How To Clean a Tempurpedic Mattress Cover: Step-by-Step FAQ

If you’re searching for How To Clean a Tempurpedic Mattress Cover, you’re likely worried about spills, stains, or general freshness. This guide walks you through what you can safely do, what to avoid, and how to keep your mattress cover clean without damaging the foam inside.

What exactly is a Tempur-style mattress cover?

Many memory foam mattresses come with a removable fabric cover that protects the foam and helps with comfort and breathability. It may have:

  • A zipper around the side
  • A soft knit or stretch fabric top
  • A more durable, grippy bottom fabric

These covers are designed to protect the foam, but they are not always machine-washable, and the foam itself should never be saturated with water.

Can I machine wash my Tempurpedic-style mattress cover?

It depends on the specific model. Some covers are removable and washable, while others are only meant to be spot cleaned.

Always check the care tag on the cover first. It usually tells you if it can be:

  • Machine washed
  • Hand washed
  • Spot cleaned only
  • Air dried or tumble dried on low

If the label is missing or unclear, it’s safest to treat the cover as spot clean only to avoid shrinking, warping, or damaging zippers and seams.

How To Clean a Tempurpedic Mattress Cover: Basic Steps

1. Remove bedding and inspect the cover

Strip off sheets, protectors, and blankets. Look for:

  • Fresh spills or wet spots
  • Set-in stains
  • General surface dirt or dust

This helps you decide between a full wash (if allowed) or targeted spot cleaning.

2. If machine washing is allowed

Follow the care label exactly. A gentle, typical routine looks like this:

  1. Unzip and remove the cover carefully, without pulling or stretching the foam.
  2. Close all zippers before washing to prevent snagging.
  3. Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water, never hot.
  4. Add a mild, liquid detergent; avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
  5. Wash the cover by itself or with similarly light fabrics to reduce wear.

3. Drying the cover safely

Drying is where many covers get ruined. Common safe practices include:

  • Air dry flat or over a drying rack, away from direct high heat.
  • If the tag allows, use a low-heat or air-only tumble setting.
  • Make sure the cover is completely dry before putting it back on the mattress to avoid moisture getting trapped in the foam.

What if my Tempur-style mattress cover is “spot clean only”?

For many memory foam mattress covers, spot cleaning is the only recommended approach.

How to spot clean safely

  1. Blot, don’t rub
    If there’s a fresh spill, gently blot with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.

  2. Mix a mild cleaning solution
    Use a small amount of gentle liquid detergent mixed with cool water. You want just a lightly soapy solution.

  3. Dab the stain

    • Dip a clean cloth in the solution.
    • Gently dab the stained area, working from the outside toward the center.
    • Avoid soaking the fabric; too much moisture can seep through to the foam.

  4. Rinse with a damp cloth
    Use another cloth lightly dampened with plain water to dab away any soapy residue.

  5. Air dry thoroughly
    Let the spot air dry completely before putting bedding back on. A fan or open window can help, but avoid strong direct heat.

How do I handle tough stains or odors?

Stains like sweat, light spills, or minor discoloration can often be improved with patient, repeated spot cleaning.

For stubborn areas:

  • Repeat the mild detergent and water method more than once.
  • Allow the area to dry fully between attempts.
  • Avoid strong solvents or bleach, which may damage fibers or discolor the cover.

For lingering odors, careful ventilation (airing out the mattress and cover) is often more appropriate than heavy deodorizing sprays, which can introduce unnecessary moisture or residue.

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

Frequency depends on how much you use the mattress and whether you use a separate waterproof protector on top.

General guidance:

  • Spot clean as needed for spills and visible marks.
  • Refresh the surface occasionally by vacuuming the cover with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
  • If the cover is machine-washable, follow the label’s suggested frequency, often only occasionally rather than regularly.

What are the biggest mistakes to avoid?

🚫 Do not:

  • Soak the mattress foam or allow water to reach it
  • Use bleach, strong chemicals, or rough scrubbing tools
  • Use high heat in the dryer if the tag warns against it
  • Put the cover back on while it’s still damp

These can shorten the life of both the cover and the foam underneath.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

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

  • Always read the care label first; not all covers are machine-washable.
  • If washable, use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, cool or warm water, and low or no heat for drying.
  • If spot clean only, use minimal water, mild detergent, and blot—never soak or scrub harshly.
  • Keep moisture away from the foam; it is not designed to be washed or saturated.
  • Let the cover dry completely before reassembling your bed to avoid trapped moisture.
  • Vacuuming and quick spot cleaning can keep the cover fresher between deeper cleanings.

Handled carefully, your mattress cover can stay clean and comfortable without risking damage to the memory foam beneath.