Mattress Topper Care and Storage - Cleaning and Packing
Keep your topper clean and ready for storage by checking its label, drying it thoroughly, and packing it without forced folds.
In brief: Clean your mattress topper according to its care label, and let it dry completely before storing it. Choose a clean, dry indoor space with enough room for the manufacturer's recommended storage position. Check the cover and filling separately because their care instructions may differ.
Three things to remember
- A washable cover doesn't mean the topper is washable.
- Dry cleaned areas fully before replacing bedding or storing the topper.
- Check the instructions before rolling, folding, or compressing it.
Find the label while the topper is still on the bed. You can check the washing, drying, and packing directions before you're trying to handle something bulky and fit it into a bag.
No label? Contact the manufacturer rather than guessing, especially before machine washing the topper or compressing it for storage.
Air it out and check for wear
Take a look at the topper when you change the sheets. Check the cover and the exposed surface for spots, damp patches, or tears. You can leave the sheets off for a while to let the topper air out.
Some makers offer a more specific routine. Sleepyhead recommends airing its topper for a few hours, washing its washable cover at least every two weeks, and rotating the topper every few months. Those suggestions are for its product, so check your own instructions before washing or rotating yours.
Clean the cover and topper separately
Start with the cover if it's removable. Find its care label and use the stated washing and drying method.
Thing is, those directions may not apply to the filling underneath. A cover can go in the washing machine while the topper inside it cannot. Keep the two sets of instructions separate, even if the cover and topper came together.
If your topper's label permits spot cleaning, follow its method. Sleepyhead suggests mild detergent and water for spots on its topper. Use a small amount of liquid rather than soaking the material, and wait until the cleaned area is dry all the way through before replacing the cover or bedding.
Skip bleach and harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically permits them. A fitted sheet gives the topper a layer of coverage. If you'd also like to use a protector, check the maker's guidance first.
Match the method to the material
The material name gives you a starting point, not a full set of instructions. Construction matters too. Check the label for your particular topper before choosing how to clean or pack it.
| Topper type | Cleaning | Packing consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Spot clean only if the label permits, and avoid soaking it. | Check whether the maker recommends rolling. Don't force a sharp fold. |
| Latex | Follow the label's directions for gentle cleaning and drying. | Check the maker's directions before rolling or folding. |
| Feather or down | Read the label; professional cleaning may be needed. | Make sure the filling is thoroughly dry before packing. |
| Cotton or polyester | Machine wash only when the label allows it. | Make sure a bulky topper can be dried thoroughly before storage. |
Zoma's storage guidance offers suggestions for different materials. Your own manufacturer's directions take priority.
Pack it without forcing the shape
Choose a clean, dry closet or another indoor space. It needs enough room for the position the manufacturer recommends. Avoid damp basements, keep the topper away from prolonged direct sunlight, and don't put heavy objects on top of it.
The packing shape isn't the same for every product. Sleepyhead recommends rolling its topper, while Eco Toppers recommends storing its foldable foam mattress flat or along its intended folds. Check your own instructions before deciding which way to pack yours.
Here's an order for the job:
- Clear a clean area of floor. Ask someone to help if the topper is thick or awkward to handle.
- Roll or fold it only as directed. Avoid long-term compression unless the maker permits it.
- Place it in a clean cover or bag suitable for the product. Check the instructions before sealing it in plastic.
- Keep boxes and other heavy items off the packed topper. Save the care instructions with it for unpacking day.
Caution: Don't store a damp topper. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's guidance on mold and moisture explains that mold can grow where moisture is present. A surface may look dry while material farther inside still feels damp. If you aren't sure, give it more time.
Bringing a topper back out
Take the topper out of its bag or cover and inspect it before putting it on the bed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for unpacking and reshaping it.
If it smells musty, leave it unpacked and take a closer look instead of covering it straight away with bedding. Contact the manufacturer for material-specific guidance if you see signs of mold.
While you're refreshing the bed, you might also check the fill level of an adjustable pillow, such as the buckwheat hull pillow from LilyPillow.
Mattress topper care FAQs
Can you wash a mattress topper in the washing machine?
Only if the topper's care label allows it. Check the topper itself, even if you've already found instructions for a removable cover. The cover may be machine washable when the filling isn't.
How do you dry a topper after cleaning?
Follow the manufacturer's drying directions for both the topper and its cover. Let cleaned areas dry fully before putting bedding back on or packing the topper away.
Can you fold a memory foam topper?
Fold it only if the manufacturer permits that method. If you can't find the packing instructions, ask the maker before putting it away.
Where should you store a topper?
Pick a clean, dry indoor space with room for the recommended storage position. Use a suitable clean cover or bag, and keep heavy items off the topper.
The bottom line
Check the care label, clean the cover and topper as directed, and let them dry fully. Then clear enough space in a dry indoor spot to pack the topper without forcing its shape.