Washing your mattress cover regularly is essential for maintaining good sleep hygiene. Ideally, you should aim to wash your mattress cover every two to four months, depending on factors such as personal hygiene, allergies, and whether you eat or drink in bed. However, if spills or stains occur, it should be cleaned immediately to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria. Furthermore, individuals with allergies or pets may want to wash their covers more frequently.
Understanding Mattress Covers and Their Importance
Mattress covers serve as the first line of defense in the protection of your mattress. They not only keep it free from dirt and stains but can also extend the life of your mattress significantly by shielding it from wear and tear. These covers, often made from materials such as cotton, polyester, or a blend of both, come in a range of types from simple dust mite covers to full encasements that protect from bed bugs.
The Role Mattress Covers Play in Hygiene
Sleeping is a time when your body relaxes, but it’s also when you shed skin cells, sweat, and produce body oils—all of which can seep into your mattress. A mattress cover provides a barrier between you and the mattress, absorbing all these particles and fluids which, over time, can lead to the growth of bacteria and dust mites. Cleaning your mattress cover regularly ensures that you sleep in a fresh, hygienic environment.
Varieties of Mattress Covers
Different types of mattress covers not only offer varying levels of protection but also come with different washing instructions and frequencies. For instance, a basic, thin mattress protector may require more frequent washing than a thicker, quilted one. Likewise, waterproof or hypoallergenic covers, which provide an added layer of protection against spills and allergens, might have specific care instructions to maintain their protective properties.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Determining How Often You Should Wash Your Mattress Cover
While two to four months is a general guideline for many people, several factors might necessitate more frequent washes.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your day-to-day habits play a significant role in how often you should wash your mattress cover. If you have breakfast in bed every Sunday or enjoy a late-night snack while watching TV in bed, chances are you should consider washing the cover more often to tackle any crumbs or spills.
Pet Owners
Pet hair and dander can accumulate quickly on bedding, not to mention that pets themselves can be unpredictable – from the odd accident to muddy paws. For those sharing their bed with four-legged friends, it’s advisable to increase washing frequency to handle this additional dirt and potential allergens.
Allergy Considerations
Allergy sufferers, particularly those allergic to dust mites, will benefit from washing their mattress covers more often than the average person. By doing so, they can keep allergen levels down, potentially washing their covers as often as every two weeks to a month.
Sweating and Body Oils
If you tend to sweat a lot at night or use lotions and oils before bed, it’s a good idea to wash your mattress cover more frequently. These substances can make their way through sheets and onto the cover, sometimes even reaching the mattress.
How to Properly Wash Your Mattress Cover
Knowing the correct way to wash your mattress cover is just as important as the frequency. To ensure that you’re not only keeping it clean but also maintaining its integrity and protective features, follow the care label instructions closely.
Reading the Care Label
The manufacturer’s care label will provide you with the best practices for washing the specific material your mattress cover is made from. It will also tell you the recommended water temperature, as some covers may require cold water to prevent damage.
Using the Right Detergent
Opt for a mild detergent for most mattress covers to avoid breaking down any waterproof or protective coatings. Also, avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can likewise degrade these special materials.
Drying Considerations
Allow for proper drying of your mattress cover, as dampness can be a breeding ground for mildew. Some covers can be tumble dried on a low setting, while others may be air-dried. Be sure to check the care label for the correct drying method.
Handling Stains and Spills
For immediate stains, such as spills, it’s usually recommended to spot clean the area promptly. Remove the cover and apply a gentle cleaning solution directly to the stain, following any specific care instructions for stain removal provided by the manufacturer.
Tips for Mattress Cover Care
Regularly washing your mattress cover is just one aspect of care. Here are some additional tips to ensure your mattress cover does its job well for as long as possible.
In-Between Washes
To maintain a clean bed between washes, vacuuming your mattress cover can help remove dust and dander. Also, protect your mattress cover with regularly washed bedsheets.
Having a Backup Cover
Keep a second mattress cover on hand. This way, you can replace the dirty cover with a clean one immediately while the other is being washed and dried.
Rethinking Eating in Bed
Minimizing food and drink intake in bed can substantially reduce the likelihood of spills and crumbs, thereby reducing the need for frequent washes.
Utilize Mattress Pads
A mattress pad placed over the mattress cover can provide additional protection and is generally easier to clean, catching the majority of sweat and oils.
Finishing Thoughts
Your mattress is an investment, and a mattress cover is an investment in the longevity of that purchase. Keeping your mattress cover clean not only promotes better sleep health by creating a clean sleeping environment but also preserves the life of your mattress. By understanding the importance of this task, identifying the factors that affect washing frequency, and knowing the proper washing and care techniques, you’ll ensure that your mattress cover continues to serve you well. Remember, while it might be easy to forget about, the cleanliness of your mattress cover can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Regular care and maintenance is a small but vital step in achieving restful, healthy sleep.
