How to clean a mattress topper in five simple steps

A good mattress topper can make your mattress that little bit more like a cloud, helping you get a more comfortable night's sleep, while protecting the more expensive mattress underneath.

However, while toppers do a lot to keep a mattress clean and in top condition, they can get very dirty themselves, even with your bed sheets to protect them.

But how do you clean a mattress topper? While it is generally easier than cleaning a mattress, it still requires gentle care to avoid lasting damage that could impact your comfort.

How to clean a mattress topper 

How you clean your best mattress topper will depend on the type you have.

Feather bed toppers, for example, can be easily put in the washing machine and dried with the rest of your pillows and duvets, though it's always good to check the laundry symbols first. Cleaning a memory foam mattress topper, on the other hand, is a little more complicated, as you can't get them wet or subject them to heat.

This is why you should always check the care label on your topper before cleaning and, if in doubt, follow this careful hand-washing guide to keep your topper in shape.

1. Remove the topper from your mattress

To make climbing a mattress topper easier, it is best to remove it from your bed and lay it on a flat, hard surface. A clean floor, or a clean sheet on the floor, is your best bet.

Now is a good time to wash bed sheets and mattress protectors, if you have one. If not, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Waterproof mattress topper, rated H&G's best budget protector, to help make a mattress last longer and make maintaining good sleep hygiene simpler.

If it has been a while, consider washing your pillows, too.

2. Vacuum the surface and sides

Grab your handheld vacuum or the upholstery attachment for your vacuum, and give both sides of your mattress topper – and its sides – a vacuum.

Matt Connolly CEO and founder of cleaning service, ihateironing, recommends 'vacuuming the entire surface to get rid of dust, hair, debris or other particles that can get caught under linen and build up over time.'

While you don't have to give your topper a full refurb that regularly, Connolly states 'giving your mattress (and topper) a vacuum every few weeks is essential.' This is good hygiene practice that will get rid of dust mites, and prevent any potential skin or respiratory allergies from getting worse.

3. Spot clean any stains

No matter what material your mattress topper is made out of, you should spot-treat any stains.

The type of stain will determine how you remove the stain from your mattress topper. You may need particular treatments to target certain stubborn stains, but for general marks of wear and tear, you can use an at-home remedy of Dawn dish soap, from Walmart, or gentle laundry detergent, such as Tide Free & Gentle, also from Walmart.

Connolly says, 'Mix your cleanser of choice with lukewarm water in a cleaning tub or bowl. Then, submerge a microfiber washcloth or a sponge in the solution and make sure to squeeze out most of the liquid before applying it to your topper. Then, gently dab the mixture onto the affected area until it fades. Repeat the process until you’re happy with the overall result'.

For organic stains, such as sweat, it can help to use an enzyme cleaner, such as the Rocco Roxie Stain Odor Eliminator Spray from Walmart. Saturate the stain with the spray and allow it to sit for the recommended time before cleaning away with a damp cloth and allowing it to dry.

Remember, the instructions for cleaning a memory foam mattress topper are different. We've covered it in our dedicated guide.

4. Sprinkle baking soda

One of the best ways to make a mattress smell nice is to clean it with baking soda.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Sprinkling it over the surface of your mattress topper will eliminate odors and have it smell as fresh as it looks, explains Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and franchise owner at MaidPro Temecula and Murrieta.

She says, 'Sprinkling baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oil [such as this sleep oil set from Amazon] over the mattress using a powdered sugar shaker, at Walmart. Let it sit for one to two hours, then vacuum up.'

We recommend brushing away most of the baking soda using a clean dustpan and brush, also from Walmart, before vacuuming up the remnants. Too much fine dust can damage your vacuum or its filters, so removing the bulk of it by hand will help to prolong your vacuum's life.

If you have particularly sensitive skin, using baking soda to clean your mattress may cause some irritation if there is any residue left over. If you want to avoid using baking soda (or haven't got any) you can also clean with white vinegar.

Add the white vinegar to a spray bottle, from Amazon, give your topper a light covering, and let it dry. It should remove lingering odors. Consider adding some drops of essential oil to leave behind a natural fragrance. Vinegar does dry odorless though so don't worry about using it alone.

5. Leave it to air dry completely

Before putting your mattress topper back in place, ensure it is fully dry. Putting it back damp will increase the risk of mold growth.

Sarah Fishburne, director at The Home Depot says, 'Airing out your mattress is beneficial both for the topper and for your sleep, helping to get rid of any bad smells. If you have outdoor space, leaving it outside on a warm dry day is ideal. Not only does it allow any remaining moisture to dry but it exposes your mattress to the sun and fresh air.'

If you cannot lay your topper outside, try to lay it in the path of sunlight, or in a well-ventilated room to speed up the process. Remember to flip it over to ensure it is dry on both sides before making your bed.

Remember: a topper is an additional layer for comfort and protection so having the best mattress that suits your sleep needs is key.

There are only so many times you can clean your mattress before it's past its sleep-by date. A good mattress topper should last three to five years on average, though your sleep style, whether you have pets or kids, in the bed, among other factors, will alter its lifespan.

Next, learn about the best cooling mattress toppers, which is especially helpful if you are a hot sleeper.