Why is the inside of my bed cover flaking?Updated 8 months ago
Our Tough Ripstop covers are treated with a waterproof coating along the inner surface of their top and sides. This coating helps prevent moisture from leaking into the bed.* Much like any other waterproofing fabric treatment, this coating will start to wear out over time with regular use due to the constant flexing of the material that it is attached to, as well as the friction between it and the liner of the mattress.
When it starts to wear out, its grip on the fabric will weaken and you may start to see bits of it flaking and peeling. This does not affect the integrity of the cover itself, but you may see a decrease in water resistance in any areas that are starting to peel. While this particular coating cannot be restored, it is possible to protect the bed by applying a water-repellent restorer to the cover. There are many different products that can be used for this purpose, including ones that can be applied during a wash or sprayed on. Grangers and ReviveX are both popular options.
While it isn't possible to prevent the peeling from happening entirely, you can maximize its lifespan by spot cleaning the bed often and limiting the frequency that you machine wash the cover, washing only with cold water on a gentle cycle and always keeping the cover right-side out with zipper sealed shut, avoiding concentrated bleach and harsh detergents, air drying instead of machine drying, and keeping the bed out of direct sunlight as best as possible (heavy UV exposure can weaken the coating).
While it isn't necessary to replace the cover if just the inner coating is starting to wear out, we do sell covers by themselves if you do want a fresh one. You can find them here.
*Please note that our beds are not 100% waterproof, as the threading for the seams penetrates this coating and moisture can seep past the coating if the seams get too wet. The bottom of the bed and the closures are also not watertight. Bodily fluids like urine, vomit, and blood are capable of eating through the waterproof coating to reach the mattress, so any accidents should be wiped up ASAP.