Washing Your Allergy Mattress Cover
Its time to wash my allergy mattress cover again. Thank goodness it doesn't need to be done often.
People often ask if they need to wash their allergy mattress cover every week, just like their sheets.
No! What a hassle that would be!
For many people, it is already tough enough to have the discipline to wash sheets, blankets, and pillowcases every 7 days. Can you image if you had to wash your allergy cover every week???
How do you know how often to wash the cover?
Well, we recommend that you wash it at least once or twice a year, IF you are good about washing the other bedding weekly. Notice that is a big "if". And that's the irony, if you aren't good about washing your sheets, then your allergy mattress cover actually need to be washed more often.
Yes, it is a chore to get it off and on the mattress, but it is necessary. I wash mine several times a year. How do you know when it needs washing? Your nose is a good indication. If you have an allergy mattress cover on your bed, it is probably because you are allergic to dust mites. Your symptoms might be respiratory or you may suffer from eczema. Either way, if you notice that your symptoms are returning even though you are washing the other bedding weekly, it is probably time to wash your cover.
I also wash my cover when I do the big spring and fall cleaning in my house. I pull everything off the bed, including my wool mattress pad and quilt and steam everything thoroughly with my Vapamore steam cleaner. It is also a great time to spray the boxspring with ADMS and wash the dust ruffle. Since the bed is already taken apart, it is not a big deal to throw the cover in the wash with my sheets. Be careful not to overcrowd the washing machine when you launder your cover. Most of our allergy mattress covers can be washed in water up to 140°F, but we don't recommend it.
We recommend that you wash in cooler temps with De-Mite (the product I personally like) or Allergen Wash. It is just as effective as hot water (even more so) and it is much kinder to the fabric. If you have one of the urethane coated fabrics, it is important that when you wash you do not use liquid chlorine bleach. Bleach will damage the urethane backing.
Also, make sure that your mattress, the allergy mattress cover, and all the bedding is completely dry before you put the bed back together. You don't want anything damp as that could promote mold growth, not a good thing! The best night's sleep is that first night in bed after everything has been scrubbed and washed. What a great feeling!
Til Next Time
Comments