Keeping your mattress clean is essential for a healthy sleep environment. If you own a Tempur-Pedic mattress, you might be wondering how to wash Tempur Pedic mattress cover properly to maintain its feel and protection. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you clean your cover safely without damaging the special materials.
Your TEMPUR material mattress is a significant investment, and its cover plays a crucial role. It protects the comfort layers from spills, dust, and everyday wear. Washing it incorrectly can void your warranty or affect how the mattress feels. Don’t worry, though. The process is straightforward once you know the manufacturer’s guidelines and a few expert tips.
How to Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover
First, it’s vital to understand what you’re dealing with. Most Tempur-Pedic mattresses have a removable, zippered cover. However, some older models or specific types might have a non-removable cover. Always check your specific model’s care label first—this is the most important step. The information there overrides any general advice.
If your cover is removable, you’re in luck. Cleaning will be much easier. If it’s not, spot cleaning is your only safe option. We’ll cover both methods in detail. Let’s start with what you’ll need to gather before you begin.
What You’ll Need:
* A mild, liquid detergent (avoid powders, bleach, or fabric softeners)
* Cold or warm water (never hot)
* A large, front-loading or commercial washing machine (top-loaders with agitators can be too harsh)
* A large dryer or a clean, flat area for air-drying
* Clean white cloths or sponges for spot cleaning
* A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
Check Your Model and Care Label
Before you touch the cover, identify your mattress model. You can find this on the law tag attached to the mattress. This tag has the official care instructions from Tempur-Pedic. It’s your ultimate authority. If the tag says “Do Not Remove Cover,” then you must not unzip it. Only clean it in place.
If the tag indicates the cover is removable, note any specific detergent recommendations or water temperature limits. Following these instructions exactly is the best way to keep your warranty valid. If you’ve lost the tag, you can often find your model’s care guide on the Tempur-Pedic website.
Step-by-Step: Washing a Removable Cover
Once you’ve confirmed your cover is removable, follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Strip the Bed and Remove the Cover
Take off all your bedding—sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors. Unzip the mattress cover slowly and carefully. The zipper is usually durable, but forcing it can cause damage. Gently pull the cover off the mattress.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Any Stains
Inspect the cover for any visible stains like food, sweat, or bodily fluids. Apply a small amount of your mild liquid detergent directly to the stain. Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft, white cloth. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. This gives the detergent time to break down the stain.
Step 3: Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle
Place the cover in your washing machine by itself. Do not wash it with other items like towels or sheets, as zippers and heavy fabrics can cause friction and wear. Use only a small amount of mild detergent. Set the machine to a cold or warm water gentle cycle. Avoid hot water, as it can shrink or damage the fabric’s fibers.
Step 4: Drying the Cover Thoroughly
This is the most critical part. Do not put the cover in the dryer unless your care label explicitly states it is safe. The high heat can melt the fibers or cause severe shrinking.
1. Air-Drying is Best: Lay the cover flat on a clean, dry surface, like a couple of clean towels on a floor. Reshape it to its original dimensions. Allow it to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours. You can speed this up by placing it near a fan or in a well-ventilated room.
2. If Using a Dryer: If the label permits tumble drying, use the absolute lowest heat setting (often “air fluff” or “no heat”). Remove the cover while it is still slightly damp to prevent over-drying. Then, lay it flat to finish drying.
Step 5: Putting the Cover Back On
Once the cover is completely dry, it’s time to put it back on the mattress. Lay the cover flat over the mattress, aligning the corners. Start zipping it from the head of the bed, working slowly. Ensure the mattress material is fully inside the cover and not caught in the zipper. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go.
How to Clean a Non-Removable Cover
For mattresses with a built-in cover, you cannot machine wash it. Instead, you need to clean it in place using a spot cleaning method.
Step 1: Vacuum the Surface
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove all loose dust, dirt, and allergens from the cover’s surface. This is a great regular maintenance step you should do monthly.
Step 2: Spot Clean Stains
Mix a solution of cold water and a tiny drop of mild detergent. Dampen a clean, white cloth in the solution—never soak it. Wring it out so it’s only slightly damp. Blot the stained area gently. Never rub, as this can push the stain deeper into the material.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Area
Use another clean cloth dampened with only cold water to blot the same area. This rinses out any soap residue. Finally, use a dry towel to blot up as much moisture as possible. Let the area air-dry completely before putting sheets back on. You can use a fan to help it dry faster.
Important Tips for Maintenance
Cleaning is easier if you avoid big messes. Here’s how to protect your mattress cover day-to-day.
* Use a Mattress Protector: This is the #1 tip. A quality, waterproof mattress protector acts as a shield. It goes over your Tempur-Pedic cover and under your sheets. It catches spills, sweat, and dust mites, and most are machine-washable. This keeps your actual mattress cover much cleaner.
* Rotate Your Mattress: While this doesn’t clean the cover, it ensures even wear. Follow Tempur-Pedic’s guidelines for rotating your specific model (usually every 3-6 months).
* Air it Out: When changing sheets, let the mattress and cover breathe for an hour or so. This helps reduce moisture and keeps it feeling fresh.
* Act Quickly on Spills: If a liquid spills on the bed, blot it immediately with a dry towel. The faster you act, the less likely it is to become a permanent stain or seep into the core material.
What to Avoid Completely
Knowing what not to do is just as important as the correct steps.
* Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide, stain removers, or solvents. They can break down the TEMPUR material and fabric.
* Do Not Steam Clean or Saturate: Never soak the cover, whether it’s on or off the mattress. Excessive moisture can get into the memory foam and cause mold and mildew.
* Avoid Vigorous Scrubbing: Scrubbing can distort the fabric’s weave and damage the fibers.
* Don’t Dry Clean: The chemicals used in dry cleaning are too agressive for the mattress materials.
* Don’t Ignore the Care Label: This cannot be stressed enough. The label is your guide.
Addressing Common Stain Types
Different stains sometimes need slight variations in approach. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
* Urine or Bodily Fluids: Blot up as much as possible. Use a mild detergent solution (as described above) to clean. A mixture of cold water and white vinegar (50/50) can help neutralize odors—blot lightly, then rinse with a water-dampened cloth.
* Blood Stains: Use cold water only. Hot water will set a blood stain. Blot with a cloth dampened in cold water. If needed, use a tiny bit of mild detergent with cold water.
* Food or Drink Stains: Scrape off any solid residue gently. Blot the stain with a mild detergent solution, then rinse and dry.
* Sweat Stains: Over time, sweat can cause yellowish stains. Regular spot cleaning helps. For set-in stains, a paste of baking soda and water can help. Apply, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up thoroughly. This can help with odors too.
When to Consider Professional Help
Sometimes, a situation calls for an expert. Consider professional upholstery or mattress cleaning if:
* There is a very large stain or spill that you can’t manage.
* There’s a persistent odor that home methods won’t remove.
* You’re uncomfortable cleaning it yourself.
* The mattress has mold growth (this requires immediate professional attention).
If you hire a professional, make sure they have experience with memory foam mattresses and that they use low-moisture cleaning methods. Tell them about the manufacturer’s care instructions.
FAQ Section
How often should I wash my Tempur-Pedic mattress cover?
For removable covers, a deep clean every 3-6 months is a good rule. For non-removable covers, vacuum monthly and spot clean stains as soon as they happen. Always use a mattress protector to minimize the need for frequent washing.
Can I put my Tempur-Pedic mattress cover in the dryer?
Only if the care label specifically says you can. If it does, use no heat or the lowest possible heat setting and remove it while still slightly damp. Most of the time, air-drying flat is the recommended and safest method to prevent shrinkage or damage.
What is the best detergent for washing a mattress cover?
Use a small amount of a mild, liquid laundry detergent. Avoid powders (they may not dissolve fully), bleach, fabric softeners, or any detergent with strong additives or optical brighteners. These can degrade the fabric and leave a residue.
Why did my mattress cover shrink after washing?
Shrinkage is almost always caused by exposure to heat. This happens if you used hot water in the wash or put the cover in a dryer on a heat setting. Always use cold/warm water and air-dry to avoid this problem.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on my mattress?
No, you should not. Carpet cleaners use too much moisture and suction, which can saturate the memory foam. This leads to long drying times and a serious risk of mold growth inside your mattress.
Keeping your Tempur-Pedic mattress cover clean is a key part of extending the life of your mattress. By following these careful steps—checking the label, using gentle methods, and avoiding heat—you can maintain a clean, hygienic, and comfortable sleep surface for years to come. Remember, a little preventative care, like using a protector, makes the whole job much easier. Your mattress is designed to last, and proper cover maintenance supports that durability.