Caring for Your Latex Mattress Pad

Properly caring for your latex mattress pad extends the life of the pad significantly. There are several things you can do to keep your latex pad in good condition.

The benefits of maintaining your latex product include money saved and continued support and comfort for a longer period of time.

It's really quite easy to care for your latex pad by following a few simple steps.

Benefits of Latex Mattress Pads

Why are these pads so popular? They're manufactured from the same natural latex that latex mattresses are made from, but they're designed to cover your existing mattress in order to deliver some additional support.

Latex pads are fantastic for supporting the spine properly, alleviating painful pressure points, making your bed feel more plush, alleviating allergic reactions in some people, and providing a better night of sleep.

Additionally, latex mattress pads are naturally resistant to allergens, dust mites, mildew, and mold.

Tips for Caring for Your Latex Mattress Pad

• Vacuum the casing of the pad and the pad itself periodically with the small attachment to remove hair or dust that may have accumulated
  
  
• Cover the latex pad with a protective cover - this will protect it from food crumbs, pet hair, and other potential messes
  
  
• Avoid smoking in your bedroom so that the latex pad doesn't soak up the odor of cigarette smoke.
  
  
• Include flipping your mattress pad in your cleaning schedule - do this about twice a year so that the pad doesn't develop permanent indentations.
  
  
• Change your bedding weekly so that bodily oils don't have a chance to really get into the pad.
  
  
• Freshen your mattress pad with fabric conditioner or homemade citrus spray cleaner to help lift odors out
  
  
• Wash your mattress pad cover weekly or bi-weekly
  
  
• Caring for your latex mattress pad includes airing it out now and then. Roll it up carefully and take it outside in the shade to allow the air to freshen it naturally. Never put a latex product in direct sunlight.
  
  
• Keep pet odors from settling into your pad using baking soda. Sprinkle the pad with baking soda and use a brush with soft bristles to work the baking soda into the pad. Let it sit for about an hour and then vacuum it up.

Cleaning Your Latex Mattress Pad and Cover

Inevitably, at some point or another, your mattress pad will probably get stained from food, blood, or perhaps pet urine or throw up. Use these cleaning solutions to release the stains from your latex pad and cover.

Food Stains

Cascade dishwashing liquid is great for removing food stains on more than dishes! Mix a few drops of the liquid in a cup of warm water. Stir it together until you see bubbles. Don't saturate the pad, but using the bubbles and a brush with soft bristles, work at the stain. If the stain is stubborn, allow the solution to sit on the stain for up to 60 minutes.

Removing Blood Stains

Make a cleaning solution by mixing a 1:1 ratio of water and hydrogen peroxide together. Put the solution into a spray bottle and spray the bloodstain directly. Give the cleaner some time to work. If the blood isn't coming out, sprinkle a bit of salt on top of the stain and then dab the entire area with a clean white cloth or paper towel.

Urine, Mold, and Sweat Stains

We love our pets, but they too can have accidents. How many times do you fall into bed without taking a shower? Our body's oils and sweat can seep into our mattress cover and pad and create stains over time.

Remove stains from sweat, urine, and mold using the following cleaning solution: mix together 1 cup warm water, 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup vinegar. Using a clean white towel, apply the solution to the stain and let it work.

Dab at the area after about an hour to absorb the stain into a clean towel. Air out the pad if needed to remove extra moisture or use a hair dryer on a cool setting.

Washing the Mattress Pad Cover

Does caring for your latex mattress pad include tossing the cover into the washing machine? The answer is yes and no. Some manufacturers design their covers to be machine washable, but others will tell you not to put their covers into the wash because there is a good chance they'll shrink.

Check the instructions to see whether or not you can wash the cover or casing of your latex pad. When washing the cover isn't an option, air it out at the same time you air out the pad.

Some manufacturers will instruct you to wash the cover about once every 12 months. Never put it in the dryer however - always hang outside in the shade to dry after washing in cold water.

Why Caring for Your Latex Mattress Pad
Properly is Important

It is true that latex mattress pads or toppers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but taking proper care of them is the key to saving money and enjoying the support of a latex pad for a long time.

Some people think that just because a product is built to last that they don't have to maintain it or take very good care of it, but the truth is that the better care we take of our bedding, the better it will serve us.

Purchasing a latex mattress pad can be a bit expensive, but it's money well spent if you sleep more soundly and wake up with fewer aches and pains each morning. Taking care of your latex pad will ensure you won't have to make that investment again for some time.

Caring for your latex mattress pad isn't difficult at all! Simply include the cleaning and airing out of your pad into your regular cleaning schedule and it won't feel like you are doing any additional work.