How to Care for Mattress Protectors (and Keep Them Fresh for Longer)

February 17, 2026 Biome team

A mattress protector does a lot of quiet work — absorbing moisture, protecting your mattress and helping keep your sleep space cleaner.

With a few simple habits and the right products, you can keep your mattress protector fresh, breathable and working as it should — without harsh chemicals or unnecessary treatments.

Why caring for your mattress protector matters

Because it sits close to your body, a mattress protector collects sweat, body oils, skin cells and everyday moisture — even if spills never happen.

Regular care helps to:

maintain breathability and comfort
prevent odour and build-up
support sensitive skin and allergy routines
extend the life of both the protector and your mattress

Breathable organic cotton bedding is generally the easiest to care for. Natural fibres wash and dry well, stay soft over time, and respond beautifully to gentle detergents and oxygen bleach when needed.

Why mattress protectors can develop odour

If your mattress protector smells even after washing, you’re not imagining it. Over time, a few things can build up:

sweat and body oils
trapped moisture
detergent residue
fabric softener coating fibres
insufficient drying

When fibres aren’t properly cleaned or aired, a stale or musty smell can develop.

Adding heavy fragrance isn’t the answer. Synthetic scents can trap odour beneath them — and for some people, trigger headaches or skin irritation.

The real fix is simpler:

thorough washing at the right temperature
avoiding fabric softeners
using a clean-rinsing detergent
occasional oxygen bleach for deeper refresh
proper airflow during drying

When fibres can breathe and rinse cleanly, odours are far less likely to linger.

How to wash a mattress protector properly

How often?
Every 2–4 weeks for most adults. Wash more often for children, allergies, night sweats or pets — and immediately after spills or accidents. Because it sits directly under your sheets, a mattress protector benefits from more regular washing than doonas or blankets.

Before first use

It’s worth washing your mattress protector before putting it on the bed. For natural fibres like organic cotton, an initial wash improves absorbency, softens the fabric and removes any residual processing dust from manufacturing and packaging.

Always check the care label for specific temperature or drying guidance.

Note: Organic cotton mattress protectors are intentionally made slightly oversized. One or two washes allow the fibres to relax and shrink gently into their correct fit, improving comfort and long-term performance.

Ongoing care

Wash gently, at a moderate temperature
Most organic cotton and quilted protectors wash well on a gentle or normal cycle at 20–40°C — warm enough to remove sweat and everyday build-up while protecting fibres and conserving energy. If your protector includes a waterproof backing, double-check the label before washing at higher temperatures.
Skip fabric softener
Fabric softeners coat fibres, reducing absorbency, trapping odours and interfering with breathability. If softness is the goal, gentle washing and good airflow during drying usually achieve better results.
Choose gentle, low-residue cleaners
Simpler, low-residue formulas are often better tolerated — particularly for sensitive sleepers — and help maintain absorbency, softness and performance over time. They also prevent build-up that can make fabrics feel heavy or less breathable.

For everyday washing, a concentrated laundry bar like The Biome Laundry Bar or low-residue detergent works beautifully.

For occasional deeper cleans — particularly if you’re lifting sweat marks or lingering odours — oxygen bleach can refresh cotton fibres without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

Wash with similar items
Avoid washing protectors with heavy towels or items with zips, hooks or velcro. These can stress seams, flatten quilting and shorten fabric life.

In most cases, gentle cycles, moderate temperatures and simple products are all you need.

How to dry a mattress protector

Line dry where possible for best results. Fresh air and sunlight help fabrics dry evenly and maintain their softness.
Low tumble dry (if permitted on the label) rather than high heat. Excessive heat can stiffen fibres and, in some cases, damage waterproof layers.
If tumble drying, remove when around 85% dry and lay flat to finish drying — this helps minimise wrinkles and supports fabric longevity.
Avoid over-drying. Natural fibres like organic cotton respond best to a slower, gentler approach and soften beautifully over time.

If you’re hanging bedding outdoors, stainless steel pegs are a thoughtful option — they won’t rust, stain or leave marks on lighter fabrics.

Keeping mattress protectors fresh between washes

air the bed each morning before making it
rotate between two protectors if possible
use a light linen or bedding spray to refresh between washes

A breathable sleep setup — including organic cotton mattress protectors and organic cotton bedding — allows moisture to disperse more easily, reducing lingering smells.