Can You Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover? Care, Cleaning, and What to Avoid

If you’re wondering “Can You Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover”, you’re likely trying to keep your mattress fresh without damaging it. The answer depends on the specific cover type and the care instructions that came with your mattress, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most foam mattress covers.

This FAQ walks through how to tell whether your cover is washable, how to clean it safely, and what to avoid to protect the foam underneath.

Is the Tempur-Style Mattress Cover Machine Washable?

In many cases, the outer fabric cover is removable and can be washed, but the foam core should never be washed or soaked.

However, not all covers are the same. Some are fully machine-washable, some are spot-clean only, and some have separate top panels that can be removed and washed while the lower portion stays on the mattress.

Always check the sewn-in care label first. It usually tells you:

  • Whether the cover is removable
  • If machine wash is allowed
  • The recommended water temperature and cycle
  • Whether drying in a machine is safe

If the label says “do not wash” or “spot clean only”, follow that guidance. Washing a non-washable cover can cause shrinking, fabric damage, or make it difficult to put back on.

How Should You Wash a Removable Mattress Cover?

If your care label indicates the cover is washable, here is a general approach:

1. Remove the Cover Carefully

Unzip the cover fully and slide it off without yanking or twisting. Foam can tear if pulled too hard, so support the edges as you go.

2. Use a Gentle Cycle

Most removable covers do best with:

  • Cold or warm water (not hot)
  • Mild, liquid detergent
  • Gentle or delicate cycle

Avoid bleach, harsh stain removers, or fabric softeners unless specifically allowed on the label. These can break down fibers or leave residues.

3. Drying the Cover

Drying is where many covers get damaged or shrunk. If the label allows machine drying, use low heat and remove promptly. If the label is unclear or you want to be cautious, air drying is usually the safest option.

Lay the cover flat or hang it to dry completely before putting it back on the mattress. Putting a slightly damp cover over foam can trap moisture.

What If the Label Says “Spot Clean Only”?

If you searched “Can You Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover” and discovered your cover is spot-clean only, you still have options for keeping it clean.

For spot cleaning:

  • Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water.
  • Use a clean cloth or sponge to dab the stained area gently.
  • Avoid soaking the fabric; work with light moisture.
  • Blot with a dry cloth to remove excess liquid.
  • Allow the area to air dry completely before putting bedding back on.

For odor or surface freshness, lightly vacuuming the top of the cover with an upholstery attachment can help remove dust and debris.

Can You Wash the Foam Mattress Itself?

The foam core should never be put in a washing machine, soaked with water, or steam cleaned. Foam absorbs liquid easily and can be slow to dry. Trapped moisture may lead to unpleasant odors or long-term damage.

For the foam itself:

  • Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment for regular surface cleaning.
  • For small spots, lightly dab with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot dry.
  • Allow plenty of time for air drying before replacing the cover and bedding.

Should You Use a Separate Mattress Protector?

Many sleepers use a separate, washable mattress protector on top of the original cover. This can:

  • Help shield the mattress cover from spills and sweat
  • Make cleaning easier, since protectors are often designed for regular machine washing
  • Reduce how often you need to wash or spot clean the original cover

Even if the brand’s cover is washable, a protector can add a simple extra barrier and may extend the life of the fabric.

How Often Should You Clean the Mattress Cover?

How often you wash or clean the cover depends on use, environment, and personal preference. In general:

  • Wash a removable, machine-washable cover only as often as needed to avoid unnecessary wear.
  • Spot clean spills promptly to prevent stains from setting.
  • Consider regularly washing your sheets and any mattress protector more frequently than the cover itself.

Listening to the fabric is important—if the cover starts looking worn or the zipper feels strained, it may be better to wash less frequently and rely more on protectors and bedding.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Can You Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover”

  • Always read the care label first to know if your specific cover is machine washable, spot-clean only, or non-removable.
  • Most foam cores cannot be washed and should never be soaked, machine washed, or steam cleaned.
  • If washable, use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low heat or air dry to avoid shrinking or damaging the cover.
  • If spot-clean only, treat stains with a mild detergent solution and minimal moisture, then air dry thoroughly.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat, which can damage fabric and zippers.
  • A separate mattress protector can make ongoing cleaning easier and reduce how often you need to wash the original cover.

By following the care label and using gentle cleaning methods, you can keep your mattress cover fresh and help maintain the comfort and support of the foam underneath.