You finally got a good night's sleep — cooler, softer, and more comfortable than you've felt in months. Then you spill your morning coffee reaching for your phone, or your dog decides the bed is their personal napping spot, and suddenly you're staring at your TexArtist TexArtist mattress pad wondering: can I actually wash this thing?
Good news: yes, you absolutely can. The TexArtist mattress pad is machine-washable, but there are a few details worth knowing before you toss it in and hit start. Get it wrong and you risk clumping the 4D spiral fiber fill or shrinking the deep-pocket fit. Get it right and your pad comes out fresh, fluffy, and ready for another few months of better sleep.
What Makes the TexArtist Mattress Pad Different to Wash
Before you dig into the TexArtist mattress pad care instructions, it helps to understand what you're actually washing. The TexArtist TexArtist pad uses a 4D spiral fiber fill — that's the reason it feels so lofty and cloud-like compared to a flat quilted pad.
That fill is more sensitive to heat and agitation than a basic cotton topper. It can mat down or clump if you wash it wrong, which defeats the whole purpose. The other thing to know: this pad has deep pockets designed to fit mattresses up to 21 inches. That means more fabric, more weight when wet, and a longer dry time than a thinner pad.
Quick specs to keep in mind: - Fill type: 4D spiral fiber (similar to down-alternative) - Pocket depth: up to 21 inches - Machine washable: yes - Dryer safe: yes, on low
How to Wash Your TexArtist Mattress Pad: Step-by-Step
Here's the straightforward process for how to clean a mattress pad without losing the fluff.
Before washing: 1. Remove the pad from your bed and shake it out outdoors if possible — this loosens dust and debris before it hits the water. 2. Check for any visible stains and spot-treat them first (more on that below). 3. Make sure your washing machine can handle the load. A front-loading or high-efficiency top-loader with no center agitator works best. A standard top-loader with an agitator can damage the fill over time.
Washing: 1. Place the pad in the machine alone — don't stuff other items in with it. 2. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water (max 86°F / 30°C). Hot water can break down the fiber fill and cause shrinkage. 3. Add a mild liquid detergent — about half the amount you'd use for a normal load. Powder detergents can leave residue in the thick fill. 4. Skip the fabric softener entirely. It coats the fibers and reduces their ability to bounce back, making your pad feel flat over time. 5. Run an extra rinse cycle if your machine offers it. This ensures all detergent washes out of the thick fill.
Pro tip: Add two clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the wash cycle. They help agitate the fill evenly so it doesn't bunch to one side.
Drying the TexArtist Mattress Pad Correctly
This step is where most people go wrong. Rushing the dry or using high heat is the fastest way to ruin a perfectly good mattress pad.
Drying instructions: 1. Transfer the pad to the dryer immediately after washing — letting it sit wet encourages mildew. 2. Set the dryer to low heat. High heat can melt or mat the spiral fiber fill permanently. 3. Toss in 2-3 dryer balls (or clean tennis balls). These are essential — they keep the fill moving so it dries evenly and fluffs back up. 4. Run the dryer for 60-90 minutes, then pause and pull the pad out. Fluff it by hand and redistribute the fill if any areas feel clumped. 5. Put it back in for another 30-60 minutes until completely dry. The center should feel dry to the touch, not just the edges.
Pro tip: If it's a warm day, finish the drying on a flat surface in the sun for 30 minutes. Fresh air and sunlight are great for fluffiness and help eliminate any lingering odors naturally.
Important: Never store or put the pad back on your bed if it's still damp inside. It may feel dry on the outside while moisture is trapped in the fill — that's how mold starts.
Spot-Treating Stains on Your Mattress Pad
For fresh spills or targeted stains, you don't always need to run a full wash cycle. Knowing how to clean a mattress pad spot-by-spot saves time and extends the life of the fabric.
For liquid spills (coffee, juice, sweat): - Blot immediately with a clean cloth — don't rub, which spreads the stain. - Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of cold water. - Dab the solution onto the stain with a cloth, working from the outside in. - Blot dry with a clean towel, then allow to air dry fully before remaking the bed.
For tougher stains (blood, pet accidents): - Use cold water only — hot water sets protein-based stains permanently. - Apply a small amount of enzyme-based cleaner (like an OxiClean spray) directly to the area. - Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot clean. - Allow to air dry completely.
Pro tip: For odor control between washes, lightly spray the pad with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, then let it air dry. It deodorizes without chemicals and won't affect the fill.
How Often Should You Wash Your TexArtist Mattress Pad?
Most people wash their mattress pad far less often than they should. Here's a practical washing schedule based on how you use it:
| Situation | Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Regular use, no pets or allergies | Every 1-2 months |
| Hot sleeper / heavy sweater | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Pets sleep on the bed | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Illness or allergies | Immediately after, then monthly |
| Visible stain or spill | Immediately |
Between washes, extend freshness by using a fitted sheet over the pad and rotating it 180° every month or so to even out wear.
FAQ: TexArtist Mattress Pad Care Instructions
Q: Can I wash the TexArtist mattress pad in a top-loading washer with an agitator?
You can, but it's not ideal. The center agitator can stress the fill and the stitching over time. If that's your only option, use the gentlest cycle available and check the pad afterward for any areas where the fill has shifted.
Q: My mattress pad came out lumpy after washing — what happened?
The fill likely clumped because it wasn't dried long enough or without dryer balls. Put it back in the dryer on low heat with 2-3 dryer balls and run it for another 45-60 minutes, pulling it out every 20 minutes to fluff by hand. It should recover.
Q: Can I dry clean the TexArtist mattress pad?
No. Dry cleaning chemicals can damage the synthetic fiber fill. Stick to machine washing with cold or warm water and a mild detergent.
Q: How do I keep the mattress pad fitting my deep-pocket mattress after washing?
Wash in cold water and dry on low heat — both prevent shrinkage. The deep-pocket elastic should maintain its stretch with proper care. Avoid hot wash or high-heat drying cycles.
Q: Can I iron the TexArtist mattress pad?
No. The fiber fill is heat-sensitive and ironing will flatten or melt it. If there are wrinkles, toss it in the dryer on low for 15 minutes with a damp cloth — the steam will smooth things out naturally.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your TexArtist mattress pad is straightforward once you know the basics: cold or warm water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, low heat in the dryer, and dryer balls every time. Treat the fill with a little patience and it'll stay lofty and comfortable wash after wash.
If you're still shopping for a mattress pad that can actually handle regular washing without going flat, the TexArtist TexArtist pad is worth a look. The 4D spiral fiber fill, deep pockets, and all-season cooling make it one of the more practical options for hot sleepers who also want something easy to maintain.