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Yes, you should usually wash a mattress encasement before using it, as long as the care label allows machine washing. A first wash can remove packaging dust, loose fibers, and the “new fabric” smell that sometimes comes with bedding.
However, washing it first is not always required. If the manufacturer says it is ready to use, there is no noticeable odor, and you need to put it on the mattress right away, you can usually install it straight from the package.
Check the Care Label First
Before washing, read the sewn-in care label and the current product instructions. Mattress encasements can be made from very different materials.
Some have:
- Waterproof backing
- Stretch-knit sides
- Coated fabric
- Padded surfaces
- Special zipper closures
- Hook-and-loop zipper covers
These parts may react badly to high heat, bleach, fabric softener, or rough wash cycles. A wash method that is fine for cotton sheets may damage a waterproof encasement.
The care label should tell you:
- Whether the encasement is machine washable
- Which water temperature to use
- Whether bleach is allowed
- Whether it can go in the dryer
- Which dryer temperature is safe
- Whether it must be air-dried
Follow those instructions even when they differ from general bedding advice.
Why Wash a New Mattress Encasement?
A new encasement is not necessarily dirty, but it may have picked up dust or odors during manufacturing, storage, shipping, and packaging.
Washing can remove packaging odor
Waterproof or coated bedding sometimes has a noticeable smell when first opened. A wash may help remove it.
If the care label says not to wash before use, you can unzip the encasement and let it air out in a clean, dry room. Keep it away from direct heat unless the manufacturer says heat is safe.
Washing can remove loose lint
Some fabric surfaces shed a small amount of lint when new. Washing the encasement separately can keep that lint away from your sheets and other laundry.
Washing gives you a clean starting point
A first wash can be useful when preparing:
- A guest room
- A dorm bed
- A child’s mattress
- A rental bedroom
- An RV bed
- A mattress stored for a move
- A pet-friendly bedroom
It also lets you learn how the encasement handles washing before it is placed on the mattress.
When You May Want to Use It Without Washing
There are a few cases when putting the encasement on immediately may make more sense.
The manufacturer says it is ready to use
Some encasements are designed to be installed directly from the package. If the product instructions clearly say no prewashing is needed, washing is optional.
The encasement is difficult to reinstall
A full mattress encasement covers all six sides of the mattress. Unlike a fitted mattress protector, it must be unzipped, pulled over the mattress, and zipped closed.
On a large or heavy mattress, removing and reinstalling it can take two people. If the encasement is clean, odor-free, and approved for immediate use, skipping the first wash may save you from doing the installation twice.
You need to enclose the mattress right away
If you are using the encasement as part of a bed bug management plan, you may need to install it promptly. Do not delay installation simply to wash it unless the manufacturer or a qualified pest professional tells you to do so.
A mattress encasement alone should not be treated as a complete pest-control method. Follow the product instructions and any guidance from a licensed pest-control professional. Do not remove an installed encasement during an active treatment plan unless you have been told it is safe to do so.
The label warns against washing before installation
A small number of products may have special setup instructions. Follow the exact order provided by the manufacturer.
How to Wash a Mattress Encasement Before Use
If the care label allows washing, use a gentle approach. Waterproof layers and zipper seams can be damaged by aggressive laundry habits.
1. Close the zipper
Zip the encasement before washing unless the care label says otherwise. Closing the zipper can help prevent the zipper teeth from catching on other items.
If the encasement has a zipper cover or hook-and-loop tab, fasten it as well.
Do not force a zipper that is stuck. Check for folded fabric caught in the teeth.
2. Wash it separately
A mattress encasement can be large and bulky, especially in queen, king, or California king sizes. Washing it alone gives it more room to move and rinse.
Avoid washing it with:
- Towels
- Blankets
- Clothing with hooks or zippers
- Rough pet bedding
- Items that shed heavy lint
Towels can rub against waterproof coatings and leave lint on stretchy fabric.
3. Use a mild detergent
Use a small amount of regular mild laundry detergent. Too much detergent may be difficult to rinse from a large encasement.
Avoid using extra detergent just because the item is bulky. More soap does not automatically mean cleaner bedding.
Unless the care label specifically allows them, avoid:
- Chlorine bleach
- Oxygen bleach
- Fabric softener
- Scent boosters
- Dryer sheets
- Strong stain removers
- Laundry sanitizer
Fabric softener can leave a coating on fabric and may affect some waterproof materials. Bleach and sanitizing products can weaken certain coatings, seams, or elastic areas.
4. Choose the recommended water temperature
Cool or warm water is common for mattress encasements, but the care label is the deciding factor.
Do not use hot water unless the manufacturer allows it. High heat can damage waterproof backing, shrink fabric, or change the fit.
This matters with deep mattresses. Even a small amount of shrinkage can make an already snug encasement harder to install.
5. Use a gentle cycle
A gentle or delicate cycle reduces pulling on the seams and zipper.
Make sure the washer has enough room for the encasement to move. Stuffing a king-size encasement into a small machine may lead to poor rinsing and heavy strain on the fabric.
If it does not fit loosely in your washer, use a larger suitable machine or follow the manufacturer’s alternative cleaning instructions.
6. Dry it exactly as directed
Check the care label before putting the encasement in the dryer.
Depending on the materials, the label may recommend:
- Tumble drying on low
- Tumble drying with no heat
- Air-drying
- Line-drying
- Laying the encasement flat
High dryer heat is one of the easiest ways to damage a waterproof layer. It can also cause shrinkage or make the coating feel stiff.
If air-drying, open the encasement fully so air can reach the inside and outside. Turn it partway through drying if needed.
A [mattress encasement](/best-mattress-encasements/) covers the entire mattress, including the top, bottom, and all four sides.
Do not install it while it is damp.
Make Sure It Is Fully Dry
A mattress encasement must be completely dry before it goes on the bed. Damp fabric trapped around a mattress may create odor and moisture problems.
Check these areas carefully:
- Inside corners
- Zipper tape
- Folded seams
- Waterproof backing
- Thick padded sections
- The area under the zipper cover
The outside may feel dry while moisture remains inside the folds.
Allow extra drying time for padded encasements and large sizes. A king encasement may take much longer to air-dry than a pillow protector.
How to Put the Encasement on the Mattress
Installing an encasement is easier when the bed is cleared and you have enough space to move around it.
Remove the bedding
Take off the sheets, blankets, mattress pad, topper, and existing protector.
An encasement normally goes directly over the mattress. A topper can usually be placed above it unless the product instructions say otherwise.
Check the mattress depth
Mattress depth is the height from the bottom edge to the top surface. Measure the mattress itself, including any permanently attached pillow top.
Do not include a removable topper unless you plan to place the topper inside the encasement.
Choose an encasement with a depth range that fits your mattress. An encasement that is too shallow may strain the zipper. One that is much too deep may bunch under the sheets.
Ask for help with large mattresses
A full, queen, king, or California king mattress can be difficult to handle alone. One person can support or lift the mattress while the other guides the encasement over it.
Avoid dragging the zipper or waterproof fabric across a rough bed frame.
Work slowly around the corners
Pull the encasement on a little at a time. Do not yank one side while the other side is caught under the mattress.
Keep the zipper open until the encasement is positioned correctly. Before closing it, smooth out twisted fabric and check that the seams sit near the mattress edges.
Do not force the zipper
Bring the two sides of the zipper together before pulling the slider. If you have to pull hard, stop and check the fit.
Forcing the zipper may damage:
- Zipper teeth
- Seams
- Waterproof backing
- The zipper slider
- The fabric beside the closure
Once closed, secure any zipper flap or locking feature according to the product instructions.
Should You Put a Mattress Protector Over an Encasement?
Using a washable mattress protector over an encasement can make routine laundry easier.
A mattress encasement surrounds the entire mattress and is often awkward to remove. A fitted protector covers the top and sides like a fitted sheet. It can usually be removed more quickly after spills, sweating, pet accidents, or guest stays.
A practical layering order is:
- Mattress
- Mattress encasement
- Removable topper, if used
- Fitted mattress protector
- Fitted sheet
- Other bedding
Check the instructions for your topper, protector, and encasement because some products recommend a different order.
This setup can be especially useful for:
- Kids’ beds
- Guest rooms
- Shared beds
- Pet-friendly homes
- Dorm rooms
- Short-term rentals
- Mattresses that are hard to lift
The fitted protector handles regular washing, while the encasement can stay in place longer.
How Often Should You Wash the Encasement?
There is no single schedule that works for every product or bedroom.
If a separate fitted protector is used on top, the encasement may not need frequent washing. Clean it when required by the care label, after a spill reaches it, or when it becomes visibly soiled.
You may need to clean it sooner when:
- A drink leaks through the top layers
- Pet hair collects around the zipper
- Dust builds up during storage
- The encasement develops an odor
- The bed is being prepared for a new guest
- The manufacturer recommends a regular washing schedule
Frequent washing can place extra wear on waterproof coatings, seams, and zippers. It is usually better to wash the easy-to-remove protector and sheets more often than the full encasement.
If the encasement is being used during a pest-management plan, do not remove or wash it without checking the product guidance and treatment instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using high heat
Hot water and high dryer heat can shrink fabric or damage waterproof materials. Always check the care label before using heat.
Washing it with rough items
Towels, clothing hardware, and heavy blankets may rub against the coating or snag the zipper.
Adding too much detergent
Large bedding can hold soap in its folds. Use a modest amount and make sure it rinses well.
Installing it while damp
Even slightly damp corners can stay trapped against the mattress.
Pulling on the zipper to improve the fit
The zipper should close without acting like a winch. If the fabric cannot meet comfortably, the encasement may be the wrong size or depth.
Removing it too often
A full encasement is not as convenient to wash as a fitted protector. Repeated removal can place unnecessary stress on the zipper and seams.
Assuming every encasement has the same care rules
A cotton-rich encasement may have very different instructions from a waterproof polyester model. Always use the directions for the exact product you own.
The Practical Choice
Wash a new mattress encasement before use when the care label permits it and you want to remove packaging dust, loose lint, or odor. Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, and the recommended drying method.
You can usually skip the first wash when the encasement is clean, odor-free, labeled as ready to use, or needs to be installed immediately. In every case, the product’s care instructions should take priority.
For easier upkeep, consider placing a removable fitted mattress protector over the encasement. It is much simpler to wash after everyday spills and laundry-day mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a mattress encasement straight from the package?
Yes, you can often use it straight from the package if the manufacturer says it is ready to use and it has no strong odor or visible dirt. Washing first is still helpful when the care label allows it.
Will washing a mattress encasement ruin the waterproof layer?
It should not when you follow the care label. Hot water, high dryer heat, bleach, fabric softener, and harsh wash cycles may damage some waterproof layers.
Should I zip a mattress encasement before washing it?
Usually, yes. Closing the zipper can help protect the zipper teeth and reduce snagging. Follow the product instructions if they recommend a different method.
Can I put a mattress encasement in the dryer?
Only if the care label says dryer use is allowed. Many encasements require low heat, no heat, or air-drying because high heat may harm the waterproof backing.
Should I wash a bed bug mattress encasement before installing it?
Check the product instructions first. If the encasement is part of an active bed bug treatment plan, prompt installation may be more important than prewashing. Follow guidance from the manufacturer and a qualified pest-control professional.
How often should a mattress encasement be washed?
Wash it when it becomes soiled or as directed by the manufacturer. Using a removable fitted protector over it can reduce how often the full encasement needs to be removed and cleaned.
Can I use fabric softener on a mattress encasement?
It is usually best to avoid fabric softener unless the care label specifically allows it. Fabric softener may leave residue and can affect some waterproof coatings.
Does a mattress encasement go under or over a mattress topper?
In many setups, the encasement goes directly over the mattress, and the removable topper sits above it. Check the instructions for both products because fit and layering recommendations can vary.
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