Can You Wash A Purple Mattress Cover?
Cleaning a mattress involves jumping through all sorts of hoops. It’s not like you can just throw it in the washer. But what about the mattress cover? If it’s removable, it should be washable, right? Purple, one of the leading mattress companies in the United States, has something to say about that.
Purple does not recommend washing or drying the mattress cover. Instead, spot clean it with mild detergent or upholstery cleaner.
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Purple Mattresses
For over 20 years, Purple has been invested in your quality of sleep. Their specially formulated GelFlex Grid combines what many mattresses strive for but fall short of—softness AND firmness.
Made of “hyper-elastic material,” the Grid adapts as you move, offering support and reducing pressure where you need it. Physics makes it possible for the Grid to give way beneath your shoulders and hips while also supporting your back and legs.
And bonus—it whisks body heat away to keep you comfortable all night long. That’s because the Purple mattress is 80% air!
All of this awesomeness is under the cloak of a mattress cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains.
Mattress Cover vs. Mattress Protector
Let’s clear up the confusion right now. A mattress cover and a mattress protector are NOT the same things. While both of them do, in fact, cover the mattress, they serve different purposes. Some companies may use the terms interchangeably, but Purple does not.
SoftFlex Cover
There are three parts to a Purple mattress. The outermost layer is called the SoftFlex Cover. Beneath that is the 2-in Purple GelFlex Grid. Finally, you have Comfort Foam Layers.
The SoftFlex Cover is Purple’s version of a mattress cover. This soft knit cover is extremely stretchy and breathable to get the maximum benefits of the GelFlex Grid. The SoftFlex Cover encases the other parts of the mattress, making it the outermost layer and the part over which you put a fitted sheet.
Mattress Protector
A mattress protector would go on top of the SoftFlex cover. It serves as a protective barrier between the outermost layer of the mattress and a fitted sheet.
According to Purple, their mattress protector is machine-washable in cold water. It’s also safe to dry it on low heat. These are not the same care instructions for the SoftFlex mattress cover.
Purple Mattress Cover Care
The SoftFlex Cover has a zipper, which means it can be completely removed from the mattress itself. But its removability does not mean it’s washable.
The material is made with quite a bit of spandex, which doesn’t usually hold up well in washers and dryers. If washed and dried, the material would shrink, making it impossible to get back on the mattress. It would also lose a lot of its fluffiness in the process.
Therefore, Purple does not recommend putting the SoftFlex Cover in the washer or dryer. Instead, spot clean the cover with a mild detergent as you would with upholstery.
Keeping It Clean
On average, you should deep clean your mattress every 3 or 4 months. If you have pets or children, it’s best to clean the mattress more frequently. Try not to go longer than 6 months between cleanings. Here are some tips to keep your mattress clean outside of spot treatments.
- Change your sheets often. Like once a week.
- Use a mattress protector. Purple has one that’s waterproof!
- Vacuum your mattress with the upholstery attachment. If done on a regular basis, this gets rid of dirt, dust, and other allergens.
- Clean spills immediately. Doing this prevents spills from turning into stains.
- Use baking soda. Sprinkle this magic ingredient generously over the top of your mattress. Let it sit for several hours—the longer the better. Vacuum it up to remove odors, dirt, and residual moisture.
Removing Stains
Stains happen to the best of us. It’s entirely possible to miss a spill or another accident and have it turn into a stain. Luckily, it can usually be lifted!
- Choose the proper cleaner. Cleaners are formulated to treat specific types of stains, so you’ll want to pick one that works for you. For example, biological stains like blood and urine require an enzyme cleaner to break down the proteins. (DIY cleaner options include dish soap and water or equal parts cold water and hydrogen peroxide.)
- Blot the stain. Spray the cleaner onto a cloth—never directly onto the mattress—and blot the stain. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, take a clean, damp cloth or paper towel and blot some more. If the stain doesn’t lift, repeat this step with distilled white vinegar.
- Let it dry. Your mattress must dry completely before layering on a mattress protector and sheets. Otherwise, moisture could get trapped and turn into mold or mildew.
Related Questions
Do Purple mattresses get softer over time?
There is an adjustment period of about 21 days before users start feeling comfortable on a Purple mattress. It’s perfectly normal for your body to take a few weeks to adjust.
Are you supposed to rotate a Purple mattress?
One of the ways to keep a mattress fresh is by flipping it every so often. However, Purple mattresses are one-sided and should never be flipped. They can be rotated around every 3 months or as often as you like. Rotating isn’t necessary, though. The mattress materials are designed to withstand the same position for years.
Can you use regular sheets on a Purple mattress?
You can use regular sheets as long as they’re made from certain materials. In order to reap the effects of Purple’s breathability, you need sheets that allow for that. Sheets made from bamboo viscose and cotton should work fine.
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Summing It Up
The SoftFlex Cover, which creates the outermost layer of a Purple mattress, is not machine-washable. The best treatment for the mattress cover is to spot clean using mild detergent.
A Purple mattress protector, which is different from a mattress cover, is washer and dryer safe. Since the mattress cover can’t be washed, it’s good practice to use a mattress protector. Purple’s is waterproof!
Brigid Levi is a wife, mother, and freelance writer who enjoys a good DIY project and creating beautiful spaces within her home. From cleaning and organization hacks to home decor ideas, she loves helping people in their quest to turn a house into a home. Her hobbies include pretending to be Joanna Gaines while updating her home with her husband and performing in local theater productions.
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