Can You Wash the IKEA Hovag Mattress Cover? Here’s What IKEA Actually Recommends

Published: August 16, 2026 | Last updated: August 16, 2026 | 6 min read

TL;DR

  • IKEA’s own care guidance for the Hovag mattress cover is “do not wash” – it’s rated for upholstery shampoo and spot cleaning only, not a washing machine.
  • The cover is not designed to be fully removed the way a duvet cover is, even though it has a zipper.
  • Some owners have hand-washed or machine-washed the cover on a cold, gentle cycle and report success, but IKEA does not back this and shrinkage is a real risk.
  • If the cover just smells or has surface stains, upholstery shampoo, baking soda, and spot cleaning solve most problems without any washing risk.
  • A washable mattress protector is the safer long-term fix if you want machine-washable bedding contact.

What Is the IKEA Hovag Mattress Cover Made For?

The Hovag is a foam mattress IKEA sold with a zippered outer cover. The zipper exists so the cover can be removed for spot cleaning, not for regular machine washing.

According to a detailed product review from Sleep Hero (2025), the Hovag’s cover <cite index=”15-1″>is not removable or machine-washable, and IKEA’s recommended cleaning method is furniture shampoo</cite>. That’s consistent with how IKEA treats most of its polyurethane foam mattress covers.

The care tag sewn inside the cover is the final word for your specific unit. IKEA has changed cover fabrics across production runs, so always check the tag before you do anything to the cover.

What the Care Label Actually Says

The direct answer: check for the words “do not wash” alongside an upholstery shampoo symbol. That’s the standard instruction on IKEA foam mattress covers.

IKEA’s own mattress guarantee documentation confirms covers vary by product and tells owners to <cite index=”10-1″>read the tag inside the cover for cleaning information, and to make sure the zipper is closed before washing any cover that is labeled washable</cite>. Hovag’s cover generally is not one of the washable ones.

For comparison, IKEA’s VALEVÅG mattress pad cover carries a different label: <cite index=”13-1″>machine wash up to 60°C, do not bleach, do not iron, do not dry clean, line dry</cite>. That’s a clearly washable design. Hovag’s foam mattress cover isn’t built the same way, which is why the two products get different instructions on the same website.

Why IKEA Says Not to Machine Wash It

The direct answer: shrinkage and losing the fit around the foam core are the two main risks. Foam mattress covers are cut tight to the mattress shape, and most contain elastic or stretch panels that can distort in a washing machine.

A separate case study from an IKEA SULTAN HOLMUSTA owner, who has a similarly constructed cover, reported the same label wording: <cite index=”5-1″>clean with upholstery shampoo only, with the cover appearing non-washable and non-dry-cleanable</cite>. That owner did attempt a home wash anyway and it worked for them, but they were explicit that it wasn’t guaranteed and warned that a shrunk cover may never go back on the mattress.

That’s the real trade-off: washing might work, but if it doesn’t, you can’t return the cover to its original shape or refit it.

If You Still Want to Try Washing It

The direct answer: use cold water, a gentle or linen cycle, and dry as fast as possible. If you decide to go against the label, minimize risk with these steps.

  • Wash in cold water only. Heat is the main cause of shrinkage in these covers.
  • Use a gentle, linen, or delicate cycle rather than a normal cycle.
  • Skip chlorine bleach. If you need stain removal, use oxygen bleach instead, since <cite index=”5-1″>chlorine bleach tends to leave a lingering smell in the fabric</cite>.
  • Get a second person to help lift the wet cover out of the machine. A soaked mattress cover is heavy and awkward for one person to handle.
  • Dry it as quickly as possible. A cover that stays damp for too long can develop mold or odor before it’s fully dry.

This approach comes from owners who’ve done it themselves, not from IKEA. If your mattress is still under warranty, check whether an unauthorized wash affects your coverage before you start.

How to Clean the Cover the Way IKEA Recommends

The direct answer: vacuum first, then treat stains with upholstery shampoo, and let it air dry fully before putting bedding back on.

  1. Strip the bed and vacuum the cover with an upholstery attachment to lift dust, hair, and loose debris.
  2. Spot-treat any stains with a foam-based upholstery shampoo, working it in with a soft brush.
  3. Wipe off excess shampoo with a clean, damp cloth.
  4. Let the mattress air dry completely, ideally near an open window or fan, before making the bed again.
  5. For odor rather than visible stains, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off.

This routine matches IKEA’s general mattress care guidance, which recommends <cite index=”9-1″>using an upholstery cleaner on mattresses that don’t have a washable cover</cite>, alongside regular vacuuming and rotating the mattress for even wear.

The Safer Long-Term Fix: Add a Washable Protector

The direct answer: a separate mattress protector gives you the machine-washable layer the Hovag cover doesn’t, without touching the mattress itself.

IKEA’s own advice for hygiene is to pair any mattress, washable cover or not, with a protector or pad that can be removed and washed on its own. This keeps sweat, skin cells, and spills off the actual mattress cover entirely, so you rarely need to touch the Hovag cover at all.

If you already have stains or odor built into the cover, a protector won’t undo that, but it prevents the problem going forward and it’s the option IKEA actually stands behind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Hovag Cover

  • Washing on a hot or normal cycle: heat and agitation are the two biggest causes of shrinkage in foam covers.
  • Using chlorine bleach on stains: it can bleach out color and leave a chemical smell that’s hard to air out.
  • Removing the cover without checking the tag first: covers change between production runs, so don’t assume last year’s instructions still apply.
  • Skipping the drying step: a cover left damp for too long can grow mold inside the foam, which is much harder to fix than a stain.
  • Folding the mattress to work on the cover: IKEA’s guarantee documentation notes that folding a mattress can damage the internal springs and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IKEA Hovag Mattress Cover

Can you wash the IKEA Hovag mattress cover?

IKEA’s official guidance is no. The cover is labeled for upholstery shampoo and spot cleaning only, not machine or hand washing.

What happens if you wash it anyway?

Some owners have hand-washed or machine-washed it on a cold, gentle cycle with success. Others report shrinkage severe enough that the cover no longer fits back over the mattress.

How do you clean stains on the Hovag cover without washing it?

Vacuum the surface, then treat stains with foam-based upholstery shampoo and a soft brush. Wipe off residue and let the mattress air dry fully before remaking the bed.

Can you remove the Hovag cover to clean it separately?

The zipper allows the cover to come off, but IKEA doesn’t design it for regular removal and re-fitting. Removing it mainly matters if you’re spot-cleaning a specific area.

Is a mattress protector a better solution than washing the cover?

Yes. A removable, machine-washable protector handles sweat and spills directly, so the Hovag cover underneath stays cleaner without needing to be washed at all.

Key Takeaways

  • IKEA labels the Hovag mattress cover “do not wash” – upholstery shampoo and spot cleaning are the approved methods.
  • Home washing has worked for some owners, but shrinkage and fit loss are real risks IKEA doesn’t cover.
  • Vacuuming plus upholstery shampoo removes most everyday stains and odors safely.
  • A washable mattress protector is the simplest way to get machine-washable bedding without risking the cover itself.

References

About Our Content Creators

Jason Miller is the lead writer at CoverCent, covering protective covers, device accessories, product comparisons, and buying guides. His goal is to provide accurate, easy-to-understand information that helps readers choose products with confidence.

We may earn a commission if you click on the links within this article. Learn more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More…!