The mattress protector is the invisible workhorse in your bed: It lies directly between the mattress and the fitted sheet, absorbs moisture, catches skin flakes, and protects the mattress from stains. That is exactly why it is worth washing the mattress protector regularly – and doing so without damaging it. The short answer upfront: Pure cotton molton pads can generally withstand 60 °C, while coated and waterproof models usually only 40 to 60 °C at a reduced spin speed – the care label is always the deciding factor. The overview below shows which model can withstand what.
Why the mattress protector belongs in the washing machine regularly
We lose moisture and skin flakes every night. The fitted sheet catches some of it, while the rest continues downward. A mattress protector absorbs this load so that it does not end up in the mattress – where it would be almost impossible to remove. You cannot wash a mattress, but you can wash the protector. That is its real purpose.
If it remains unwashed for years, moisture, skin flakes, and odors accumulate. We have described in detail how a hygienic setup in bed works in our post Mattress protection: Benefits for hygienic sleep.
Which mattress protector can withstand what? The overview
There is no single correct washing temperature – it depends on the material and construction of your model. This table categorizes the common designs:
| Type |
Material |
Washing |
Drying |
Example from our range |
| Molton mattress pad |
100% cotton, brushed |
High temperature according to the label, powdered all-purpose detergent |
Tumble drying usually allowed, makes it softer |
Sleep & Protect Molton Mattress Pad White (0808302) |
| Waterproof molton pad |
Cotton with functional layer |
Adhere to the label temperature, reduced spin speed, no chlorine bleach |
Gentle, low setting or air |
Sleep & Protect Waterproof Molton Pad (0809720) |
| Molton fitted sheet |
Cotton with functional layer, elastic all around |
Like coated pad, liquid detergent without bleach |
Pull slightly damp into shape, then air dry |
Sleep & Protect Molton Fitted Sheet (0802760) |
| Terry mattress cover |
Terry with functional layer, zipper all around |
Close zipper before washing, label temperature |
Dry completely, check seams |
Sleep & Protect Terry Mattress Cover (0809960) |
| Nobby mattress protector |
Carrier material with non-slip nobby coating |
Gentle program, low temperature, moderate spin |
Air dry only, do not tumble dry on high heat |
See collection Mattress protection
|
| Bed sheet with pockets (partial protection) |
Cotton, to be inserted into the sides |
Like cotton pad, can be washed more frequently |
Tumble drying usually allowed |
Sleep & Protect Bed Sheet with Pockets White (0809840) |
In case of doubt, the lower of the two specifications always applies: the one on the label or the one in this table.
Washing mattress protectors: Temperature, detergent, program
The most important rule first: The care label of your model is always the deciding factor. The printed symbols specify the maximum temperature and the permitted program – anything above that is at your own risk. If you are unsure about the symbols, our post Understanding care symbols correctly will help you further.
Cotton molton and terry pads
Pure cotton pads are the most straightforward. They can generally withstand a high washing temperature, provided the label permits it. Use powdered all-purpose detergent – it contains bleaching agents and prevents greying. You should avoid fabric softener: It leaves a film on the fibers and reduces exactly the absorbency for which you bought the pad.
Wash the pad alone or with a light load if possible. A drum filled only two-thirds full washes noticeably more thoroughly and rinses out detergent residues better. You can find our uncoated models in the Molton Mattress Protectors collection.
Waterproof pads
Models with a waterproof layer require more care. Heat is the critical point here: Water that is too hot and, above all, drying that is too hot can damage the coating, making it brittle or causing it to peel. Stick to the temperature specified on the label, choose a program with a reduced spin speed, and do not use chlorine bleach. A liquid detergent without bleach is the safe choice here. The Waterproof Mattress Protection collection offers an overview of these models.
Nobby mattress protectors
Nobby protectors have a non-slip coating on the underside that keeps the protector in place. They also do not like high temperatures or heavy mechanical stress. Wash gently, spin moderately, and air dry. Read why these protectors are still a worthwhile purchase in the post Why a Nobby Mattress Protector Is Important.
Drying correctly – this determines the lifespan
Cotton pads can usually go in the dryer if the label permits; this even makes them softer and fluffier. Coated and nobby protectors, on the other hand, are best dried flat or hanging in the air. Important in both cases: The protector must be completely dry before it goes back on the bed. Residual moisture in the bed setup is the most common cause of a musty odor.
After washing, lay the protector flat on the mattress and only then pull the fitted sheet over it – this prevents creases from forming overnight.
How often should you wash?
As a rule of thumb, it has proven effective: every second or third change of bedding, but at least every two to three months. If you sweat heavily, have allergies, or allow pets in bed, wash more frequently. For stains, act quickly, pre-treat with cold water, and only then wash – this applies to the protector just as much as to your bedding.
Between washes, very little effort helps: turn back the duvet in the morning, ventilate briefly, and let the bed setup cool down. This allows the moisture released overnight to escape instead of remaining in the material.
Suitable protection for your bed
In our Mattress Protection collection, you will find molton pads, waterproof pads, terry mattress covers, and nobby protectors – made with the experience of a manufacturer that has been producing textiles for beds since 1932. We weave the Sleep & Protect molton mattress pads in our own weaving mill in Hamminkeln. Those who only want to protect the middle of the bed will find the right partial protection in the Bed Sheets with Pockets collection. To match, you will find the complete selection of bedding for every season. Shipping is always free, with no minimum order value.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature should I wash my mattress protector?
Pure cotton molton pads can generally withstand 60 °C, coated and waterproof models usually 40 to 60 °C with a reduced spin speed, and nobby protectors only the gentle program at a low temperature. The care label of your model always takes precedence over any rule of thumb.
Can I wash the mattress protector together with the bedding?
In principle, yes, if the colors and permitted temperature match. However, it is better to wash the protector alone: It is bulky and needs space in the drum so that water and detergent can reach everywhere.
Can I use fabric softener?
Better not. Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibers and reduces absorbency – exactly the property that makes a mattress protector. In coated models, it can additionally impair the functional layer.
What should I do if the protector still smells after washing?
Usually, residual moisture or a detergent residue is to blame. Wash it a second time without detergent with an additional rinse cycle and then dry the protector completely. If that does not help, it is worth taking a look at the washing machine itself: A cleaning cycle at a high temperature removes deposits in the drum.
