Can You Wash a Mattress Pad? Care, Cleaning Methods, and What to Avoid

If you’re wondering “Can you wash a mattress pad?”, you’re not alone. Mattress pads live right between your body and your mattress, so they collect sweat, skin oils, and the occasional spill. Keeping them clean can help your bed feel fresher and more comfortable.

This FAQ-style guide explains which mattress pads you can wash, how to wash them safely, and when you should choose spot cleaning instead.

Can You Wash a Mattress Pad?

In many cases, yes, you can wash a mattress pad—but how you wash it depends on the materials, thickness, and care label.

Most common fabric and fiberfill mattress pads are designed to be machine washable, while some specialty pads need gentle or partial cleaning only. The care tag on the pad is the most reliable reference for what’s safe.

Always check for:

  • Washing temperature (cold, warm, or hot)
  • Machine vs. hand wash only
  • Tumble dry instructions
  • “Spot clean only” or “do not wash” warnings

If the label is missing, treating the pad gently (cool water, mild detergent, low heat or air dry) is usually the safest general approach.

How Do You Wash a Mattress Pad in the Washing Machine?

If the care label confirms it is machine washable, follow these steps to help protect both the pad and your washer:

  1. Pre-check for stains and damage
    Look for visible spots, tears, or loose seams. Pre-treat stains with a small amount of mild detergent before washing.

  2. Use a large-capacity washer if needed
    Thick or king-size mattress pads may need a larger machine so they can move freely. Overcrowding can prevent proper cleaning.

  3. Choose gentle settings

    • Cycle: Gentle or delicate
    • Water: Cold or warm, unless the label clearly allows hot
    • Detergent: Mild, liquid detergent, and not too much

  4. Avoid harsh additives
    Bleach, strong stain removers, and fabric softeners can break down fibers, damage waterproof layers, or leave residue.

  5. Run an extra rinse if the pad is very thick
    This can help rinse out detergent trapped in the filling.

Can You Wash a Mattress Pad with Waterproof or Special Layers?

Many people ask “Can you wash a mattress pad if it’s waterproof?” The answer is often yes, but extra care is important.

Waterproof mattress pads usually have a protective backing layer. High heat or harsh chemicals can cause this layer to:

  • Crack or peel
  • Lose flexibility
  • Stop being effectively water-resistant

For waterproof or specialty pads:

  • Use cool or warm water, not hot
  • Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
  • Dry on low heat or air dry to help preserve the backing
  • Check regularly for any signs of peeling or stiffness

If the care label says “spot clean only”, do not fully submerge or machine wash it.

How Should You Dry a Mattress Pad?

Drying is just as important as washing. A damp mattress pad can feel uncomfortable and may develop odor over time.

Common guidelines include:

  • Tumble dry on low heat
    Many mattress pads do well on low heat. Adding a couple of clean dryer balls can help fluff the filling.

  • Avoid high heat
    High temperatures may shrink fabric, damage elastic, or affect waterproof coatings.

  • Air dry thick or delicate pads
    You can lay the pad flat over a drying rack or clean surface. Make sure it’s completely dry before placing it back on the bed.

  • Check for clumping
    Gently shake and smooth the pad after drying to redistribute any filling.

What If the Label Says “Spot Clean Only”?

If you’re wondering “Can you wash a mattress pad that is labeled spot clean only?”, the answer is generally no—at least not in a traditional, full wash.

These pads may contain:

  • Foam layers
  • Delicate quilting or stitching
  • Materials that don’t handle soaking well

For spot-clean-only pads:

  1. Blot spills quickly with a dry, clean cloth.
  2. Use a small amount of mild soap and water on the soiled area.
  3. Dab gently; avoid over-wetting.
  4. Let it air dry completely before making the bed again.

How Often Should You Wash a Mattress Pad?

How often you wash a mattress pad depends on use and personal preference, but many people find that:

  • Lightly used pads: every 2–3 months
  • Heavier use, hot climates, or if you sweat a lot at night: more frequently
  • After any spill, accident, or strong odor: as soon as possible

Using a fitted sheet and sometimes an additional protector can reduce how often deep cleaning is needed.

What Should You Avoid When Washing a Mattress Pad?

To keep your mattress pad in good shape, it helps to avoid:

  • Very hot water or high dryer heat (unless specifically allowed)
  • Strong bleach or harsh chemicals
  • Overloading the washer
  • Pulling or wringing the pad aggressively
  • Putting it back on the bed before it is fully dry

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Can You Wash a Mattress Pad”

  • Most mattress pads can be washed, but always follow the care label first.
  • Machine-washable pads usually do best on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  • Waterproof pads can often be washed, but they prefer cool water and low heat.
  • Spot-clean-only pads should not be fully submerged; clean just the affected area.
  • Make sure your mattress pad is completely dry before placing it back on the bed.
  • Regular, gentle cleaning can help keep your sleeping surface fresh and comfortable over time.

Understanding “Can you wash a mattress pad” comes down to paying attention to materials, reading the care tag, and choosing gentle methods. With the right approach, you can keep your mattress pad clean without shortening its lifespan.