Memory foam pillows, like any other pillow, need to be washed regularly. But can they be washed? The answer is yes and no.
Due to the structure of memory foam, exposing it to the agitation of the washer and dryer can cause the foam to burst. So yes, you can wash memory foam pillows, but not in the washing machine.
However, memory foam pillows can be cleaned quickly and easily with a vacuum cleaner. There are also ways to remove stains, as well as deep cleaning, which are safe for memory foam pillows. In this article, we’ll cover three ways to clean your memory foam pillow, as well as under what circumstances and how often you should do each one.
Eliminates Odors and Allergens from Memory Foam Pillows
When cleaning pillows, the main purpose is to eliminate build-up that causes odors and allergies and affects the fill power of the pillow. Washing is one way to do this, but another way is to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with interior decoration accessories to remove dust, dust mites, body dirt, pet dander, and other small particles. Vacuuming is the preferred method when cleaning memory foam pillows.
Sprinkle baking soda on your pillow and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming it to help eliminate odors. However, this step is only needed when necessary. Memory foam pillows should be vacuumed regularly (every 1-3 months) to keep them allergen-free and keep them smelling fresh.
How to Remove Stains from Memory Foam Pillows
Spot treatment, also known as spot cleaning, refers to the treatment of a specific stain in a specific area, unlike washing, which refers to the removal of the entire stain. Perform every 1-3 months as needed, as part of scheduled maintenance, or as part of a deep cleaning.
What you’ll need
- Decontamination products and/or liquid laundry detergents
- Light-colored fabric
- Laundry brush (optional)
Step 1: Identify the stain
Remove the pillowcase and pillowcase and, if possible, identify the stain that needs to be removed. Pillows are often stained with human stains such as sweat, saliva, or blood; These are protein stains and are best treated with enzymatic stain removers. If you’re unsure about the nature of the stain, you can use liquid laundry detergent as a universal stain remover to treat the stain.
Step 2: Apply stain remover
Apply a small amount of stain remover to a damp, light-colored cloth instead of directly onto the pillow. Using a white or light-colored cloth prevents dye transfer. Removing very deep stains may require a laundry brush.
Step 3: Wipe the stain
Use a rag to gently apply the stain remover to the stain. Wipe the stain until it disappears, and reapply the stain remover to the cloth if necessary. Be careful not to scrub the stain too hard, as this will allow it to penetrate deep into the fibers or spread.
Step 4: Rinse off the stain remover
Once the stain has been removed, rinse the rag and gently wipe the area with clean water to remove the residue of the stain remover.
Step 5: Dry completely
Allow the pillow to dry completely before covering the pillowcase and placing it back on the bed.
How to Deep Clean Memory Foam Pillows
Before deep cleaning your memory foam pillow, check the specific instructions on the care label. Usually, memory foam needs to be hand washed, as machine washing can cause it to break. However, memory foam often has anti-allergenic properties that prevent the presence of mold, dust mites, and other allergens and does not require deep cleaning as often as other types of pillow fillings. Experts recommend a deep cleaning of your memory foam pillow every 6-12 months.
What you’ll need
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Stain treatment products (optional)
- Clean dry towels
Step 1: Fill a large basin with water and detergent
Find a space large enough to fully submerge your pillows in water, such as a bathtub, kitchen or utility sink, or a large bucket. Pour warm water and 1 tablespoon of detergent into the basin. Don’t use too much detergent as it can make rinsing your pillow difficult and time-consuming.
Step 2: Submerge the pillow in water
Remove the pillowcase or pillowcase and decontaminate the pillow if you need to remove specific stains, such as bloodstains. Then soak the pillow in the detergent solution. Gently massage the soaked pillow with your hands and allow the detergent solution to circulate through the fibers of the pillow.
Step 3: Stir the pillow
When the pillow is completely soaked, remove it from the basin and squeeze out the soapy water. Put it back in the basin and massage it again. Repeat 2-3 times.
Step 4: Rinse the pillow
Rinse the pillow thoroughly with clean water. If you’ve washed your pillow in the tub or sink, rinse it under the tap. When rinsing, gently squeeze the pillow and squeeze out the foaming water. Rinse the pillow until the water runs clear.
Step 5: Dry the pillow
In the basin, press the pillow firmly to squeeze out the water and place it on a clean, dry towel. Place another towel on the pillow and press firmly to squeeze out more moisture. Place the pillow flat to air dry; If possible, air-dry your pillow outdoors in the sun. The pillow should be completely dry before putting on a pillowcase or protective cushion and placing it back on the bed.