Washing Waterproof Mattress Covers

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Forum -> Household Management -> Cleaning & Laundry

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 9:31 am

I used to have the mattress protectors that are just a huge plastic with a zipper and you stuff the mattress into it. It never needed to be washed, just wiped down. Problem: It tore very quickly and at that point wasn't protecting the mattress anymore.

So I bought a different, more expensive type of cover which is also waterproof but it's more like a regular mattress pad, meaning it has fabric on top of the plastic and fits onto the mattress like a sheet (it doesn't go under the mattress). This DOES need to be washed when it gets wet, dirty because of the fabric which is the first layer under the sheet. Problem: It can't be dried in the dryer.

So because it takes so long to hang-dry (because of all the layers), I've only washed it twice. Today I took it off to wash again and I'm seeing on the under-layer, like between the plastic and the fabric, lots of gray/black spots which look like mold. Sad

I'm assuming it happened from the water that remained logged in that space for so long while it dried.

1) Did anyone else have this happen?
2) What can I do to get it out? Simply washing won't do it because it's INSIDE.
3) Any way to prevent it from happening again?
4) Next time I buy mattress covers/protectors, what's the best one to buy that actually protects the mattress but isn't such a hassle to take care of?

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 9:37 am

I have the same thing you described and it takes about 3 hrs to dry when it is hung up. I never had the issue you described. just make sure its dry before putting on the mattress. cant answer about black dots. I also have a pad that is about a rectangle shape doesnt go on mattress like a sheet its just a peice you put on mattress and that is also very good and it can be dried in dryer. look in walmart, any health store that sells items for incontinence. or a medical supply store for elderly. good luck. it can be washed daily. that s what its made for

Iymnok

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 9:49 am

I'm get the cheapest ones. Basically a plastic sheet. I could wipe it down, I tape it when it rips then throw it out when it rips more. It can also be washed. I like that it's easy to put on and off and stays in place with the constant changing of the sheets of bedwetters.
The ones you describe I reserve for adults and older children. They should be washed semi-regularly. Though mine are one terry cloth layer, and one waterproof.

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:14 am

So I guess I spent money for a "better" thing that's not even better. Sourstix, can you link to the rectangular pad because it sounds like that's what I need.

Iymnok

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:18 am

Sounds like chux...

myself

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:21 am

I've been through a whole range too, pause. I now use a wipe-able sheet that seems to do the trick. I've never been happy with the pads as they move around and are then useless for the intended purpose.

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:30 am

Two ideas:

1. Search for "waterproof flannel pad" at baby-care or department stores. Similar to the item described above - easy to wash/dry and doesn't make the bed plasticky.

2. I have waterproof super-absorbent fitted mattress pads, which feel like regular mattress covers but are thicker. Also not plasticky. They do go in the dryer, but as they absorb huge amounts of water I dry them separately from the other laundry and they take a little longer in the dryer.

myself

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:33 am

cm wrote:

2. I have waterproof super-absorbent fitted mattress pads, which feel like regular mattress covers but are thicker. Also not plasticky. They do go in the dryer, but as they absorb huge amounts of water I dry them separately from the other laundry and they take a little longer in the dryer.

I've tried these several times and found that even though they could go in the dryer, the dryer made them tear quicker. Perhaps yours is fine, just thought putting my experience out there.

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:35 am

myself wrote:

Where did you get it? Can you post a link?

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:36 am

myself wrote:

I've tried these several times and found that even though they could go in the dryer, the dryer made them tear quicker. Perhaps yours is fine, just thought putting my experience out there.

I was actually thinking I should just put it into the dryer and see what happens even though the label with washing instructions says not to. But, like I said, it was expensive. I didn't want to ruin it. And now it's getting ruined from not being dry. Confused

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:37 am

Iymnok wrote:

Sounds like chux...

No, she wrote that it's washable and can be washed every day.

myself

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:38 am

I bought it from Amazon if I'm not mistaken but can't see the exact one now. It sounds similar to what lymnok uses.

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 10:42 am

myself wrote:

I bought it from Amazon if I'm not mistaken but can't see the exact one now. It sounds similar to what lymnok uses.

There are so many on Amazon that I'm getting dizzy! I wish I could see it before I buy.

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 3:14 pm

why dont you go by the one that has good reviews and looks like what you want?

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 3:52 pm

myself wrote:

I've tried these several times and found that even though they could go in the dryer, the dryer made them tear quicker. Perhaps yours is fine, just thought putting my experience out there.

Mine are fine, held up through daily washing during toilet training. Maybe a different brand?

amother

Forestgreen

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 4:16 pm

What about putting it in the dryer on lowest heat?

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Tue, Nov 10 2015, 4:20 pm

sourstix wrote:

why dont you go by the one that has good reviews and looks like what you want?

You're cute! How do I know that it looks like what I want? The pictures only show a package. I want to see the item itself!

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 7:55 pm

why do you need to see it? read the descriptions. look I hear ye. then you need to walk into the store. a medical supplies store I went to helped me with it. thats probably what you need. its hard shopping online I agree. thats why I dont buy online.

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 7:57 pm

I have a pad that I put on the mattress and it doesnt move around unlike what someone mentioned. it works beautifly. I change it everyday. aand I put it in the dryer. I can look up to see if I can find it online.

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 8:02 pm

just looke on amazon, its called sahara extra absorbent wahsable underpad. it looks the most similar to mine. it works for me. I wash it everday and I dry it everyday, I even paid the same.

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