Even if your egg crate mattress pad does not smell bad, it does not mean there are no bacteria or germs living in the porous material. Knowing how to clean your mattress pad will help ensure you and your bedsheets stay clean.
Some types of foam are resistant to bacteria but most of the egg crate mattress foam pads can get a little funky after constant use. Skin cells, sweat, and various other allergens can eventually settle into the pits and grooves of your egg crate pads.
You can keep your mattress pad clean and fresh-smelling without chemicals with regular cleaning. It is easy to clean with a spray formula of baking soda, lemon juice and water.
How to clean:
• Remove all sheets from the bed.
• Mix water, baking soda and lemon juice in spray bottle.
• Spray it over the entire surface of the mattress pad.
• Allow to soak for an hour.
• Allow to dry until completely dry.
It is important not to dry the pad in the dryer as the heat will cause the foam to melt. Simply hang it from or drape it over a clothesline on a warm, windy day and allow it to dry. While sunlight will help to dry the pad, indirect sunlight is better.
Be sure the egg crate foam pad is completely dry before covering so there is no risk of mold or mildew forming in the foam. Leave it for several hours and make sure you do not see any signs of discoloration, deterioration or anything else that looks suspicious.
Because the foam used for most egg crate pads is delicate and prone to tearing, you will want to treat it gently and with care throughout the cleaning process.
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Professional vs. DIY Mattress Cleaning
While regular DIY cleaning is essential for mattress maintenance, professional deep cleaning offers benefits that home methods cannot fully replicate. Professional mattress cleaning services typically use specialized equipment including UV sanitizers that kill bacteria and dust mites on contact, commercial-grade extraction systems that remove deeply embedded allergens and moisture, and professional-grade enzyme treatments for biological stains. The cost of professional cleaning ranges from $50-$150 depending on mattress size and service level, and scheduling this service annually — ideally in spring when seasonal allergens peak — can significantly improve both mattress hygiene and your sleep environment. For daily maintenance between professional cleanings, keep a waterproof mattress protector in place at all times, vacuum the mattress surface monthly, and address any spills or stains immediately before they set into the materials.
Preventing Common Mattress Problems
Prevention is always more effective and less costly than remediation when it comes to mattress care. A quality waterproof mattress protector is the single most important preventive investment, costing as little as $30-$50 but potentially saving hundreds by preserving your warranty coverage and preventing stains, moisture damage, and allergen accumulation. For households with young children or pets, consider a fully encasing protector that covers all six sides of the mattress rather than a standard fitted-sheet-style protector. Humidity control in the bedroom prevents mold and mildew growth inside the mattress — aim for indoor humidity levels between 30-50% using a dehumidifier in damp climates. Proper ventilation is also key: if your mattress sits on a solid platform, ensure it has ventilation holes, or switch to a slatted base that allows air to circulate beneath the mattress, preventing moisture from becoming trapped between the mattress and the support surface.
