How To Wash Tempur Mattress Cover: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Remove the cover, check the care tag, then machine wash cold on gentle and air dry or tumble low.

I’ve cleaned many mattress covers, including Tempur-Pedic styles, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to wash Tempur mattress cover safely and effectively. This guide explains every step, from reading the care label to stain removal, drying tips, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll learn proven methods that protect the memory foam core and prolong your cover’s life, based on hands-on experience and manufacturer guidance.

Why proper cleaning matters for your Tempur cover

A clean Tempur cover keeps your mattress fresh, reduces allergens, and helps the foam last longer. Washing the cover correctly prevents damage to zippers, fabric, and thread. If you wash the cover incorrectly, you risk shrinkage, color loss, or heat damage to any foam lining. Follow clear steps on how to wash Tempur mattress cover to protect your sleep investment.

Read the care label first

Always start by reading the care label sewn into the cover. The label tells you if the cover is machine washable, the max water temperature, and whether tumble drying is allowed. If the tag says “dry clean only,” do not machine wash; follow the label to avoid voiding a warranty. This simple step is crucial when learning how to wash Tempur mattress cover.

What you’ll need

Prepare a few items before you begin. Keep them close so the process is smooth.

• Mild liquid detergent (no bleach or enzymes)
• Large-capacity washing machine or sanitizing laundromat washer
• Stain remover safe for delicate fabrics
• Mesh laundry bag for small zip covers or pillowcases
• Soft brush or microfiber cloth for spot cleaning
• Clothesline or drying rack for air dry

Step-by-step guide: how to wash Tempur mattress cover

Below are clear steps to remove, wash, and replace your Tempur cover safely.

1. Remove the cover

2. Unzip and separate any protector layer from the foam. Do not soak or machine wash memory foam. Keep foam dry and away from water.

3. Check for stains

4. Treat stains gently with a small amount of mild detergent or a fabric-safe stain remover. Blot, don’t rub, to avoid spreading the stain.

5. Machine wash (if label allows)

6. Set washer to gentle or delicate cycle. Use cold water to prevent shrinking. Add mild liquid detergent. Wash the cover alone or with similar neutral items to avoid zippers snagging. This step is central when learning how to wash Tempur mattress cover at home.

7. Hand wash option

8. If the cover is large or delicate, fill a tub with cold water and mild detergent. Gently agitate and soak for a short time. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

9. Drying

10. Air dry on a line or flat surface away from direct sun. If the care tag allows tumble drying, use the lowest heat or air-only setting. Heat can shrink or warp fabrics, so low heat is often best for how to wash Tempur mattress cover safely.

11. Reassemble

12. Ensure the cover is fully dry before zipping it back over the mattress. Damp fabric can trap moisture and cause mold.

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Machine wash vs hand wash: choosing the right method

Machine washing is fast and effective for most Tempur covers that the label permits. Use a large machine so the cover moves freely. Hand washing gives you more control for delicate or older covers. Both methods work when you follow the same principles: cold water, gentle detergent, and careful drying. Decide based on the care label and the size of your cover when planning how to wash Tempur mattress cover.

Drying and reassembling without damaging foam

Never put the memory foam core in a washer or dryer. The foam will soak and take a long time to dry, and heat can damage it. Dry the cover fully before replacing it. Give special attention to seams and zippers. When you reassemble, zip slowly and check that edges align. Proper drying is a key part of how to wash Tempur mattress cover correctly.

Removing common stains

Stains happen. Here are safe ways to remove them without harming the cover fabric.

• Urine or body fluids: Blot excess, apply a mix of water and mild detergent, then rinse and air dry.
• Sweat or yellowing: Soak in mild detergent and cool water. Avoid bleach, which can weaken fibers.
• Oil or makeup: Sprinkle baking soda to lift oils, wait 15 minutes, brush off, then spot-clean with a mild detergent solution.

Always test any cleaner on a hidden seam first. This prevents color loss or fabric damage while learning how to wash Tempur mattress cover stain-free.

Common mistakes to avoid

A few common errors can ruin a mattress cover. Avoid them.

• Using hot water or high heat in the dryer. Heat can shrink and damage fabric.
• Putting foam into the washer. Foam will disintegrate or stay damp for days.
• Using bleach or strong enzymes. These damage fibers and zippers.
• Skipping the care label. Manufacturer instructions override general tips.

Avoiding these mistakes makes how to wash Tempur mattress cover simple and safe.

Care schedule and prevention tips

A regular care routine keeps your cover in top shape. Follow this simple schedule.

• Monthly: Spot clean small stains and air the cover.
• Every 3–6 months: Wash the removable cover if the tag allows.
• Immediately: Treat spills right away to avoid set-in stains.
• Use a mattress protector under the cover for heavy protection.

These habits reduce the need for frequent full washes and extend the life of your cover while making how to wash Tempur mattress cover easier.

Personal experience and pro tips

I once washed a Tempur cover on warm and nearly ruined the fit. Since then, I only use cold water and air dry. A laundromat’s oversized machine helped when the cover wouldn’t fit at home. I also learned to protect zippers by turning covers inside out and using a mesh bag for small pieces. Small steps like these simplify how to wash Tempur mattress cover and prevent costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions of how to wash tempur mattress cover

Is it safe to machine wash a Tempur mattress cover?

Most Tempur covers that list “machine washable” on the tag are safe in a gentle, cold cycle. Always read the care label and avoid hot water or strong detergents.

Can I put the Tempur cover in the dryer?

Only if the care label permits tumble drying. Use the lowest heat or air-only setting to prevent shrinkage and fabric damage.

What should I do if the tag says dry clean only?

If the tag specifies dry clean only, follow that advice to avoid voiding warranties or damaging the cover. Professional cleaning keeps the fabric intact.

How do I clean a urine stain from a Tempur cover?

Blot excess liquid, spot-treat with mild detergent and cold water, rinse, and air dry. Test cleaners on a seam first to avoid discoloration.

How often should I wash my Tempur mattress cover?

Wash every 3–6 months for general use, and more often if you have allergies, pets, or spills. Spot clean between full washes as needed.

Can I submerge the Tempur foam core in water?

No. Never submerge or machine wash the foam. Keep the foam dry and only clean the removable fabric cover.

Conclusion

Washing a Tempur cover is easy when you follow the care label, use cold water, mild detergent, and dry gently. Treat stains quickly, avoid heat, and never machine wash the foam core. Try these steps next time you clean your cover to protect your mattress and sleep better. If this guide helped, leave a comment, share your experience, or subscribe for more mattress care tips.