Can mattresses protectors be washed?

What is a mattress protector?

A mattress protector is an article of removable bedding that is placed on top of, or encloses a mattress to protect it. Certain mattress protectors also offer protection to the person who is sleeping on the mattress from allergies and irritations such as dust mites, bed bugs, mould, and dead skin.    

What are the different types of mattress protectors and can they be washed?

The different types of mattress protectors are:

• Waterproof mattress protectors
• Quilted/Quilted waterproof mattress protectors 
• Terry towelling waterproof mattress protectors 
• Fleece underblankets

Modern Waterproof mattress protectors are discreet and comfy to sleep on. The waterproof layer of the mattress protector performs as a barricade to allergies and stops your mattress from getting ruined from spillages and mishaps such as wetting the bed. Waterproof mattress protectors are tremendously absorptive and can provide you with added piece of mind and reassurance that your mattress is protected no matter the incident. Waterproof mattress protectors can be washed in the washing machine with laundry detergent, you should use the gentle/delicates or low setting on your washing machine with cold water. Once washed remove the mattress protector quickly from the washer and place in the drier on low. 

Quilted mattress protectors give additional comfort on top of your mattress. They generally have a warm hollow fibre packing that helps to make your bed feel exceptionally lavish. Quilted waterproof mattress protectors offer a further layer of protection against spillages and a layer of shelter from allergies. Both quilted and quilted waterproof mattress protectors can be washed. These mattress protectors must be washed at low temperatures this is because if they aren’t washed at a low temperature then the fibres that are inside of the mattress protector will be destroyed by the heat of the wash cycle. 

Terry towelling waterproof mattress protectors are made with cotton, so they are extremely absorptive. They also provide allergy protection and some of these mattress protectors are also breathable. Because of the mattress protector’s breathability, it is known to be the perfect mattress protector for those humid summer nights. Some of the terry towelling mattress protectors have a PVC coating, whilst others have PU (polyurethane) membrane. Both linings act as a waterproof barrier. The mattress protectors that have a PVC lining are a cheaper and more cost-effective alternative, whilst those with a PU membrane are a quieter and comfier choice. An advantage of the Pu protectors are they are “crinkle-free”, so much so that you wouldn’t even know that there was a waterproof layer there. The terry towelling mattress can be washed at 90 degrees C, making sure that majority of the bacteria is killed in the wash and are apt for either line drying or can be tumble dried on a cool setting.  

Fleece underblankets provide additional cushioning for a warm and comfortable nights sleep. These mattress protectors are made from a soft fabric that gives added security for your mattress. The thick pile of the fleece underblanket lets a lot of air to become entrapped which keeps the warmth in which is evidently ideal for a cold winter. The fleece underblanket can be washed but not in the same way you wash other blankets, and this is because of its texture and the fact that fleece is a synthetic fabric and to keep it fluffy you need to take a different route then you normally would. It is ideal to wash the underblanket in cool or cold water, you should use a mild detergent and the delicate cycle, and then finally dry them using a low heat.