[Published: 2026-08-21 | Last updated: 2026-08-21] | 7 min read
TL;DR
- Yes, almost every mattress cover is machine washable, but the right temperature depends on the fabric: 60°C for cotton or terry, 40°C max for waterproof polyurethane models.
- Dust mites die at 55°C (130°F) or higher, according to the Canadian Lung Association (2026).
- Waterproof covers should never go above 40°C or they risk delaminating the protective membrane.
- Wash frequency depends on use: once a month for normal use, weekly for allergies, babies, or night sweats (Speed Queen, 2026).
- Skip bleach and fabric softener – both damage the barrier fabric over repeated washes.
Can You Actually Wash a Mattress Cover?
Yes. Nearly all mattress covers, whether cotton, terry, or waterproof, are designed to be machine washed. The exception is a small number of foam-backed or vinyl covers, which usually require spot cleaning instead.
The care label is the deciding factor. It tells you the maximum safe temperature, whether tumble drying is allowed, and if bleach or softener will damage the fabric. Check it before your first wash.
Two cover types exist, and they behave differently in the machine. Cotton and terry covers tolerate hot water and kill dust mites in the process. Waterproof covers with a polyurethane (PU) membrane need cooler water, or the membrane can bubble and stop repelling liquid.
What Temperature Kills Dust Mites in a Mattress Cover?
Dust mites die at 55°C (130°F) or above. The Canadian Lung Association recommends washing all bedding at this temperature or higher to kill dust mites (Canadian Lung Association, 2026).
For cotton and terry mattress covers, this is straightforward: set the machine to 60°C. That single wash removes accumulated skin cells, dust, and mite waste while killing the mites living in the fabric.
Waterproof covers are the complication. Most PU-backed protectors are rated for 30-40°C, well below the mite-killing threshold. Washing them hotter can pass the plastic’s glass transition point, causing the membrane to bubble or crack (FabricCare101, 2026).
The workaround: wash waterproof covers in warm water to remove buildup, then tumble dry on low heat for at least 20 minutes. Sustained dryer heat kills mites without the temperature spike that damages the membrane (Mattress Miracle, 2026).
How Often Should You Wash a Mattress Cover?
Wash a standard mattress cover once a month. That baseline comes from Speed Queen’s laundry guidance for mattress protectors and holds for most households with no specific allergy or health concerns (Speed Queen, 2026).
Increase the frequency in a few situations:
- Allergies or asthma in the household: wash weekly to keep dust mite allergen levels down.
- Babies or young children: wash weekly, since accidents and spills happen more often.
- Night sweats or hot sleepers: wash every two to three weeks to prevent moisture buildup.
- Pets that sleep on the bed: wash weekly to reduce dander and hair accumulation.
- Guest room covers: wash every three to four months, or immediately after a guest leaves.
Dust mite allergens are one of the most common indoor allergy triggers, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI, 2026). The allergens come from mite waste and decomposing body parts, not the mites themselves, and these become airborne when the bedding is disturbed.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Mattress Cover
Check the care label first. It sets the maximum temperature and tells you if bleach, softener, or high-heat drying are off-limits.
Strip the cover and shake it out. Loose dust and skin flakes fall off before the wash, so the machine handles less debris.
Wash cotton or terry covers at 60°C. Use a normal cotton cycle with a moderate spin speed. This temperature kills dust mites and removes accumulated allergens.
Wash waterproof covers at 30-40°C. Stay under 40°C to protect the PU membrane. Use a gentle or delicate cycle if your machine has one.
Skip fabric softener and bleach. Softener coats the fibers and reduces the fabric’s anti-mite effectiveness. Bleach breaks down the barrier fabric after repeated washes (Speed Queen, 2026).
Dry completely before putting it back on the bed. A damp cover creates ideal conditions for mite growth. Tumble dry on low heat, or air-dry flat for waterproof models, since high heat can damage the membrane.
Don’t overload the machine. A mattress cover, especially in queen or king size, needs room to move through the water. For large covers, a laundromat’s bigger-capacity machine often rinses more thoroughly than a home unit.
Common Mistakes That Ruin a Mattress Cover
- Washing waterproof covers too hot: temperatures above 40°C can bubble or delaminate a PU membrane, permanently ending its water resistance.
- Using bleach on barrier fabric: bleach breaks down the tightly woven fibers that block dust mites, reducing protection with every wash.
- Putting the cover back on damp: leftover moisture creates a habitat mites thrive in, undoing the point of washing it.
- Overloading the washer: a cramped drum prevents detergent and water from reaching every part of the fabric, leaving residue behind.
- Skipping the care label: covers vary widely in construction, and guessing the temperature risks damaging fabric that a 30-second label check would have prevented.
Does Washing a Mattress Cover Actually Reduce Allergens?
Yes, when paired with regular washing. A 2014 meta-analysis in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that impermeable mattress covers significantly reduce house dust mite allergen levels in mattresses (Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2014). The researchers noted that the cover alone isn’t enough – it needs to be washed regularly to keep working.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends allergen-proof covers on all mattresses and pillows, combined with frequent hot-water washing at 54°C (130°F) or higher, as part of a full dust mite control plan (AAAAI, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Mattress Covers
Can a mattress cover be washed in a regular washing machine?
Yes, standard home washing machines handle most mattress covers. Queen and king sizes may need a laundromat’s larger-capacity machine for a thorough rinse, since a cramped drum leaves detergent residue behind.
What temperature should I wash a waterproof mattress cover at?
Stay at 30-40°C. Waterproof covers use a polyurethane membrane that can bubble or crack above 40°C, permanently compromising their water resistance.
How do I dry a mattress cover?
Tumble dry cotton and terry covers on low to medium heat. Air-dry waterproof covers flat, or tumble dry on low heat only, since high heat damages the PU membrane.
Can I use bleach on a mattress cover?
No. Bleach breaks down the tightly woven barrier fabric that blocks dust mites and allergens, weakening the cover with each use.
How long does it take for dust mites to build up again after washing?
Dust mite populations rebuild within a few weeks of a wash, which is why monthly washing is the standard baseline, with weekly washing recommended for allergy sufferers.
Should I wash a new mattress cover before first use?
Yes. A first wash removes manufacturing residue and confirms the cover holds up under your machine’s actual cycle before it’s on the bed nightly.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly all mattress covers are machine washable; the fabric type determines the safe temperature.
- Cotton and terry covers: wash at 60°C to kill dust mites directly.
- Waterproof covers: wash at 30-40°C, then rely on a 20+ minute low-heat dry cycle to kill mites without damaging the membrane.
- Wash monthly under normal use, weekly for allergies, babies, pets, or night sweats.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener, and always dry the cover fully before putting it back on the bed.
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