How to Clean a Mattress Topper: Methods for Every Material

A mattress topper adds comfort and extends the life of your mattress — but it also absorbs sweat, body oils, and allergens over time. Cleaning it correctly depends on the material. This guide covers how to clean every type of mattress topper, from machine-washable options to delicate memory foam.

What You'll Need

• Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover Spray — for pre-treating stains before washing
• Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator — for organic stains and odors
• Nutricost Baking Soda (2 lbs) — for deodorizing
• Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls (Pack of 6) — for drying fiberfill and down toppers; reduces drying time and prevents clumping
• Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack)
• Mild laundry detergent
• Large-capacity washing machine or bathtub

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Always check the care label before cleaning. Mattress toppers vary widely in material and care requirements:

• Fiberfill/polyester: Usually machine washable
• Down or feather: Machine washable on gentle; requires thorough drying
• Wool: Hand wash or dry clean; sensitive to heat and agitation
• Memory foam: Never machine wash; spot clean only
• Latex: Never machine wash; spot clean only

Cleaning Fiberfill and Polyester Toppers (Machine Washable)

1. Pre-treat any stains with Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover and let sit 5 minutes
2. Check that the topper fits in your washing machine without cramming — use a laundromat's large-capacity machine if needed
3. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent
4. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed
5. Tumble dry on low heat with wool dryer balls to speed drying and prevent clumping
6. Ensure completely dry before putting back on the mattress — a damp topper develops mildew quickly

Cleaning Down and Feather Toppers

1. Pre-treat stains with a gentle stain remover
2. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a down-safe detergent (or a small amount of mild liquid detergent)
3. Tumble dry on low heat with wool dryer balls — these are essential for down; they break up clumps and restore loft
4. Dry completely — down takes several hours; check by squeezing sections to feel for any remaining damp clumps
5. Fluff by hand periodically during drying

Cleaning Memory Foam Toppers (Spot Clean Only)

Memory foam cannot be machine washed — the agitation and water saturation destroy the foam structure. Spot clean only:

1. For stains: apply Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Cleaner to a microfiber cloth and blot the stain — never pour liquid directly onto memory foam
2. Blot with a clean damp cloth to rinse
3. Press dry towels firmly onto the area to absorb moisture
4. Allow to air dry completely with a fan — memory foam takes much longer to dry than other materials
5. For deodorizing: sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let sit several hours, vacuum thoroughly

Cleaning Latex Toppers (Spot Clean Only)

Like memory foam, latex cannot be machine washed. Spot clean with a mild soap solution on a damp cloth, blot dry, and air dry completely. Never submerge latex in water.

Deodorizing Any Topper

For all topper types, baking soda deodorizing works well:

1. Lay the topper flat
2. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface
3. Let sit 4–8 hours or overnight
4. Vacuum thoroughly
5. Flip and repeat on the other side

How Often Should You Clean a Mattress Topper?

• Every 2–3 months: Baking soda deodorizing and spot cleaning
• Every 6 months: Full wash (for machine-washable types)
• Immediately: After any spill or accident

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a memory foam topper in the dryer?

No — the heat and tumbling action of a dryer damages memory foam. Air dry only, with a fan to speed the process. Memory foam can take 24 hours or more to dry completely.

How do I get yellow stains out of a mattress topper?

Yellow stains from sweat can be treated with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Apply to the stain, let sit 10–15 minutes, blot clean, and allow to dry. For machine-washable toppers, pre-treat and wash as normal.

Should I use a mattress topper cover?

Yes — a topper cover or fitted sheet over the topper protects it from direct contact with sweat and body oils, dramatically reducing how often you need to clean the topper itself. Wash the cover regularly with your sheets.