Washer setting
What washer setting for a mattress protector?
Use a normal or gentle cycle with warm or cold water and mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener; both can degrade the waterproof membrane.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Cycle
Normal or gentle
Temperature
Warm or cold water
Spin
Medium spin
Care-label caveats
- High dryer heat is the most common way waterproof protectors get ruined; keep heat low or air dry.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener unless the care label allows them.
- Air dry vinyl-backed protectors instead of machine drying.
- Do not iron a waterproof protector.
- Let the protector dry completely before putting it back on the mattress.
FAQ
What washer setting should I use for a mattress protector?
Use a normal or gentle cycle with warm or cold water and mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener; both can degrade the waterproof membrane.
What temperature should I wash a mattress protector in?
Warm water cleans most mattress protectors well; use cold for delicate or older protectors. Avoid hot water unless the care label specifically allows it.