5 Ways to Clean a Foam Mattress Topper
If you enjoy sleeping on a foam mattress topper, know that it is best to completely clean it at least once a year. Failure to clean it properly leaves room for dust mites, bacteria, and allergens to build up. It is wise to set an entire day aside for washing as this can be a demanding task. You will also need to be sure that you have given the mattress topper enough time to dry before using it again. Therefore, you will want to avoid soaking it in water. The following five ways are a great start to cleaning a foam mattress topper.
1. Vacuuming
If you want to prolong the life of a foam mattress topper, vacuuming is the best way to regularly clean it. Take off the bed sheets and, while you’re at it, clean them too. After you have removed everything on the mattress topper, get out your vacuum and start cleaning. With the help of an upholstery attachment, vacuum the foam mattress topper as well as the sides of the bedding. Be sure to vacuum every nook and cranny to get your mattress topper as clean as it can be.
2. Cleaning Stains
You should not expose a foam mattress topper to excessive water or liquids. You need to be careful when cleaning any stains to ensure that they do not spread. Avoid saturating the foam mattress topper with water or any other cleaning detergent as it can take them a long time to completely dry.
- Use vinegar or other enzymatic commercial cleaners to remove the stain
- Spray plain water on the spot and use the cloth to clean the soap
- To rinse away the soap, use a clean towel or cloth with clear water
- Continue spraying the water and drying it with a piece of clothing until you notice that the rinse water is no longer soapy
Since you cannot use your wet mattress topper, set it aside and allow it to dry completely. If the weather is conducive, let the foam mattress topper dry under natural sunlight. However, if it is a rainy day, try setting up fans to help it dry more quickly.
3. Cleaning Up Spills
Before cleaning up any spills, allow them to completely dry. Clean them with the proper cleaning agent taking care not to spread the stain to any other part of the mattress topper. It is advised that you don’t clean the spill in a circular motion. Instead, use towels to dry the spill and repeat with a dabbing motion. Having cleared the stain, use a fan pointed towards the area where the spill occurred. Do not replace your bedding until the foam mattress topper is completely dry. Failure to do so can trap moisture in the mattress topper and create further problems.
4. Deodorizing Your Foam Mattress
Baking soda is the best cleaning agent for deodorizing your mattress topper. Spread a thin layer of baking soda on it and vacuum. You can have a citrus or lemon cleaner to help remove odor and freshen your bed. Alternatively, spray a thin layer of the baking soda and allow it to sit. Leave the mattress topper to aerate this way for about two hours. As the mattress topper dries, fresh air will help to eliminate the disease-causing bacteria and deodorize your foam mattress topper. Having vacuumed, cleaned, and deodorized the foam mattress topper, you can now put on your freshly laundered sheets.
5. Washing the Whole Foam Mattress Topper
Completely soaking and washing the entire mattress topper is sometimes necessary. Bedwetting is one of the reasons why you may need to clean the mattress topper completely. Before washing, it is best first to vacuum the mattress and clean up any spills or stains. When you remove spills and the stains before soaking the mattress topper in the water, you are assured an easier washing experience. Cold water should always be used to avoid damaging the foam topper. Once washed, roll the mattress topper gently and avoid squeezing it tightly as this could tear the foam. Use a towel or a cloth to press the water out. You can now use a fan to help it dry faster.
