Sources
- Jacobson, B. H. et al. (2008). "Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal bedding systems." Applied Ergonomics, 39(2), 247-254. PubMed 17662962.
- Radwan, A. et al. (2015). "Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment." Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. PubMed 29073401.
- Kovacs, F. M. et al. (2003). "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet, 362(9396), 1599-1604. PubMed 14630439.
- CertiPUR-US. (2024). Foam Certification Standards. certipur.us
Quick Answer: Most foam mattress toppers cannot go in a washing machine. The agitation shreds memory foam and latex. What you CAN wash is the removable cover. The foam itself needs spot cleaning and air drying. Down and wool toppers are the exception and can be machine washed on gentle cycle.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 6 minutes
The most common mistake people make with mattress toppers is treating them like sheets. Foam toppers and washing machines are a destructive combination. Memory foam and latex are open-cell structures that rely on intact foam cells for their cushioning and support. Machine washing breaks those cells apart, leaving you with a lumpy, degraded topper that does the opposite of what it is supposed to do.
But that does not mean you are stuck sleeping on a dirty topper. Here is how to actually clean one without wrecking it.
Washing Rules by Topper Material
| Topper Type | Machine Wash? | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | No | Spot clean only, air dry flat |
| Latex (natural or synthetic) | No | Spot clean only, air dry in shade |
| Down / Feather | Yes | Gentle cycle, cold water, tumble dry low |
| Down Alternative / Fiberfill | Yes | Gentle cycle, warm water, tumble dry low |
| Wool | Hand wash only | Wool-safe detergent, lay flat to dry |
| Egg Crate Foam | No | Spot clean, or hand rinse and press dry |
Why Foam Cannot Go in the Machine: Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane material with millions of interconnected open cells. When agitated in water, the cells experience shear forces they are not designed to withstand. The result is tearing, compression set, and permanent loss of resilience. Even a single gentle cycle can reduce a good foam topper to a crumbled mess.
8 min read
How to Spot Clean Foam Toppers
Spot cleaning is the only safe method for memory foam and latex. Here is how to do it effectively:
- Strip everything off the bed and remove the topper from the mattress. Lay it flat on a clean floor or table.
- Identify the soiled area. Do not spread it by over-scrubbing.
- Mix your solution: One tablespoon of mild dish soap or laundry detergent in one cup of cold water. Do not use hot water, which sets stains.
- Apply with a clean white cloth. Dab, do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the foam.
- Rinse by dabbing with a cloth dampened in plain cold water. Repeat until no soap residue remains.
- Press dry with a clean towel, then let the topper air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This takes 6 to 12 hours depending on humidity.
- Do not put sheets back on until the foam is bone dry. Moisture trapped under sheets creates mould.
Brantford Tip: On a warm Ontario day, set your topper outside in a shaded, dry spot to air out after spot cleaning. Direct sunlight can yellow and degrade foam over time, so keep it out of UV exposure. An hour of fresh air eliminates most odours that spot cleaning alone cannot fully address.
Removing Odours and Stains
General Odour Removal
Baking soda is the most effective tool for foam topper odours. Sprinkle a generous layer over the entire topper surface, let it sit for at least 4 hours (overnight is better), then vacuum it off with an upholstery attachment. The baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odour compounds without damaging foam.
Urine
- Blot immediately with dry towels. Do not rub.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area lightly.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the damp area and let it dry completely (several hours).
- Vacuum off the baking soda.
- If odour persists, repeat or use an enzyme-based pet urine cleaner, which breaks down uric acid crystals.
Sweat Stains
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts cold water and a small amount of dish soap. Dab onto yellowed areas, let sit for 10 minutes, then blot dry. Test on a small hidden area first, as peroxide can lighten some foam types slightly.
Washing the Topper Cover
Most quality toppers come with a removable fabric cover. This is the piece you can and should wash regularly. Remove it from the foam carefully, zip it up or button it closed, and wash it as follows:
- Cotton or polyester covers: Gentle cycle, cold to warm water (30 to 40 degrees Celsius), tumble dry low.
- Bamboo or Tencel covers: Cold water only, gentle cycle, air dry flat to prevent shrinkage.
- Covers with waterproof backing: Cold water, no bleach, low heat or air dry to protect the membrane.
Mattress Miracle Insight: If your topper did not come with a removable cover, consider buying a topper cover or protector to go over it. This gives you a washable barrier between your body and the foam, dramatically reducing how often you need to spot clean the topper itself. We carry options at the store for all topper sizes.
Shop: Mattress Toppers at Mattress Miracle
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 foam mattress topper in the washing machine?
No. Memory foam and latex toppers cannot go in a washing machine. The agitation tears the foam structure apart. You can spot clean with mild detergent and cold water, then air dry completely.
How do you wash a mattress topper at home?
Remove the cover and wash it in the machine on a gentle cycle. Spot clean the foam layer with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Air dry the foam flat in a ventilated space for at least 8 hours before replacing sheets.
Can you wash a down mattress topper?
Yes. Down and down-alternative toppers are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent and tumble dry on low with two dryer balls to prevent clumping.
How do you get urine out of a foam mattress topper?
Blot immediately with a dry cloth, then apply a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, blot again, and sprinkle baking soda over the area. Leave for several hours, then vacuum. Air dry completely before use.
Sources
- Sleep Foundation, "How to Clean a Mattress Topper," 2025
- Canadian Lung Association, "Indoor Air Quality and Allergens," 2024
- Good Housekeeping Institute, "How to Clean Every Type of Mattress Topper," 2025
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
If your topper has reached the end of its life and spot cleaning is no longer cutting it, Mattress Miracle carries quality toppers in all sizes. Come in and try them in person before you decide.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON , (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
We are happy to help you find the right topper for your mattress and sleep position.
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