How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover: Step‑by‑Step FAQ

If you’re searching for How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover, you’re likely worried about spills, stains, or general freshness. This guide walks through what you can safely do, what to avoid, and how to care for a memory-foam style mattress cover without damaging it.

Can you wash a Tempur-style mattress cover in the washing machine?

Whether you can machine-wash your cover depends entirely on the care label sewn into the fabric.

Most premium memory foam mattress covers fall into one of two categories:

  • Removable and machine‑washable covers
  • Non‑washable or spot‑clean‑only covers

Before you do anything, unzip the cover and check the sewn‑in tag. It usually tells you:

  • If machine washing is allowed
  • Recommended water temperature
  • Whether bleach or fabric softener is safe
  • If tumble drying is permitted or if it should be air‑dried

If the label says “do not wash” or “spot clean only,” do not put the cover in the washer, as this can damage the fabric, backing, or any special coatings.

How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover: Basic Steps

1. Remove and inspect the cover

  1. Carefully unzip and remove the outer cover.
  2. Look for visible stains, spills, or areas with heavy dirt.
  3. Check the care instructions to confirm washing or spot-cleaning details.

2. If your cover is machine‑washable

Follow these general guidelines when the label allows machine washing:

  • Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm (not hot) water.
  • Choose a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or harsh additives.
  • Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residue.
  • Zip the cover closed before washing to reduce stretching or snagging.

After washing:

  • Either tumble dry low if permitted, or
  • Air dry flat over a clean surface or drying rack.

Avoid high heat, as it can shrink the fabric or damage elastic and waterproof layers.

3. If your cover is spot‑clean‑only

Many memory foam mattresses come with covers that should not be fully submerged in water. In that case:

  1. Blot, don’t scrub: Use a clean, white cloth to blot up fresh spills.
  2. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water.
  3. Dip a cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and dab the stain gently.
  4. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to rinse the area carefully.
  5. Blot dry with a dry towel and allow the cover to air dry completely before putting it back on the mattress.

What if the memory foam itself gets wet?

The foam core underneath the cover is usually not designed to be washed or saturated.

  • Do not put the foam in a washer or dryer.
  • Do not soak it with water or cleaning solutions.

If liquid reaches the foam:

  • Remove the cover as soon as possible.
  • Blot the foam surface gently with dry towels to remove as much moisture as you can.
  • Allow the foam to air dry in a well‑ventilated room, away from direct heat or sunlight.

The main goal is to keep moisture from being trapped, which can affect the material over time.

How do you handle common stains and spills?

Here’s a simple approach for typical household messes on the cover:

  • Fresh spills:

    • Blot immediately with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.
    • Spot clean with a small amount of mild detergent solution.

  • Sweat or body oils:

    • Use a gentle detergent solution on the cover.
    • Allow extra time for air drying so odors can dissipate.

  • Food and drink stains:

    • Treat as soon as possible.
    • Avoid hot water, which can set some stains into the fabric.

For strong odors, focus on thorough drying and good air circulation rather than heavy fragrances or strong chemicals.

How often should you clean a Tempur-style mattress cover?

How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover doesn’t just mean dealing with emergencies; routine care matters too.

  • Light cleaning (vacuuming the surface with a soft brush attachment) can be done every 1–2 months to remove dust and crumbs.
  • Washing or deeper spot cleaning is often done a few times a year, or more frequently if you sweat heavily or have frequent spills.

Avoid over‑washing, as repeated aggressive cleaning can wear down zippers, seams, and surface treatments.

What should you avoid when cleaning?

To protect both the cover and the foam:

  • Do not use bleach or harsh chemical cleaners unless clearly allowed on the label.
  • Do not steam clean the foam core.
  • Do not wring or twist the cover aggressively.
  • Do not use high heat in the dryer if the tag warns against it.
  • Do not put the mattress back together until every component is fully dry.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover

  • Always read the care label first: It decides whether you can machine‑wash or must spot clean.
  • Machine‑washable covers: Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and low‑heat or air drying.
  • Spot‑clean‑only covers: Blot spills, use a lightly damp cloth with mild detergent, and let the fabric air dry fully.
  • Foam core stays dry: Never machine‑wash, soak, or steam the foam; only blot and air dry if it gets damp.
  • Limit harsh products: Avoid bleach, abrasive cleaners, or high heat that can damage fabrics and coatings.
  • Regular light care helps: Occasional vacuuming and periodic washing or spot cleaning help maintain freshness.

With these steps, you can handle How To Clean a Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover confidently and keep your sleep surface feeling cleaner and more comfortable over time.