[Published: August 30, 2026 | Last updated: August 30, 2026]
TL;DR
- The zippered cover built into a Nectar mattress is not machine washable, and Nectar’s own support team says removing it can void the warranty (Nectar Sleep, 2023).
- A separate Nectar mattress protector, like the Serenity Waterproof Protector, is machine washable on a gentle, cold-water cycle (Nectar Sleep, 2023).
- Spot clean the built-in mattress cover with a damp cloth and mild detergent instead of removing or soaking it.
- Wash a removable mattress protector every two months, or immediately after a spill or illness (Nectar Sleep, 2023).
- Skip bleach, hot water, and the dryer’s high-heat setting on any Nectar fabric – all three can shrink or discolor it.
What Is the Nectar Mattress Cover, and Can You Wash It?
No, you cannot machine wash the mattress cover on a Nectar mattress. This is the quilted, zippered fabric layer sewn around the foam itself, not a separate accessory. According to Nectar’s own customer support team, removing this cover can be hazardous and voids the mattress warranty (NapLab, 2026). NapLab
The zipper on a Nectar mattress exists so the factory can assemble the mattress, not so a customer can strip the cover for a wash cycle. Even if the zipper opens smoothly, pulling foam layers in and out risks tearing the cover fabric or damaging the foam underneath. Nectar’s guidance is direct: leave the cover on the mattress.
If the cover gets dirty, spot clean it. Dampen a cloth with cold water and a small amount of mild, unscented detergent, then blot the stain instead of rubbing it in. For general upkeep, a handheld vacuum with an upholstery attachment removes dust and debris without any liquid at all (NapLab, 2026). NapLab
Mattress Cover vs. Mattress Protector: Why the Difference Matters
A mattress cover is permanently attached to the mattress; a mattress protector is a separate, removable layer you buy and put on top. Nectar sells its own protector, the Serenity Waterproof Protector, specifically because the built-in cover can’t be washed.
This distinction is where most of the confusion starts. Search results and product listings often use “cover” and “protector” as if they’re interchangeable, but for Nectar customers they describe two different products with two different care rules. If what you actually own is a thin, fitted sheet-style layer that unzips completely off the mattress, that’s a protector, and the rules below apply to it.
If the fabric is stitched directly to the mattress and only partially unzips for factory assembly, that’s the cover, and you should follow the spot-cleaning approach above instead.
How to Wash a Nectar Mattress Protector
If you own a separate Nectar mattress protector, it is machine washable. Nectar recommends checking the care label first, then washing on a gentle or delicate cycle (Nectar Sleep, 2023). Nectar Sleep
Follow these steps:
- Check the label. Confirm the material and any brand-specific restrictions before starting.
- Choose cold or lukewarm water. Nectar advises staying below hot water temperatures, since excessive heat can damage the protector’s fabric or waterproof backing. Nectar Sleep
- Use a mild detergent. Skip bleach and chlorine-based products, which are harsh on the material. Nectar Sleep
- Run the full rinse cycle. Skipping this step leaves detergent residue behind, which can encourage mold or mildew. Nectar Sleep
- Air dry, or tumble dry on low. If you use a dryer, keep it on a low-heat, low-tumble setting to avoid shrinking the waterproof layer. Nectar Sleep
You can wash a protector alongside sheets or pillowcases in the same load, as long as you use the gentle cycle throughout.
How Often Should You Wash a Nectar Mattress Protector?
Wash a mattress protector roughly every two months under normal use, and sooner if you spot dirt or a spill. That baseline shifts depending on who’s using the bed and how. Nectar Sleep
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal daily use | Every 2 months |
| Guest bedroom | Every 2-3 months, plus before and after guests stay |
| Allergy sufferers | Every 2-4 weeks |
| After a cold or flu | Immediately |
| After a food or drink spill | Immediately |
These intervals come directly from Nectar’s own care guidance (Nectar Sleep, 2023). If you’re prone to allergies, the more frequent wash cycle matters more than the general rule, since dust mites and allergens build up faster than visible dirt does. Nectar Sleep
What Happens If You Remove or Wash the Nectar Mattress Cover Anyway
Removing and washing the built-in Nectar mattress cover can void your warranty and risks damaging the foam layers underneath. Nectar’s customer support has confirmed this directly, and reviewers who’ve tested the mattress recommend never removing the cover at all. NapLab
Beyond the warranty risk, there’s a practical problem: memory foam and hybrid layers aren’t built to handle a washing machine’s agitation or a dryer’s heat. Even a gentle cycle can misshape the foam or loosen the adhesive holding the layers together. A stain that seems worth the risk of removing the cover is almost always better handled with spot cleaning.
If a spill has soaked through to the foam itself, blot it immediately with a dry towel, then follow up with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Let it air dry completely before putting sheets back on, and avoid saturating the foam with liquid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Nectar Mattress Cover
- Unzipping the cover to wash it: This risks tearing the fabric and voids the warranty. Spot clean instead.
- Using hot water or bleach on a protector: Both can shrink or discolor waterproof fabric. Stick to cold water and mild detergent.
- Soaking the mattress cover to remove a stain: Excess liquid can seep into the foam and cause mildew. Blot, don’t saturate.
- Ironing a mattress protector: High heat damages the material. Air dry instead of ironing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing a Nectar Mattress Cover
Can you wash a Nectar mattress cover?
No. The zippered cover built into the mattress is not machine washable, and Nectar advises against removing it. Spot clean it instead with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Can you wash a Nectar mattress protector?
Yes. A separate Nectar mattress protector, like the Serenity Waterproof Protector, is machine washable on a cold or lukewarm gentle cycle.
What is the difference between a Nectar mattress cover and a mattress protector?
The cover is stitched into the mattress and only unzips for factory assembly. The protector is a separate, fully removable layer you place over the mattress and can wash on its own.
How often should I wash my Nectar mattress protector?
Every two months under normal use, every two to four weeks if you have allergies, and immediately after a spill or illness.
Will removing the Nectar mattress cover void my warranty?
Yes. Nectar’s customer support states that removing the built-in cover can be hazardous and voids the warranty.
Key Takeaways
- The built-in Nectar mattress cover is not machine washable and shouldn’t be removed; spot clean it instead.
- A separate Nectar mattress protector is machine washable on cold water and a gentle cycle.
- Wash a protector every two months, or more often for allergies, guests, or spills.
- Removing the mattress cover risks damaging the foam and voids the Nectar warranty.
References:
- Nectar Sleep – How to Wash a Mattress Protector
- NapLab – How To Clean Nectar Mattress?
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