Consider how frequently one of your home’s most popular items is a memory foam pillow for your bed. It supports your head all year long during the cold of winter, the sweltering heat of summer, and late-night snacks and spills. No wonder its merits and requires a thorough cleaning.
And even though a memory foam pillow is protected by a pillowcase, which is frequently washed, the pillow still needs to be cleaned occasionally to keep a bed as clean as possible.
Here, we provide expert laundry advice on how to clean a memory foam pillow without destroying its filling.
What Is Memory Foam?
NASA initially created memory foam in the 1970s to help astronauts experience takeoff with less impact. Since then, pillows and mattresses are the most typical items made of memory foam.
A memory foam mattress has a top comfort layer made of memory foam and a support layer made of polyurethane, or poly-foam. Solid memory foam pieces or shredded memory foam can both be found in memory foam pillows.
How To Clean Memory Foam Pillow
Deodorize A Memory Foam Pillow
When a removable pillow cover is present, remove it as well. Then, wash the pillowcase and protective cover as directed on the care tag.
After placing the memory foam pillow on a flat surface, sprinkle baking soda evenly over one side of it. Allow it to sit for a minimum of 1-2 hours in the sun. Vacuum the pillow’s surface and get rid of the baking soda using the upholstery attachment. Continue on the opposite side of the pillow after flipping it over.
Spot Cleaning
Remove the pillowcase and the pillow cover to check for recent stains. Blot the stain with a dry, clean cloth or paper towel. To avoid any color bleeding onto the pillow when removing stains, avoid using dark-colored clothing.
Avoid rubbing the stain; it won’t go away and could end up spreading throughout the pillow if you do. Instead, use lifting motions with your hands. Continue doing this until the stain is mostly gone.
After treating older stains and removing any excess moisture from the pillow, create a stain remover solution by mixing mild detergent with warm water. Avoid using hot water because it will set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
A fresh, white cloth should be dipped into the solution and wrung out. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion starting at the stain’s edge and moving inward toward the stain’s center. Change to a clean section of the cloth as soon as the stain starts to adhere to it, then keep rubbing in a circular motion.
As long as the stain is present, keep doing this. To remove excess water, dip a fresh, clean cloth into clean, lukewarm water and wring it out. To get rid of any soap residue, dab the area that had previously been stained. Before using, let the pillow completely air dry.
Deep Cleaning
Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold water to treat tough stains, and combine with a small amount of mild detergent. Completely immerse the pillow, then gently squeeze the foam to let the soapy water seep into the pillow’s material and remove the stain. Don’t wring your memory foam pillow; doing so could harm the material.
Drain the bathtub or sink after the stain has been removed, then fill it with fresh, cold water. Submerge the pillow, then gently squeeze it until the water is clear. Squeeze the pillow lightly until the majority of the water is gone.
Roll the pillow up while gently squeezing it to continue removing the excess liquid. Place the pillow on a dry towel. This may need to be done a few times.
Lay a dry towel on top of the pillow after removing it from the damp towel. Before using, let the pillow air dry; this may take up to 24 hours, but you can hasten the process by blow-drying it with a hairdryer on the cool setting.
What To Avoid When Washing A Memory Foam Pillow
A memory foam pillow is simple to clean, but there are some things you should avoid if you want to make sure it lasts a long time and continues to function as it did before you washed it. Because memory foam is a delicate material, improper care could cause you to need a new pillow.
- To stop memory foam from degrading, stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach.
- Even if the washing machine has an agitator, never put a memory foam pillow in there unless instructed to. In the washer, the memory foam is harmed by the spin cycle’s excessive roughness.
- Unless otherwise instructed, avoid drying memory foam pillows in the dryer. The memory foam may melt in the dryer’s heat.
- Wringing the pillow can harm the memory foam, so avoid doing so.
- Avoid using hot water because it will set the stain rather than remove it.
- A memory foam pillow should never be used before it has dried completely. If the pillow is used before it has completely dried out, the moist interior is the ideal habitat for mold and mildew.
How Often Should I Clean My Memory Foam Pillow?
We’ve already discussed how frequently you should change your pillowcases. How frequently should the pillow itself be cleaned, though? You should thoroughly clean your memory foam pillows if you or a loved one has recently been ill. Otherwise, washing your pillows every two months is advised. Why not add some baking soda to your memory foam pillow when you change your bed linens and leave it in the sun for a few hours while the rest of the laundry is running through the washer? Injurious dust mites that live on surfaces can be captured by frequent vacuuming. Your pillow can be revitalized, absorb odors, and feel fresh with the help of sunlight and baking soda!
How Often Should I Replace My Memory Foam Pillow?
Every six months, you should replace a typical, inexpensive polyester pillow. Even though a memory foam pillow lasts much longer than a traditional pillow does, you should still replace your memory foam pillows every 18 to 36 months. Even if we take good care of them, over time the filling will start to break down. Thanks to computers and smartphones, we are putting more strain on our necks than ever. Take good care of your pillows and your neck. On Thursdays and Fridays, when we need some structured sleep after a week at the office, sleep experts advise using a firmer pillow.
Close Note
The delicate material is memory foam. Memory foam can easily deteriorate if not properly maintained. Your memory foam pillow will stay fresh, last longer, and improve your quality of sleep if you take the necessary cleaning precautions.
FAQs
How Long Does A Memory Foam Pillow Last?
Between one and three years are the typical lifespan of memory foam pillows. Fold the two long sections of your memory foam pillow together to check if it needs to be changed. If it doesn’t instantly return to its original shape, it’s time for a new pillow.
Can Memory Foam Get Wet?
If memory foam needs to be cleaned, that’s the only time it should get wet. Even then, to avoid the growth of mold and mildew, memory foam should be allowed to air dry before use.
Can Memory Foam Get Infested By Bed Bugs?
Yes, regardless of the type of pillow, bed bugs are capable of infesting it. The only way to safeguard a pillow from bed bugs is with a cover that does just that.
Can Memory Foam Pillows Be Washed In The Washing Machine?
Absent special instructions, memory foam should not be washed in a washing machine. Because memory foam is a sponge, putting it in a washing machine will cause it to become waterlogged and damaged. Your memory foam pillow should only be spot cleaned if necessary.
How Do You Get The Smell Out Of A Memory Foam Pillow?
Memory foam often has a chemical smell, known as “off-gassing.” The stain should disappear a few days after you first open your new pillow, but if it persists, you can air it out with a fan or expose it to the sun for a few hours. If this doesn’t work, try sprinkling it with baking soda, which absorbs odors. After a few hours on the pillow, you must vacuum the baking soda.