Can Mattress Protectors Go in the Dryer?

Whether a mattress protector can go in the dryer depends entirely on the care label of your specific product. Many waterproof protectors tolerate LOW heat or DELICATE tumble drying, but some, including our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector, are line-dry only and should not be tumble dried at all; you can see the full care instructions in our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector care label details. Below we cover proper washing, when tumble drying is safe and when it isn't, air vs machine drying, signs of heat damage, and the exact care instructions for our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector.

Key Takeaways

• Always check your care label first: it overrides any generic advice and is the authoritative guide for your protector

• Our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector is line-dry only: per the official Koala care label, cold machine wash separately and line dry in shade; do not tumble dry

• Some mattress protectors tolerate LOW heat tumble drying, but never on high heat: polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) waterproof backings can crack, blister or delaminate above about 60°C

• Skip bleach and fabric softener on any waterproof mattress protector; softener coats the waterproof layer and reduces its water-repellence

• Air drying is safer for waterproof protectors and extends their life; hang on a clothes airer indoors or on a line in shade, not on a radiator or in direct sunlight

How to Wash a Mattress Protector

Wash a mattress protector by machine washing on a gentle cycle at 30 to 40°C with mild liquid detergent, no bleach, and no fabric softener. Wash separately from regular laundry to prevent zippers, buttons or other items from snagging the waterproof backing, and don't overload the machine because that stresses the waterproof seams and reduces cleaning effectiveness.

Step-by-step washing routine:

• Check the care label first: this overrides any general advice; each protector's care label is the authoritative guide

• Wash separately from regular laundry to protect the waterproof surface from zippers, buttons and other snag risks

• Water temperature: 30 to 40°C is the standard safe range; hotter water can damage the waterproof backing

• Detergent: mild liquid detergent; avoid powder detergents which can leave residue on the waterproof layer

• Avoid bleach: chlorine bleach degrades PU and TPU waterproof membranes

• Avoid fabric softener: softener coats the waterproof layer, reducing its water-repellence and trapping odours over time

• Gentle cycle: reduces mechanical stress on the seams and waterproof backing

• Don't overload the machine: a stuffed load reduces cleaning effectiveness and stresses the protector's seams

Wash frequency guidance: every 4 to 6 weeks under normal use, or more often if you have pets, kids, allergies, or hot sleepers.

Can Mattress Protectors Go in the Dryer?

Yes, most mattress protectors can go in the dryer on LOW heat or DELICATE setting, but never on high heat because that damages the waterproof backing. Waterproof polyurethane and TPU membranes start to break down above about 60°C, causing blistering, cracking, and delamination that permanently ruins the waterproofing. Even one high-heat cycle can cause damage that voids many manufacturer warranties.

Safe Tumble Dry Settings

• Setting: LOW HEAT or DELICATE (many machines label this "gentle" or "low temperature")

• Temperature: below 60°C; most low settings run 40 to 55°C

• Cycle: gentle or delicate cycle for reduced mechanical stress

• Timer: shorter cycles (20 to 30 minutes) rather than one long cycle

• Add wool dryer balls (not tennis balls, which can shed) to prevent the protector from bunching and improve airflow

• Check periodically during the cycle; remove when just dry, not over-dried

• Cool down phase: use the machine's cool-down or air-only phase at the end if available; this reduces heat exposure without adding drying time

Signs of Heat Damage (Blistering)

If a protector has been exposed to too much heat, look for these visible signs of damage:

• Bubbles or blisters on the waterproof surface (small raised bumps in the fabric)

• Cracking or peeling of the waterproof coating

• Delamination: the waterproof layer visibly separating from the fabric backing

• A plasticky smell after drying: indicates the membrane has partially melted

• Reduced waterproofing: water beads less effectively on the surface or soaks through in some areas

• Stiff or crinkly texture where the fabric was soft before

If you see any of these signs, the protector's waterproofing is compromised and it should be replaced. Some retailers may honour a warranty claim if heat damage occurred despite following the care label instructions; check your warranty terms.

How to Care for Your Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector

Our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector is line-dry only. Per the official Koala care label included with your protector, use a cold machine wash on a separate cycle and line dry in shade; do not tumble dry, do not bleach, do not use fabric softener, do not iron, and do not dry clean. These instructions apply to both the standard Great Barrier Mattress Protector and the Deep Fit Great Barrier Mattress Protector.

Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector care instructions (from the official care label):

• Wash before first use recommended

• Cold machine wash separately from regular laundry

• Do not bleach

• Do not use fabric softener

• Do not tumble dry

• Line dry in shade

• Dry thoroughly before reuse or storage

• Do not iron

• Do not dry clean

Verified Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector features that inform the care approach:

• Fabric: TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres with climate actions (a sustainable wood-derived fibre that stays cool and breathable)

• Backing: 100% Polyurethane (waterproof and stretchable, but sensitive to heat)

• Reverse side: Silicone print for grip on the mattress

• Treatment: Sanitized® antimicrobial treatment (which Koala notes supports lower washing temperatures and less frequent washing)

• Warranty: 1-year warranty (backed by our 120-day trial)

• Standard fit: designed to fit mattresses 23 to 29 cm high; the Deep Fit version is recommended for our Koala Luxe Mattress (31 cm) or any mattress over 30 cm

Why line-dry-only matters for the Great Barrier: the 100% polyurethane waterproof backing is heat-sensitive, and tumble drying, even on low heat, risks damaging the waterproof layer. The Sanitized® antimicrobial treatment also reduces the need for hot-water washes, so a cold wash paired with line drying keeps the protector fresher for longer while preserving the waterproof and antimicrobial properties.

If you follow these instructions and still experience an issue with your protector, our customer service team is available Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and weekends 9am to 5pm.

Air Drying vs Machine Drying

Air drying is safer for the waterproof backing and extends protector life, but takes longer. Machine drying on low heat is convenient and faster, but slightly reduces protector lifespan over years of repeat drying cycles. Here's how they compare.

Practical recommendation:

• Air dry when practical for the longest protector life; hang on a clothes airer indoors, laid flat if possible, or over a shower rod

• Never dry on a radiator or in direct sunlight; both damage the waterproof layer through concentrated heat or UV exposure

• Machine dry on low heat when needed for time, checking periodically to remove the protector as soon as it's just dry rather than over-dried

How to Make a Mattress Protector Last Longer

Extend the life of your mattress protector by washing only when needed, using mild detergent and gentle cycles, avoiding bleach and fabric softener, air drying when possible, and inspecting the waterproof layer regularly. A well-cared-for protector lasts 2 to 5 years; a poorly cared-for one can fail within 6 to 12 months.

Lifespan-extension checklist:

• Wash every 4 to 6 weeks under normal use; more often for pets, kids, or allergies

• Use mild, liquid detergent; skip bleach and fabric softener

• Wash separately from regular laundry to avoid snags on the waterproof surface

• Air dry when possible; use low-heat tumble dry only when air drying isn't practical

• Inspect the waterproof layer every 3 to 6 months for early signs of wear (bubbles, cracks, reduced water beading)

• Replace every 2 to 5 years depending on the protector's quality and frequency of use

• Use the protector at all times on the mattress rather than occasionally; this protects the mattress against oils, sweat, and stains that build up daily

Explore Our Waterproof Mattress Protector Range

Our Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protectors are designed to protect your mattress against spills, sweat, and everyday moisture, with TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric, a 100% polyurethane waterproof backing, and Sanitized® antimicrobial treatment. Backed by our 120-day trial and 1-year warranty. Both versions are cold machine wash and line dry in shade only per the official Koala care label. Explore the range:

• Koala Great Barrier Mattress Protector: our standard-depth waterproof mattress protector, designed to fit mattresses 23 to 29 cm high.

• Koala Deep Fit Great Barrier Mattress Protector: our deep-fit version, recommended for our Koala Luxe Mattress (31 cm) or any mattress over 30 cm.

Browse our full waterproof mattress protector range to find the right depth for your mattress, or explore our premium mattress range to pair with a matching protector.