Read on to find out the straight facts on how to care for memory foam pillows – including dealing with bothersome stains. There’s a lot more below, too, to help you get the most life out of it while keeping it fresh and pleasant.
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How to clean a memory foam pillow
Just like your pillowcases and sheets, memory foam pillows can accumulate stains and dead skin cells. This accumulation can cause allergies, poor sleep quality, and breakouts on your face and body.
There are many ways to go about washing memory foam pillows. From using soap and water to spot cleaning to deodorizing your pillow, there are multiple cleaning techniques to help you keep your memory foam pillow clean.
Do you love your memory foam pillow but aren’t sure how to nix germs and keep it looking brand-new? Keep reading to find out how!
Can you put a memory foam pillow in the washing machine?
The short answer is no. You can’t put memory foam products, including pillows, in your washing machine.
They must always be washed by hand. Because memory foam acts like a sponge, it will absorb all of the excess water from a washing machine. Washing machines will ruin the pillow.
Even if the pillow states you can wash it in the machine, err on the side of caution! Most spin cycles are too rough for the delicate material of the memory foam pillow.
How to wash a memory foam pillow
Since you can’t put your pillow in the washer, what do you do? You can hand clean!
Spot cleaning your memory foam pillows is easy. Just use a gentle detergent or a combination of:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lukewarm water
If you want to wash the entire pillow instead of spot cleaning, fill a sink or tub with lukewarm water. Add a gentle soap or mild detergent. Then, immerse the pillow in soapy water. Gently squeeze out the water from the pillow.
After you’ve gotten all of the stains, dirt, and residue out of the pillow, gently squeeze until there is no more water in the pillow. Next, drain the tub of the dirty water and refill to soak the pillow in clean water again.
Continue to gently squeeze out the water from the pillow until no more soap bubbles appear. Your bed pillow is now clean! After cleaning the pillow, let it air dry in a warm space.
Direct sunlight is a good option for drying. Make sure the pillow is completely dry before using it again.
Be sure to wash your pillow cover and pillow protector per your machine’s washing directions as well!
Can you put a foam pillow in the clothes dryer?
No, you can’t put a foam pillow in the clothes dryer. Solid memory foam, which the pillow is made of, is not heat resistant.
If you put it in the dryer, the high temperature will cause the pillow to melt.
How to spot clean your foam pillow
As mentioned above you can spot clean your pillow. Depending on the stain you might want to use a simple soap and water solution or a more heavy-duty combination like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.
Keep in mind that the materials should be gentle due to the sensitivity of the memory foam.
Deeps stains like wine or blood
If you want to remove a deep stain like red wine or blood, apply 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to the stain. It will begin to bubble. Blot the stain until the bubbles stop.
Next you can take an old toothbrush or a gentle hand with a clean cloth and rub the spot clean.
Removing urine or sweat stains
If you want to remove a stain like pet urine or sweat here’s how:
- Combine one cup hydrogen peroxide, one teaspoon of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of baking soda.
- Put the mixture on the stain and allow it to sit overnight.
- Blot cold water on with a clean cloth, then let the pillow air dry the next day.
After this process, you’ll be left with a clean pillow, but repeat the process if it needs more attention.
How often should you clean a memory foam pillow?
According to research, it’s best to change your pillowcase at the very least once a week. However, you should clean your pillow every 2 to 3 months. This way, you can keep it free of dead skin cells and sweat.
How to deodorize a memory foam pillow
Deodorizing your memory foam pillow is easier than you think. The best way to do it involves baking soda and time.
- Remove the pillowcase. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the pillow.
- Let the pillow sit for at least an hour. Some people may suggest that you should leave it for up to 3 hours – it’s up to you.
- Once the time is up, vacuum up the baking soda using an upholstery attachment.
After vacuuming, repeat the process on the other side, and then you’re good to use your freshly deodorized pillow!
When should you replace a foam pillow?
Taking care of your pillows means taking care of yourself. With the advent of technology and the prevalence of computers in the workplace, we constantly subject our necks to undue stress and pressure. Memory foam pillows are a great option to mitigate that stress.
Most sources recommend replacing your memory foam pillow at least every 36 months or as little as 18 months if it shows signs of wear sooner.
This period is a much longer lifespan than traditional pillows, which you should replace every six months.
