We regularly wash our bedsheets, pillowcases and blankets. But what about the mattress underneath them?
Your mattress is used every night. It may also be exposed to perspiration, dust, accidental spills, pet hair and the occasional snack in bed. It makes sense to wonder whether the mattress itself can be washed.
The short answer is no. You should not soak or wash an entire mattress. However, you can clean its surface and wash the outer cover if it is designed to be removed.
The Lucy Mattress makes this easier with a removable, machine-washable cover, while the inner foam core stays dry and protected.
Why you should not wash an entire mattress?
A mattress may look like one solid piece, but it contains several layers. Depending on its construction, these may include foam, latex, springs, fabric and other supporting materials.
These inner layers are not designed to be soaked in water. If too much moisture enters the mattress, it may become trapped inside and take a long time to dry.
Excess moisture may result in:
- Unpleasant smells
- Mould or mildew
- Damage to the foam or other materials
- A damp and uncomfortable sleeping surface
Never soak a mattress, hose it down or pour large amounts of water over it.
Which part of a mattress can you wash?
If your mattress has a removable, washable cover, that is the part you can wash.
The cover sits closest to your body, even when bedsheets are used. Over time, perspiration, body oils, dust, pet hair and spills may still reach its surface.
A removable cover can be unzipped, washed according to its care instructions and replaced once it is completely dry. The mattress core must remain dry.
Not every mattress cover is washable. Some covers are fixed in place, while others require professional cleaning. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before removing or washing a mattress cover.
Do you need to wash the cover if you wash your sheets?
Washing your bedsheets regularly is an important part of keeping your bed fresh. However, sheets cannot prevent everything from reaching the mattress surface.
A washable cover provides an additional layer of care. It does not need to be cleaned as frequently as your sheets, but it can be washed after a spill or when it starts to look or feel less fresh.
How often you should wash it depends on your household and the manufacturer’s instructions. Homes with children or pets may need to clean the cover more often.
How to clean your mattress safely?
Although the mattress core should not be washed, you can still care for it with a few simple steps.
1. Remove the bedding
Remove your bedsheets, pillowcases and mattress protector. Wash them according to their individual care instructions.
2. Vacuum the surface
Use a suitable vacuum attachment to gently remove loose dust, hair and crumbs from the mattress surface.
3. Treat small spills quickly
Blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this may push the liquid farther into the mattress.
Use only a small amount of a suitable cleaning solution. Do not pour water directly onto the mattress or soak the affected area.
4. Let the mattress dry
Allow the mattress to dry completely before replacing its cover, protector or bedsheets. Keeping the room ventilated can help the drying process.
A mattress protector can provide extra protection, particularly in homes with young children, pets or frequent spills.
How to wash the Lucy Mattress cover?
The Lucy Mattress comes with a removable, washable outer cover designed to make everyday mattress care simpler.
When the cover needs refreshing:
- Unzip and carefully remove it from the mattress.
- Cold wash it according to Lucy’s Care Instructions.
- Allow the cover to air-dry completely.
- Place the dry cover back over the mattress core.
- Close the zip securely.
Do not wash, soak or apply excessive water to the inner foam core. Before washing the cover, make sure your washing machine has sufficient capacity for its size.
For more information about why this feature is useful for local households, read Why a Washable Mattress Matters for Families in Malaysia.
Can you really wash a mattress?
You should not wash or soak an entire mattress. If your mattress has a removable, washable cover, that is the part you can safely wash.
Regularly washing your bedsheets, gently vacuuming the mattress surface, responding quickly to spills and cleaning the removable cover when necessary can help keep your bed feeling fresh.
The Lucy Mattress makes this process simpler with an outer cover that can be removed and cold-washed whenever it needs refreshing.
[Explore the Lucy Mattress and its removable washable cover →]
