People are only just realising how often they should be cleaning their mattress protector.
The often-neglected part of bedding requires regular cleaning, and experts at WinstonBeds are now highlighting the importance of frequent washes to enhance sleep hygiene.
While changing sheets is a staple in most cleaning routines, the mattress protector can be easily forgotten as it’s hidden under other layers and doesn’t directly touch the skin. Despite this, maintaining cleanliness is crucial, particularly for those with allergies or sensitive skin, as a clean mattress protector can prevent skin irritation.
WinstonsBeds’ mattress expert Rebecca Swain explained: “Mattress protectors often get neglected because people forget they’re there or they won’t fit in the washing machine with the rest of the bedding.
“Although protectors don’t need to be washed as often as your bedsheets, it’s still important to give them a good clean every other month to maintain your sleep hygiene.
“There are exceptions to this rule – if you’ve been ill, are struggling with allergies, allow pets in your bed or have had guests over, make sure to wash the protector more frequently.”
Rebecca’s bedding advice resonated with the online community, as one astonished X user shared: “I was today years old when I learned you should wash your mattress protector every two months. This will likely be life changing for my allergies.” In response, another user endorsed the use of an “allergy pillow case” as a “game changer”.
Rebecca added: “Not only does a clean mattress protector prevent bacteria from clinging to the bedsheets, but it also protects your mattress from damage.
“Considering the hefty investment that a mattress represents, protectors play a vital role in maintaining their condition. Yet, if your protector is laden with dirt, over time it can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the mattress beneath.”