Should You Wash A Mattress Cover Before Using It?
A mattress cover is usually fabric that is specifically designed to be placed over an existing mattress or futon mat.
They’re generally made of 100% cotton and 45-70% polyester or nylon.
The cover is used to protect the mattress from dust and moisture, as well as keep it clean and dry.
Many also feature plushy toppers for extra warmth during the winter months.
Be that as it may, if you’re questioning whether a mattress cover should be washed before using it, the answer is quite simple.
Yes. There are several good reasons for washing a mattress cover before you use it for the first time. First of all, there’s a very good chance that it’s been sitting on a store shelf for quite some time, being handled by many people in the process. It is likely to become dirty and pick up germs while sitting around waiting to be purchased.
If you’re planning to use that mattress cover on your own bed, you don’t want to take any chances.
It’s best to treat it as though it were a new piece of clothing by washing it off with some warm water and detergent before you put it on your bed.
The idea is to get rid of the dirt and germs that might have been picked up while handling it in the store.
Moreover, if the mattress cover you’re about to buy has been sitting in a crib for a while, it’s best to wash it off before placing it on the mattress.
You don’t want it acting as a breeding ground for dust mites and allergens that could disrupt your sleep or breathing. A clean cover will keep you more comfortable and healthy.
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Reasons Why To Wash a Mattress Cover
Some people may wonder why they should take this extra step before fitting a mattress cover. The answer is simple. It’s not so much a question of convenience but one of protection.
There are many items packed with germs that can be found on store shelves and in homes.
Bedding such as pillows, comforters, and mattress covers are no exception. Before you place that cover over your mattress, you must ensure it’s as clean as possible.
Yeast and mold thrive in warm, moist conditions similar to those provided by a mattress cover. If you cover your mattress with a dirty cover, it could become home to all sorts of insidious microbes that could make your life miserable.
You can avoid this problem entirely by treating the fabric with a harsh detergent or hot water before using it for the first time.
Also, having that peace of mind that the covers a freshly cleaned and ready to be used will ease any concerns you may have.
Mattress Cover Care Tips: Wash Regularly To Improve Durability
To ensure that your mattress cover lasts as long as possible, washing it regularly is recommended.
Stains and dirt can start to build up over time on your mattress cover, which is why it is important to keep the cover clean.
If you are the type of person who prefers to wash bedding less frequently, you could use a mattress protector in addition to the mattress cover.
The protector should be washed once every month, while the mattress cover should be washed at least once a week to ensure that it is clean and in good shape.
Also, if you are prone to allergies or are concerned about bed bugs, washing your mattress cover frequently will help maintain hygiene in your home.
Tips for Washing Mattress Covers
To avoid early damage to your brand-new mattress covers, knowing how to wash them is a great weapon to have.
Here are a couple of useful tips you can follow:
- Read the washing label to find out if you should wash a mattress cover in warm or cold water.
- Some covers are not meant to be washed in a machine, as they will lose their elasticity if they are put through the wringer.
- Avoid washing your mattress cover with any fabric that is colored because the color could transfer to your cover. If you run your mattress cover through the dryer, this could make it shrink and eventually wear out faster than normal.
Cleaning Your Mattress Covers the Right Way
The first step to cleaning a mattress cover is to check for stains. Examine the mattress cover under a bright light for traces of stains.
If there aren’t any noticeable stains, you still have to wash the covers before use.
Start by stretching out the cover completely so that it is flat and even on all areas of the fabric. This ensures that you evenly clean the cover.
Add the detergent and water to the washing machine. Use cold water for a mattress cover that is new or has light colors because warm water can sometimes fade colors.
If the mattress cover has dark colors or if it’s already been used, then warm water can actually help with the set-in stains, so that they are easier to remove.
Extra Tips after Washing the Mattress Cover
Now that you know the importance of washing your mattress cover before use, we’ll run through two basic things to remember after washing your mattress cover.
First, allow the fabric enough time to dry before placing it over a mattress. This might take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two.
Second, because of the nature of mattress covers, most manufacturers recommend that you hand wash the items in cold water with mild detergent. If you happen to be among the many people who like to use a washing machine, then you should be able to use it as long as it’s set on delicate mode.
Once you finish washing your mattress cover, allow it to air dry and then carefully fit it over your mattress.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that washing a mattress cover before you use it is a really good idea. We can’t be sure that the mattress cover hasn’t been touched or exposed to dirt and germs.
Washing a mattress cover with your favorite scented detergent will also help remove that store or factory smell.
This also applies to our beddings which are the most intimate items we own, and they can also accumulate a lot of dirt, dust mites, allergens, bacteria, and other things over time.
Moreover, we spend a lot of time lying on, touching, and sleeping directly on them, which increases their chance of getting dirty.
While you’re sleeping and resting, your mattress often gets sweaty, providing a breeding hub for bacteria and yeast.
As such, keeping it clean will improve your sleep quality and help ward off allergens, mites, dirt, and dust.
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