How Long Do Mattress Protectors Last? Here's Some Tips to Get the Most out of Yours

Your mattress is the centrepiece of your bedroom, it's a beacon of light, a pillar of comfort, and a sanctum of solace.

A mattress is also very expensive, meaning you want to protect your investment as best as possible.

Mattress protectors are the perfect folly for keeping your mattress in pristine condition and extending it's lifespan.

But how long do mattress protectors last?

Are there things you can do to prolong the life of a waterproof mattress protector?

Well, read on, because although you can't buy a protect it from itself, there are things you can do to get maximum longevity out of it.

Do mattress protectors need to be replaced?

First and foremost, if you don't know what a mattress protector is - it's essentially what the name suggests; a protective mattress cover much like a fitted sheet that goes over the top and sides of your mattress, protecting it from spills, body oils, moisture, dust mites and basically anything else that get's spilt on your bed.

Now, unfortunately, a mattress protector won't last forever.

Why? Well, it's hard work being a mattress protector, they're like body guards that never go off duty, constantly working to conserve your mattress, keeping it clean and plump so you get a good night's sleep.

So you will need to replace it at some point, the question is, though, when?

How often should you replace your mattress protector?

The average mattress protector lasts roughly between one and two years.

Think about it, they're job is to accumulate all the dirties, from dead skin cells and dander, to body oils, cellular debris and other liquids. Eventually, the build up of all these substances becomes too much for your mattress's bodyguard.

Warning signs that you should replace it include:

• When open seams and tattered areas start to appear
• When stains build up and it starts to smell
• Your allergies start acting up or you have a runny nose

All of the above will occur over time, but you can prolong their arrival so to speak, by taking good care of your mattress protector.

How do you look after it you say?

You wash it of course!

How often should you wash a mattress protector?

How often you should wash it will depend on a number of things - who is using the bed and how often, the environmental conditions it is housed in and the manner in which it is used.

For example, a mattress protector that is slept on every night will need to be cleaned a lot more regularly than one on the guest bed that barely gets used once a month.

Take these considerations into account, and also as a general rule, please read the manufacturer's instructions.

The tips we're about to provide are based on widely approved techniques that we've tested for our bamboo protectors. So if you're using a different protector be sure to run your eyes over the provided washing instructions.

As a rule or thumb:

• Used every day - wash once a month
• Not used every day - wash every three to four months

Now, the process of cleaning a mattress protector is a pretty easy one so let's dive into it!

PSA: we'll keep it short and sweet, for a more conclusive guide jump on the above link!

How to clean by hand

STEP 1: Prepare the mattress protector by removing it and vacuuming it from top to bottom, sides included.

STEP 2: Spot clean the mattress protector using a spray bottle with cold or lukewarm water, and apply to the areas you want to clean. Sprinkle with baking soda and leave for a couple of hours.

STEP 3: Wipe away any excess and leave it to air-dry for 24 hours.

Whullah!

How to clean with a machine wash

STEP 1: Essentially the same as if you were washing by hand, prepare it for washing by vacuuming it and catching any bad spots that could do with a spot clean.

STEP 2: Put the mattress protector in a laundry bag.

STEP 3: Wash on a delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent for 15 minutes or until clean.

STEP 4: Air-dry the thing because using a tumble dryer has been known to cause shrinking!

Whullah!

Summary

Most mattress protectors will last you close to two years when looked after correctly.

Just remember to never use any harsh chemicals and avoid the tumble dry.

And with that, we'll leave you with this; beds need protection and a mattress protector offers some fantastic protective qualities, so if you don't have one already, get one.

Sources

• https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/916203-Mattress-protector-symbols-say-no-tumble-dry-would-you-risk
• https://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-often-to-replace-mattress-2017-9