Are you wondering how to clean memory foam?
Keeping your bedding and entire mattress clean is more important than you might think. Removing stains, pee, or even dust mites from the mattress and keep it fresh is crucial to your health. Moreover, depending on the kind of dirt your bed is exposed to, regular cleaning likewise helps to prevent respiratory problems caused by allergens.
If several rounds in the washing machine and other efforts to clean your mattress toppers have failed, then this is the guide for you. We’re going to introduce you to everything you need to know about removing stains or simply cleaning a memory foam mattress topper and mattress.
Can You Wash a Memory Foam?
So, can you wash a memory foam mattress topper without damaging the material?
The first thing you need to know is that, although this type is tougher to wash than a spring mattress, it is possible for you to keep your bed as hygienic as possible.
The key to success is to understand how fragile the structure of memory foam can be and to learn what sort of cleaning solution can cause damage. For instance, even if you’re washing a thin foam mattress topper, you can’t simply throw it in the washing machine, as this would potentially tear the material.
The good news is that there are numerous ways to safely clean your memory foam mattress or topper. Safer solutions like starting with getting rid of crumbs with a vacuum cleaner, to performing a deep clean, are available. It all depends on the kind of stains you’ll be dealing with and how difficult they are to get rid of.
How to Regularly Clean a Memory Foam
Learning how to clean a memory foam mattress topper won’t always mean dragging out your spray bottle and the hydrogen peroxide. There are simple steps that you can take every day to make sure that your mattress stays clean and tidy. Remember, regular cleaning can:
• Prolong the life of your mattress or topper
• Improve your sleep by eliminating annoying allergens
• Improve the quality of the air that you breathe each night
• Reduce your risk of mold and mildew
• Improve your overall health
Usually, the first step in cleaning memory foam mattress products is to get your vacuum cleaner out regularly for quick dust and grime removal. Using your vacuum cleaner on the surface of your mattress from time to time will help to prevent microorganisms from forming both on the surface and within the bed’s internal structure. You can use the vacuum’s soft brush attachment for this purpose.
You can also consider using water-based vacuum cleaners for deeper stains if you want to avoid soaking your mattress. Spraying the top of your foam with a gentle fabric cleaner and vacuuming it away could be an effective solution to keep minor stains at bay.
How to Remove Tough Stains from This Kind of Foam
Removing stains from your mattress can be challenging since it will often require you to use water, laundry detergent, and other materials. For instance, one considerable option is to use regular clothes or washing detergent for scrubbing off certain spillages from your mattress. If you’re wondering how to remove urine from your mattress, then this can be an ideal solution.
Most washing detergents are excellent for removing tough splotches like pee and blood. Just make sure that you don’t use too much soap at once. Mix it well with water and blot the stain carefully. Don’t put too much water in one area when spot cleaning. Instead, apply the solution repeatedly in a small circular motion to penetrate the surface of the stain. Remember to get the detergent completely out of the memory foam before you leave it to dry in direct sunlight.
If you prefer to stick to natural cleansers, then you could also consider producing a spray bottle solution made with baking soda. Baking soda is an essential ingredient in getting rid of almost any kind of pesky smudges. It works amazingly well, particularly when mixed with water or white vinegar solution.
How to Wash Foam Mattress Pad with Safe Natural Products
If you want to know how to get urine out of these foam beddings without resorting to chemicals, then the best way is to use a mixture of baking soda and water. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water – preferably cold, then stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
Like when you were using detergent, start working on the stains with gentle circular motions. You can use a non-abrasive sponge or a cloth to get deep into the foam. Just make sure to leave your baking soda solution to soak into the stain for a while. Let it sit on the area for about half an hour, then use a slightly damp cloth to clean the foam and remove the substance.
You can also apply a dry cloth to absorb some of the remaining water on your mattress topper or memory foam mattress. This will keep the water from increasing your chances of growing mildew or mold when left to sit over time. Wipe the wet portion and place the mattress topper or mattress in a warm or sunny area for a thorough drying process.
Dealing with More Stubborn Stains
If your memory foam bed topper or mattress has been exposed to tougher-to-remove smudges, then you might need a slightly different approach. Your cleaning strategy will all depend on the kind of stain that you’re faced with. For example, if you’re handling food spills or blood splotches, an enzyme-based solution might help. Try to avoid peroxides and other harsh chemicals that will cause damage to your mattress topper’s foam.
Instead, look for a gentle enzyme solution that can dissolve and remove organic stains more quickly. When you’re using an enzyme product to clean a memory foam mattress or topper, don’t let it sit longer than necessary. A quick scrub followed by water to remove the cleanser, and suction from a wet/dry handheld vacuum cleaner would be enough.
Make sure that you give your memory foam beddings time to get completely dry before replacing any sheets and sleeping on them again. Covering your moist bed will keep it from drying fully, and will increase your chances of getting mold and odors.
Removing Unwanted Odors from a Memory Foam Mattress
Sometimes, when you’re wondering how to clean a memory foam mattress, it’s not just because of a stained area. You might just want to make sure that your mattress topper or bed smells fresh and new again. Strong odors and pet smells can linger in memory foam over time. No worries though, cleaning your mattress regularly can help with that.
Vacuuming your mattress as part of a consistent cleaning process is a practical step. Make sure that you use the brush attachment to get into any hard-to-reach area. You can also utilize deodorizing products to reduce odors in a foam topper but remember that this won’t get to the core of the problem.
Another important step in protecting a memory foam mattress topper or bed from any disturbing smell is giving it a quick but thorough drying process. You need to draw out any extra moisture and let it dry completely. Using towels is a good idea, to begin with. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove excess water. Even a hairdryer with a low heat can do the trick. Just make sure you don’t linger for too long on any particular area. Excessive heat can damage your mattress topper.
It’s also helpful to clean your mattress foam first thing in the morning. Your bed will surely have plenty of time to dry out before it’s dark, even if all you did was to spot clean a certain portion.
The Stress-Free Solution and Preventive Measures
We hope this article has provided you with all the help that you need in cleaning your mattress.
Since taking care of this type of material can be such a taxing experience, it might be a good idea to avoid the problem entirely. A high-quality cover for your memory foam topper or a mattress protector will shield your bedding against spills and dirt over time. Even something as simple as a waterproof fitted sheet can make a huge difference.
These days, covers and protectors don’t have to feel like plastic to be effective. You might not even notice any of these sheets when placed on top of your memory foam mattress topper.
With a regular routine to keep your bedding clean and a cover for your memory foam topper, you can ensure that your bed will stay in great condition for years to come. Don’t forget, there are also extra tips online for special kinds of memory foam products, too. There are even websites out there that can send tips on how to clean your bedding, straight to your email address.
How do you keep your memory foam mattresses and toppers clean? Join the conversation in the comments below to share your helpful insights on how to clean memory foam beddings.
Additional Resources
- How to Keep Mattress from Sliding
- How to Dispose of a Mattress
- Where to Donate a Mattress
- Best Floor Mattress