Even the best mattresses can have the occasional spill The answer depends on the type of mattress cover you have (as opposed to a washable mattress protector or cover) and the manufacturer's recommendations

Mattress covers can be fixed or removable However, Claire Davies, editor of Tom's Guide Sleep and certified sleep coach, recommends always following the manufacturer's guidelines Davies explains, "Tom's Guide strongly recommends not removing the mattress cover unless the manufacturer has clearly stated that it is safe to do so"

Removing the mattress cover against the manufacturer's guidelines not only damages the mattress and voids the warranty, but also puts the mattress at risk of touching the fiberglass We will discuss how these things happen in more detail later, but first let's see if the mattress cover can be removed and washed

The mattress cover here refers to the top layer of the mattress, which is usually made of breathable material and is used to wrap all the layers inside the mattress It is made of breathable material and is used to wrap the inside of the mattress It is part of the mattress and is not the same as a mattress cover or protector that is purchased to protect against bed bugs, spills, and stains [Mattress covers are made of a variety of materials, but polyester, organic cotton, cashmere, wool, and tencel are the most common High-end mattresses typically have organic covers with taped edges, while inexpensive mattresses often have polyester covers with zippers

Mattress covers are important to protect all internal layers from superficial damage

Whether you are trying to clean up after an accident or have just purchased a mattress, you may be wondering how best to clean it But how do you know if it is safe to remove the mattress cover?

"The easiest way is to look at the product description of the bed" If it says "removable cover," you can remove it and wash it," Davis says 'If it doesn't, leave it in place Some mattresses even have warning tags about removing the cover, and those beds are usually made of fiberglass (click here to learn how to tell if a mattress is made of fiberglass)"

It is important to check labels carefully (and never cut them off), as each mattress brand has different recommendations Davis continues, "For example, many Tempur-Pedic mattress covers can be removed, but the covers on Genus and Tuft & Needle mattresses should not" If you remove the cover, you risk damaging the fire barrier inside and voiding the mattress's warranty"

"Even mattresses that do not use fiberglass, such as Bear's, are not exempt here Manufacturers explicitly warn against removing the mattress cover because of the risk of damaging the material inside and exposing it to potential allergens"

Once removed for washing, mattress covers can be very difficult to put back on the mattress, especially if you have a large bed

If the label says it is safe, remove the mattress cover and wash it according to the manufacturer's guidelines Mold thrives in humid environments, so to prevent mold from growing in the mattress, allow the mattress cover to dry completely before putting it back on Depending on the size of your mattress, you may need help removing and replacing the cover [A protective layer between the sheets and the mattress will help keep the mattress clean

It is difficult to say whether the mattress is removable or not, as some mattress covers (confusingly) do not have a zipper closure Some mattress covers (confusingly) have zippers that can be opened and closed While it is tempting, never attempt to open the zipper unless the mattress manufacturer has explicitly stated that it is safe to do so

Removing a mattress cover that is not intended to be removed risks fiberglass splatter, which is not only time-consuming and expensive to clean, but can also irritate the skin and eyes

"Even if your mattress has a zippered cover, that doesn't necessarily mean you should remove it In fact, removing the cover from a mattress that contains fiberglass exposes your bedroom, your clothes (and potentially your entire home) to fiberglass" The only way to clean it up is to hire a professional cleaning service"

If the mattress cover cannot be removed, there are steps to cleaning the mattress First, remove and wash all bedding Next, vacuum the mattress This will help protect the mattress from bed bugs and dust mites [Next, wipe off any wet areas with paper towels and remove any stains with a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and laundry detergent Next, allow the mattress to dry naturally

However, memory foam mattresses require special care to avoid exposure to water and direct sunlight For more detailed advice, see How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress