You finally got a good night's sleep — and then you noticed the coffee spill, the pet accident, or the mysterious kid-related stain on your mattress protector. Now you're staring at your SafeRest and wondering: can I just throw this in the washing machine, or am I about to ruin a perfectly good protector?

Good news: washing your SafeRest mattress protector is straightforward, and doing it right keeps the waterproof membrane intact for years. Follow this guide and you'll have a fresh, fully functional protector back on your bed in a few hours.

Can You Machine Wash a SafeRest Mattress Protector?

Yes, absolutely. SafeRest mattress protectors are designed to be machine washable, and regular washing is recommended — not just okay. The soft cotton terry surface handles laundering well, and the vinyl-free waterproof backing stays intact when you follow the care guidelines.

The key is using the right settings. High heat is the enemy of the waterproof membrane, so a few small adjustments to your normal laundry routine make all the difference.

SafeRest Washing Instructions: Step by Step

Before anything hits the machine, do a quick check. Shake off loose debris outside, and pre-treat any heavy stains with a mild stain remover — let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.

Machine wash settings: - Water temperature: Cold or warm (up to 105°F / 40°C). Never hot. - Cycle: Gentle or delicate - Detergent: A small amount of mild liquid detergent — skip powder detergents, which can leave residue in the waterproof layer - Bleach: Avoid chlorine bleach. If you need to sanitize, oxygen-based bleach is safe in small amounts. - Fabric softener: Do not use it. Softeners coat the cotton terry fibers and reduce the absorbency that makes the protector work.

Pro tip: Wash your SafeRest protector alone or with light items like sheets. Heavy items like jeans or towels can be abrasive against the waterproof backing.

How to Dry Your SafeRest Mattress Protector

Drying is where most people accidentally damage their mattress protector. The waterproof membrane — the layer doing all the actual protecting — is heat-sensitive. Too much heat causes it to crack, delaminate, or stop repelling liquid entirely.

Dryer settings: 1. Use low heat only 2. Tumble dry on a low or delicate cycle 3. Dry time is typically 45-60 minutes on low heat 4. Check partway through — if the surface feels dry but the backing still feels damp, add another 10-15 minutes on low

Air drying is the gentlest option if you have time. Lay it flat or hang it over a drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Full air-dry time runs 2-4 hours depending on humidity.

Pro tip: Never iron your SafeRest protector and don't dry clean it. Both will destroy the waterproof layer.

How Often Should You Wash It?

For most households, washing every 1-2 months is sufficient for general maintenance. But your situation may call for more frequent washing:

  • Pets on the bed: Wash every 2-4 weeks to manage dander and odors
  • Young children: After any accident, wash immediately — don't let urine or liquid sit
  • Allergy or asthma sufferers: Monthly washing removes dust mite allergens effectively
  • Heavy sweaters: Every 3-4 weeks keeps the cotton terry fresh and odor-free

If you see a visible stain or notice any smell, wash it sooner rather than later. Dried stains are harder to remove and can set into the terry fabric.

Dealing With Stains and Odors

For fresh spills, act fast. Blot (don't rub) the liquid with a clean cloth before it soaks through, then toss the protector in the wash within an hour if possible.

For urine stains: - Pre-soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes before washing - Add a half cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle — it neutralizes odor without damaging the membrane - Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water

For blood stains: - Always use cold water — hot water sets blood stains permanently - Apply a paste of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water before machine washing

For mold or mildew smell: - Add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle alongside your detergent - Make sure the protector is completely dry before putting it back on the mattress — putting it on damp is how mildew starts

Pro tip: If your SafeRest mattress protector develops a persistent smell that won't wash out, check that you're drying it fully every time. Trapped moisture between the mattress and a damp protector is usually the culprit.

FAQ

Q: Will washing my SafeRest mattress protector ruin the waterproofing?

Not if you follow the care instructions. The waterproof backing is durable through repeated washing at the right temperature and heat settings. What damages it is high heat — hot water washing or high-heat drying. Stick to cold or warm water and low-heat drying, and the membrane will stay intact through years of regular washing.

Q: Can I use fabric softener on my SafeRest mattress protector?

No. Fabric softener coats the fibers and gradually breaks down both the absorbency of the cotton terry surface and the performance of the waterproof layer. Skip it entirely. If you want a softer feel, make sure you're not over-drying it — taking it out while still slightly warm helps.

Q: How do I know if the waterproofing has worn out?

The easiest test: sprinkle a few tablespoons of water on the surface and watch what happens. If the water beads up and rolls off, you're good. If it soaks through within a minute or two, the membrane has degraded. At that point, it's worth replacing — SafeRest's 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, so check if your protector qualifies.

Q: My SafeRest protector makes a crinkling noise. Is that normal?

A slight sound from a new protector is normal as the materials settle. If it's noticeably loud or uncomfortable, make sure you've washed and dried it at least once — this softens the cotton terry and relaxes the backing. If crinkling persists after washing, the backing may have been exposed to too much heat at some point.

Q: Can I wash a SafeRest protector in a top-loading machine with an agitator?

Yes, but with a caveat. Agitator machines are harder on fabrics than front-loaders. Use the delicate cycle and don't overload the machine. If the protector wraps around the agitator, it can stress the seams. If you have the option, a front-loader or a top-loader without a central agitator is gentler.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Working

Washing your SafeRest mattress protector doesn't require any special products or complicated steps — just cool water, gentle detergent, and low heat in the dryer. Do it regularly and you'll extend the life of both the protector and the mattress underneath it.

A clean protector means fewer allergens in your bedroom, a fresh-smelling bed, and continued protection against spills and accidents. That's the whole point of having one.

If you're still using an older protector that doesn't wash well or has lost its waterproofing, it might be time for an upgrade. The SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector fits mattresses from 6-22" deep, uses a soft cotton terry surface that gets more comfortable with each wash, and is backed by a 10-year warranty. If you're ready for a replacement, it's a great option.