How To Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover: Simple Steps and Common Questions

If you’re searching for “How To Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover”, you’re likely worried about cleaning it safely without damaging the material. This guide walks through what you can (and shouldn’t) do, and answers the most frequent questions people have about washing a branded memory foam mattress cover.

What exactly is a Tempur-style mattress cover?

Many memory foam mattresses come with a removable fabric cover designed to protect the foam and make the bed more comfortable. These covers:

  • Usually zip off
  • Often have multiple fabric layers
  • May have specific washing temperature limits
  • Can be more delicate than standard cotton bedding

Because of this, washing instructions can be stricter than for regular mattress protectors or sheets.

How To Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover: Where should you start?

Before you do anything, check the care tag sewn into the mattress cover. For this type of product, the care label is the most reliable guide, and instructions can differ slightly between models.

In general, many of these covers are:

  • Machine washable on a gentle cycle
  • Intended for cold or warm water, not hot
  • Best washed with a mild, liquid detergent
  • Not meant for bleach, harsh chemicals, or dry cleaning

If the label conflicts with any general advice you read online, follow the label.

Step-by-step: How do you wash a Tempur-style mattress cover safely?

Here is a simple, cautious approach most owners can follow:

  1. Remove the cover carefully
    Unzip and lift it off without pulling hard on seams or stretching the fabric.

  2. Shake off loose debris
    Do this outside or over the tub to remove dust or crumbs.

  3. Pre-treat small stains (if allowed)

    • Use a small amount of mild detergent mixed with cool water.
    • Gently dab (don’t scrub) the stained area with a clean cloth.
    • Avoid strong stain removers unless the care tag says they’re safe.

  4. Machine wash (if the tag says it’s washable)

    • Use a gentle or delicate cycle.
    • Choose cold or warm water, depending on the label.
    • Use a mild, liquid detergent in a small amount.
    • Wash the cover on its own, not with heavy items like towels or jeans.

  5. Dry with care
    Many covers recommend air drying only. If low-heat tumble drying is allowed, keep it gentle and remove promptly to prevent overheating or shrinking.

Can you put a Tempur-style mattress cover in the dryer?

This is one of the most common questions related to How To Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover.

  • If the label says “tumble dry low”, you can use a low-heat dryer setting.
  • If it says “line dry only” or “do not tumble dry”, stick to air drying flat or over a rack.

High heat can cause:

  • Shrinkage
  • Damage to elastic and zippers
  • Distortion of the cover’s fit

When in doubt, air drying is the safest option.

What if the cover says “do not wash”?

Some models or older designs may list:

  • “Spot clean only”
  • “Do not machine wash”
  • “Do not tumble dry”

In these cases:

  • Do not ignore the label.
  • Use spot cleaning with a mild detergent and water.
  • Blot up moisture rather than soaking the fabric.
  • Allow plenty of time for the cover to air dry completely before putting it back on the mattress.

If the cover cannot be machine washed, many people use an additional washable mattress protector on top to make regular cleaning easier.

How often should you wash this type of mattress cover?

The ideal frequency depends on use and personal preference, but common habits include:

  • Washing the cover occasionally (such as a few times a year)
  • Washing sooner after spills or accidents
  • Relying on sheets and an extra protector for weekly or monthly laundering

Washing too frequently or with harsh settings can wear out the fabric faster, so many people focus on regular sheet washing and only launder the outer mattress cover when truly needed.

What should you avoid when cleaning a Tempur-style mattress cover?

To keep the cover in good condition, it’s best to avoid:

  • Bleach or chlorine-based products
  • High heat in the washer or dryer
  • Rough scrubbing on stains
  • Dry cleaning, unless the label explicitly allows it
  • Heavy loads with zippers, hooks, or rough fabrics that can snag

These can lead to fading, thinning, or tearing and may affect how well the cover fits or performs.

What if liquid reaches the foam underneath?

If a spill soaks through:

  1. Remove the cover as soon as possible.
  2. Blot the foam gently with clean, dry towels; avoid pushing liquid deeper into the material.
  3. Let the foam air out in a well-ventilated space, away from direct heat or sunlight.
  4. Do not saturate the foam with water or cleaning fluid, as it can be slow to dry.

For persistent odors or serious spills, many people choose to focus on prevention going forward by using an additional waterproof protector.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Wash Tempur Pedic Mattress Cover:

  • Always read the care label first; directions can vary by model.
  • Most covers are best washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  • Cold or warm water is usually safer than hot for preserving fabric.
  • Air drying is the lowest-risk option; use a low-heat dryer only if allowed.
  • If the label says “spot clean only,” do not machine wash the cover.
  • Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and high heat to prevent damage.
  • Use extra protectors and regular sheet washing to reduce how often you need to clean the mattress cover itself.

Handled carefully, a Tempur-style mattress cover can stay clean and functional for years, helping protect the foam underneath and keeping your sleep surface feeling fresh.