The Top 2 Ways To Dry A Mattress Protector

Your mattress protector cannot function properly when moist. Learn why and how to dry that mattress protector to perfection!

A mattress protector can be sufficiently dried with a tumble dryer or air-dried.

A mattress protector that is still damp can invite mould into your bed. We explain the benefits of the two ways that are most used to dry mattress protectors.

The Top 2 Methods To Dry A Mattress Protector

When a mattress protector is dry and in great shape, it protects your mattress and you. Most people enjoy protection from allergens like dust and mites, which helps to control breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma. But a mattress protector that has moisture or dampness can develop mould, spread mould to the mattress, and aggravate breathing conditions.

The good news is that drying a mattress protector is quite easy. Here are the two most popular methods to parch that sheet!

Using a tumble dryer.
Allowing the mattress protector to air-dry.

Using A Tumble Dryer To Dry Your Mattress Protector

You might be wondering why you need to read this section at all. You know how to use your tumble dryer! Indeed, you do. But the chances are that you have a waterproof mattress protector and these sheets need extra care when they are washed and dried inside a tumbler.

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Wash The Protector At The Right Temperature

Always start by reading the manufacturer’s recommendations. It should all be on that little label sewn into the seam of your mattress protector. The label will suggest the perfect temperature. However, if the label says that you can wash the protector at 40 degrees Celsius then you have a problem. A temperature of 40 degrees Celsius is not hot enough to kill bacteria, germs, and other goobers.

Roughly 60 degrees Celsius is the bare limit that will destroy organisms but the ideal temperature is 90 degrees Celsius. If you are shopping for a new mattress protector or will in the future, avoid those that can only be washed at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.

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How To Tumble Dry A Waterproof Mattress Protector

If your mattress protector has any waterproof areas, then the temperature settings can only be low to medium heat. The sheet will take longer to dry but this is the only way to safely use a tumble dryer for waterproof materials. The latter risk being melted when the drum stops spinning and the material rests against the hot metal of the interior. But if you keep your tumble dryer’s settings on low to medium temperature, this scenario can be avoided.

That being said, do not leave your mattress protector inside the tumble dryer after the cycle has finished. For safety’s sake, remove it as soon as the cycle is over. The protector should be ready to be fitted on the bed after a few minutes of cooling.

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How To Air-Dry Your Mattress Protector

There are several ways you can air-dry your mattress protector. A lot of people love this because it costs nothing and there is no chance of damaging the mattress protector. As a bonus, all these methods are very easy!

Method 1: Hang The Mattress Protector On The Washing Line

This is the most popular option for many. You simply hang your newly-washed mattress protector on the washing line with the rest of the laundry and let nature do its work. A word of caution though. Try not to clamp the protector with too many clothing pegs. These areas will take longer to dry. You can check on the pegged areas after a while and move the pegs to another part of the protector to allow the clamped parts to dry as well.

Method 2: Use A Fan

This method is perfect for a rainy day or when the wind is too rough or dusty outside. You can use one fan or several fans indoors, it does not really matter.

The trick is to position the mattress protector in a way that allows for maximum airflow. In plain English that just means that the fan must be able to blow air under and over the mattress protector. For this reason, you might do better with two or more fans. However, if you have a ceiling fan you can use that with an additional ground fan as well.

You also need to check on the mattress protector a few times. As time goes by, feel where the dry spots are and where the wet areas remain. Re-position the fans or the mattress protector to dry the wet areas. This method takes a bit longer and requires more involvement from you than just hanging the protector on the laundry line. But it is quite effective if you must wash and dry your mattress protector on a rainy day.

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Method 3: Use A Hair Dryer

Hairdryers are not just for hair! These appliances are pretty useful for other stuff too. In the case of wet mattress protectors, they can help when the weather is bad and you do not have fans. (Read how you can blow dry your hair at home to look like you walked out of a salon).

Make sure that the mattress protector is as dry as possible. Gently squeeze or wring the mattress protector to remove as much water as possible. Once again, drape the sheet in a way that spreads it out. You can use a clothes stand or even the expandable washing line in the bathroom (if you have one of those).

Next, gently blow with the hairdryer on the mattress protector. Do not hold the nozzle too close to the sheet or it might damage the fabric. This is the most labour-intensive way to dry a mattress protector and should really just be used during an emergency – like maybe if the baby had a pee accident.

You can hurry the process along by opening a window in the room and inviting a draft. This is not always possible but if there is a draft, it will help to dry the mattress protector. You also do not have to stand there and buzz the protector for hours on end. Visit it a few times during the day and use the hairdryer, feeling with your fingers to find the moist areas.

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A Quick Summary On How To Dry A Mattress Protector

A clean mattress protector can safeguard a mattress and one’s health.
There are several effective methods to dry a mattress protector.
The first method is to dry the protector in the tumble dryer.
The second method includes several ways to air-dry the protector.
Air-drying can be done by hanging the protector on the laundry line and allowing the wind and air to dry the sheet, using fans or a hairdryer.