The extra layer of comfort from a memory foam mattress topper feels amazing when you go to bed, but dust, sweat, and other bacteria can gather on it over time. Luckily, you can easily clean a mattress topper in less than an hour whether it’s made from memory foam, polyfoam, or wool. Keep reading for the best ways to clean and remove stains from your mattress topper so it's refreshed and ready for a great night of sleep!

This article is based on an interview with our house cleaning professional, James Sears. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • For a basic clean, run a vacuum over the mattress topper to clean up all the loose dust and debris.
  • To spot clean a mattress topper, soak up spills with a towel. Gently scrub the stain with a cloth dipped in a mixture of laundry soap and water.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the mattress topper to get rid of odors. Let it sit for 8 hours before vacuuming your mattress topper.
  • ​​Do a basic cleaning every 2–3 months, but clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains.
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Spot-clean messes with a laundry detergent solution.

  1. Mild detergent works best for general cleaning and newer stains. Mix equal parts of laundry detergent and warm water in a small bowl, and dip a washcloth in the solution. Gently rub the washcloth in circular motions over the stain. Let the detergent sit on the mattress topper for 30 minutes.[3] Then, wet a cloth with warm water and run it over the spot again to rinse off the cleaner.
    • If there’s a fresh spill on your mattress topper, soak it up right away with an absorbent towel or paper towels. Blot the towel up and down rather than rubbing it from side to side, or it may work the liquid deeper into the material.[4]
    • You can also use an oxidizing stain remover to dilute the stains.
    • If your mattress topper has a removable cover, you may be able to take the cover off to machine-wash it. Read the manufacturer’s tag to see if it’s safe to put in your washer.
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Spray a vinegar solution as a natural alternative.

  1. White vinegar works on stains and odors if you want to avoid chemicals. Combine equal amounts of vinegar and water in a bowl to use for your cleaning solution. Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar solution and apply it to the stains on your mattress topper using circular motions. Once you’re able to work the stain out, use a clean cloth dipped in water to rinse out the vinegar.[5]
    • Apply enough cleaning solution to get the stain damp, but not so much that it soaks through your mattress topper.
    • After you apply the vinegar solution, try gently scrubbing stubborn stains with a toothbrush.
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Leave your topper to air-dry completely.

Warnings

  • Avoid putting any foam mattress toppers in your washing machine since it could damage the material.[10]
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  • If your mattress topper has a set-in odor or looks worn down, it might be time to replace it.[11]
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About This Article

Chris Willatt
Written by:
House Cleaning Professional
This article was written by Chris Willatt and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Chris Willatt is the owner and founder of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency in Denver, Colorado started in 2015. Alpine Maids has received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row since 2016 and has been awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018. This article has been viewed 1,731 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: February 28, 2023
Views: 1,731
Categories: Cleaning
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