waterproof membrane that protects your mattress. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford sells replacement mattress covers and protectors when yours wears out. Dorothy recommends checking your mattress cover for signs of membrane failure every six months by placing a damp cloth on top, as a compromised waterproof layer offers no protection against spills and allergens. Call (519) 770-0001.
Shop: Mattress Protectors at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
- Restonic ComfortCare Dalton & Albany pocket-coil mattress
- Whitney double-sided mattress
- Somnia 3.0 posture support pillow
Or shop the full mattress lineup 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
How often should you wash a mattress cover?
Wash your mattress cover every 1 to 2 months under normal use. If you have allergies, wash it monthly. If there is a spill, sweat stain, or accident, wash it immediately. Between washes, you can spot clean minor marks without removing the entire cover.
Can you put a waterproof mattress cover in the dryer?
Yes, but only on low heat. High heat damages the waterproof membrane (usually polyurethane or TPU), causing it to crack, peel, or lose its waterproofing ability. Air drying is the safest option for extending the life of the waterproof layer. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the cover promptly when dry.
Can you use bleach on a mattress cover?
Avoid bleach on mattress covers. Chlorine bleach degrades the waterproof backing, weakens elastic, and can damage the fabric fibres. For whitening or sanitizing, use white vinegar in the rinse cycle or an oxygen-based bleach alternative, which is gentler on materials while still effective at removing stains and odours.
Why does my mattress cover crinkle after washing?
Crinkling after washing usually means the waterproof membrane has been damaged by high heat. Once the polyurethane or TPU layer cracks, it produces a plastic crinkling sound. This cannot be reversed. To prevent it, always wash in cold or warm water and dry on low heat or air dry. If your cover crinkles loudly, the waterproof barrier may be compromised and the cover should be replaced.
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 mattress protector, or wondering if your mattress itself needs a deep clean? Come see us. We carry protectors in all sizes and can help you find one that fits your bed and your budget.
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.