Updated at: 22-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Cleaning a memory foam pillow requires a thorough understanding of the process. Finding ways to keep your pillow clean without washing it immediately is the goal here. Even if your memory foam cushion is clean, you need know how to wash it properly.

A shredded memory foam pillow may be easier to clean, but a solid memory foam pillow requires a different method of cleaning. A clean pillow not only improves our health but also improves our quality of sleep. This unique substance can be maximized if you take care of your memory foam pillow.

How To Clean Memory Foam Pillow?

In order to properly care for a memory foam pillow, you must be familiar with both basic and advanced cleaning methods. Memory foam pillows should always be cleaned on a sunny day when possible. You’ll be able to prevent mold formation by ensuring the pillow dries completely this manner.

How to Wash Memory Foam Pillow: Steps & Tips

General cleaning

Even if you don’t think your pillow needs washing because it smells bad or you spilled something on it, there are things you can do to help clean it up. Remove the pillow cover and wash it in the washing machine. In terms of cleaning the pillow, below are the instructions.

Freshening your memory foam pillow

After removing the pillowcase, sprinkle baking soda on your memory foam pillow. It’s best to let it sit for at least an hour to get rid of the bad smell. After that, vacuum up the baking soda to eliminate it.

It’s a good idea to use baking soda to freshen your pillow, and then vacuum it to get rid of any dust and other irritants like pet hair. To keep your pillows smelling new, repeat this process on a weekly basis. As a preventative measure, some individuals take their memory foam pillows outside each week and let the sun to rehydrate them.

Removing stains on your memory foam pillow

You don’t have to immediately wash your memory foam cushion if you inadvertently spilled something on it and only a little portion of it became soiled. To keep the memory foam from absorbing the liquid, use a towel to soak it up. It’s time to dry the pillow outside.

What if your pillow developed stains over time? Using a lukewarm damp cloth and a little detergent, gently wipe away any residue. Using a cloth and a circular motion, remove the stain and then blot the area to get rid of any soap scum.

To speed up the drying process, hang the pillow outside or in a room with a fan. A hair dryer can also be used to dry the region. Remember not to place the pillow in a humid area.

Deep cleaning

Memory foam pillows may need to be washed if deodorizing and removing stains don’t do the trick. The occasional bathing of your pillow is a good idea despite the fact that frequent washing is unnecessary. Pillow hygiene can be maintained by washing the covers on a weekly basis.

You should also have a look at the pillow’s labeling for washing instructions. It’s possible to wash some memory foam pillows in the washing machine, but it’s preferable to use a gentle detergent and wash them by hand. The same holds true for whether or not you can dry the cushion in a dryer.

Hand-washing your memory foam pillow

To begin, fill a sink with lukewarm water and a little detergent. To clean the inside of the pillow, soak it in the solution and squeeze it out. In order to avoid damaging the foam, don’t handle the pillow roughly, although you can rub the surface to make it shine.

To remove the soap from the pillow, first fill the sink with fresh water. While submerging it in water multiple times, take careful not to wring it out. Allow the cushion to air dry completely or use the dryer’s tumble-dry setting if it has that option.

When To Replace A Memory Foam Pillow?

If washing your pillow does not bring it back to its former glory, it’s time to acquire a new one. Memory foam pillows need to be replaced every two to three years, depending on the quality of the pillow. To ensure a good night’s sleep, it’s a good idea to replace your memory foam pillows after a certain period of time.

4 Easy Steps To Wash A Memory Foam Pillow

To maintain optimum hygiene and avoid health difficulties, it is crucial to clean your pillow on a regular basis.

As a result, these are the straightforward procedures for cleaning a memory foam pillow:

Step #1. Prepare the pillow bath

Fill the sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and then add a tiny amount of detergent sufficient to clean your memory foam pillow.

You may even add a lavender aroma or some other fresh scent on your pillow to make it smell even better.

Step #2. Start deep cleaning the pillow

Soak your memory foam cushion until it’s totally submerged in the tub of warm water.

Squeeze it as if it were a sponge, and the water will quickly seep in. This also allows you to flush out the dirt that has built up in the cushion over time.

As a result, the water will be tainted and seem a strange color.

Repeat this procedure two more times, if necessary, until the area is clean.

Step #3. Drain the water

Drain the water from the tub or sink and refill it with warm water when you’ve finished cleaning it.

Clean the pad by squeezing the pillow to remove any soap residue or dirt.

Do it again until the bubbles are reduced to a minimum and the water is finally free of any trace of turbulence.

To ensure that the cushion isn’t damaged, squeeze it one more time before you remove it.

Step #4. Keep it dry

Clean your pad on a sunny and bright day so that the memory foam pillow can dry for a few hours, depending on the weather.

Before putting a new set of pillowcases on the pillow, make sure it is entirely dry.

How To Clean A Spill In A Memory Pillow?

It looks like you spilt your coffee or wine all over your pillow.

The majority of liquid stains can be removed by handwashing, but some, like blood and wine, are more difficult to remove.

Remove the pillowcase and use a dry towel to absorb any remaining liquid, if necessary, while cleaning a spill.

Mix a small amount of detergent into a gallon of water.

Dip the sponge in the bucket of detergent and carefully rub the spilled portion of your pillow..

I recommend rubbing it in a circular manner until it’s clean to the touch.

You may either let the pillow air dry for a few hours or use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process if you have one.

How to Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow: A Step-By-Step Guide - Pillow Picker

Steps On How To Remove Foul Odor To Your Memory Pillow?

The smell of your pillow doesn’t seem to be as fresh as it used to be.

The packing of some memory foam pillows may cause them to smell.

However, if you suspect another cause for the unusual scent, follow these steps to get rid of it!

Step #1. Prepare the things you will need

You’ll need baking soda and a vacuum cleaner in order to do this task.

Step #2. Eradicating the odor

Your memory foam pillow must be placed on a flat surface without the pillowcase.

Using a considerable amount of baking soda, sprinkle it on the pillow’s top. Make sure you spread it out evenly, but not so much that it’s completely encased.

After that, place the baking soda in direct sunshine for around 2 to 3 hours.

Step #3. Vacuum the baking soda

Get the baking soda pillow after waiting for a while.

Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the pillow.

Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow in 4 Easy Steps

Cleaning your memory foam pillow once every two months is the basic rule of thumb. Do so by following these four simple actions.

  1. Make sure the water in the sink or bathtub is lukewarm. A small amount of mild dishwashing liquid should be added to the tub. The aroma of lavender, for example, has been shown to help people fall asleep at night.
  2. To assist the soap lather, submerge the pillow thoroughly and gently squeeze the foam.
  3. Drain the tub and replenish it with fresh water, as the water is likely to be contaminated. Repeat step 2 anew. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the water is clear. Alternatively,
  4. In the sun or outside, let your clothes air-dry for a few hours. As an alternative, place it in front of a fan and dry it out. Because of the risk of memory foam melting, we do not recommend using a hairdryer to style your hair.

How to Clean Liquid Stains Off a Memory Foam Pillow

It’s more common than you might expect to have a drink spill on your pillow. Tea spills are common, but liquids like orange juice or grape juice are far more difficult to clean up.

  • You can either take off your pillowcase or your pillow protector. Toss both covers in the washer if the spill made it through those barriers and place the pillow on a flat surface so that you can work swiftly and efficiently.
  • To remove any remaining liquid, dab the area with a clean cloth or towel. The longer the spill sits, the more difficult it will be to clean up.
  • For best results, mix a mild detergent with a small amount of warm water until the mixture is frothy.
  • Rub the stain in a circular motion with a wet sponge or towel. Scrub gently, not harshly. Keep in mind that memory foam, for all of its support, is a fragile substance. The pillow’s material can tear if you scrub it too hard when cleaning it.
  • Remove any remaining moisture by lightly pressing a clean, dry towel against the damp area once the stain has been gone.
  • After you’ve accomplished Steps 1 through 5, air drying is the best option. As a dense material, memory foam must be immediately dried to avoid mold and mildew. The material will dry faster if the pillow is placed in direct sunlight or outside.

As a last resort, you can place the item in front of a fan to speed up the drying process.

How to Spot Clean Your Pillow

Some spills and stains require more than a dab to remove. A far more thorough cleaning is required for tougher messes like grape juice, blood, and pet pee.

The quickest way to remove stains from your pillow is to spot clean it as soon as possible. Leave a stain in the future, and you’ll have to do extra work.

  • Remove all of the covers.
  • Pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide immediately on the stain and dab the surface with a clean cloth to remove blood and dark-colored liquids. When the peroxide stops bubbling, you’ve finished this stage.
  • Spray the stain with cold water from a spray bottle.
  • Lightly scrape the stain until the surface is free of dirt and debris.
  • To remove as much moisture as possible from the stain, dab it gently with a dry, clean towel.
  • Dry in the sun or with a fan.

4 Steps to Deodorizing a Memory Foam Pillow

The off-gassing scent of new memory foam pillows is common. Not everyone likes to sleep with their head on top of an odor source. For no apparent reason, it can take on a variety of other obnoxious scents.

Here are the steps for getting rid of these obnoxious scents. While this isn’t a way to clean a memory foam cushion, it is a way to maintain it clean.

  • Remove the pillowcase from the memory foam pillow and place it on a flat surface.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow. Lavender essential oil can be added to the baking soda to make it smell nice. In addition to helping you relax, lavender has a calming effect on the body and mind.
  • Soak the pillow for two to three hours in the sun. The baking soda must be allowed to work its magic for the stipulated period of time to remove the stink from the material.
  • Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove the pillow. Baking soda, dead skin cells, and hair will be removed from the surface of the skin as a result of this procedure.

General Care Instructions for a Memory Foam Pillow

The first step in taking good care of your memory foam pillow is to read the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Washing a memory foam pillow is made easier with this tutorial.

As a last resort, if you don’t have those instructions, here are our best instructions for washing a memory foam cushion. Here are a few pointers for keeping your pillow fresh in between washes, before you get started.

Once a week, vacuum the pillow’s surface to remove dead skin cells, hair, and other debris. Vacuuming your pillow will ensure that it doesn’t contaminate a clean pillowcase with dirt.

Spot clean the cushion at least once a month to keep it fresh. Over time, dirt gathers. Sleeping in a clean atmosphere will improve your health and help you get a good night’s rest.

At the very least, switch out the pillowcases on a weekly basis. As with the last suggestion, switching around your pillowcases can help you get a good night’s sleep.

A person sweats and exfoliates their skin when they sleep, which is then transferred to their bedding. As a first line of defense, the pillowcase comes in handy.

Once a month, wash the pillow protectors and covers. We recommend washing your pillow protector at least once a month if you’re using a memory foam pillow cover.

It’s better to clean your pillows on a warm day so that they can dry faster. Since memory foam is so dense, it takes longer for it to dry. For best results, avoid using a hair drier and let the pillow air dry out in the sun. To avoid mold and mildew, the pillow will dry faster on hotter days.

How Often Should I Replace My Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam pillows last longer than regular pillows, which need to be replaced every six months. However, this does not rule out the possibility of purchasing a new memory foam cushion. Replace every 18 to 36 months for a sanitary sleep environment.

Memory foam degrades over time, just like any other substance. It doesn’t matter how well you take care of your pillow; the more you use it, the more quickly it will break down. Every now and again, a replacement is required to ensure optimal support.

Deodorize a Memory Foam Pillow

Once you’ve removed both of your pillows’ covers, you should follow the care tag’s directions to clean them.

On a flat surface, sprinkle one side of the memory foam pillow thoroughly with baking soda, being sure to completely cover the pillow. Allow it to sit for a few hours in the sun’s rays. Vacuum the pillow’s surface with the upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda. It’s time to switch sides and repeat this process.

Spot Cleaning

Stains that are still new should be removed from the pillowcase and the pillow’s cover. Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. When removing stains, use light-colored clothing to avoid transferring any color to the pillow.

Lift the stain with your hands and avoid touching it; rubbing will not remove the stain and may spread it across the pillow. Keep doing this until the stain is mostly gone.

Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to make a stain remover solution after the cushion has been dried and older stains have been treated. Hot water can solidify the stain, making it more difficult to remove.

Wring out the solution with a white towel after you’ve dipped it in it. Gently wipe the stain in a circular motion toward the center, starting from the outside of the stain. Switch to a clean piece of the cloth as soon as the stain has bonded to the cloth and continue rubbing in circular motions.

Re-apply this method until the stain has been completely gone. Dip a new, clean cloth into clean, lukewarm water and wring it out to remove any remaining water from the surface. To get rid of any soap residue, dab the area that was previously discolored. Before using, let the cushion air dry entirely.

Deep Cleaning

Cold water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent can be used to get rid of hard-to-remove stains. Soak the pillow entirely and gently squeeze the foam to allow the soapy water to permeate the pillow’s substance and remove the stain.. Avoid wringing your memory foam pillow, since this might harm the foam..

Afterwards, drain the tub or sink and replace it with cold, clean water to remove any remaining stains. When the water is clear, gently squeeze the pillow out of the solution. Using a gentle squeeze, extract as much of the water as you can from the pillow.

Squeeze carefully to remove any remaining moisture from the pillow after placing it on a dry towel. Depending on how many times you have to perform this, it could take a while.

Clean, dry towels should be used to replace any previously used damp towels. The drying process may take up to 24 hours, but you may speed it up by blow drying the pillow with a hair dryer (on the cool setting).

What to Avoid When Washing a Memory Foam Pillow

However, while it’s simple to clean a memory foam pillow, there are a few things to avoid if you want to ensure that your pillow lasts as long as possible while still maintaining its performance. Using memory foam incorrectly could result in you having to buy a new pillow.

  • To keep memory foam from breaking down, avoid using strong chemicals like bleach.
  • Even if your washing machine includes an agitator, you should avoid washing a memory foam cushion unless specifically instructed to do so. The memory foam is damaged by the washer’s spin cycle, which is too abrasive.
  • Unless instructed otherwise, never put a memory foam pillow in the dryer. The dryer’s heat may cause the memory foam to melt.
  • Wringing the pillow might destroy the memory foam, so refrain from doing so.
  • Avoid using hot water, as it will just make the stain worse.
  • Memory foam pillows should not be used until they are entirely dry. If the cushion is utilized before it has dried entirely, the damp interior is the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.

What is Memory Foam?

When NASA initially developed memory foam in the 1970s, they did so to help astronauts with takeoff shock. Since then, memory foam has been increasingly popular in bedding products like pillows and mattresses. A polyurethane or poly-foam support layer covers the top layer of memory foam in a memory foam mattress. Solid pieces of memory foam or shreds of memory foam can be found in memory foam pillows.

How to wash pillows | Express.co.uk

Other Things to Consider

How long does a memory foam pillow last?

Pillows made of memory foam can last between one and three years. Try folding the two long parts together to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your memory foam pillow. If the pillow doesn’t return to its original shape, you need a new one.

Can memory foam get wet?

In order to clean memory foam, it must be submerged in a solution of water and detergent. Mold and mildew can grow on memory foam if it isn’t allowed to air dry before usage.

Can memory foam get infested by bed bugs?

Yes. Any sort of pillow can become infested with bed bugs. There is no other way to keep a cushion safe from bed bugs but with a protective cover.

Can memory foam pillows be washed in the washing machine?

No, you should not wash memory foam unless instructed to do so specifically. As a sponge, memory foam can easily become waterlogged and damaged if washed in a machine. Spot clean your memory foam pillow if you need to wash it.

How do you get the smell out of a memory foam pillow?

“Off-gassing” is a term used to describe the smell of memory foam. If the smell persists after a few days of opening your new pillow, try putting it in the sun for a few hours or running it under a fan. This may not work, so try sprinkling baking soda on top, which will help to absorb the odour. After a few hours of sitting on the pillow, the baking soda will need to be vacuumed.

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Conclusion

Memory foam pillows need to be cleaned regularly to extend their life and improve our quality of sleep. Cleaning a memory foam cushion requires knowledge of both general and deep cleaning techniques. Your memory foam cushion can be deodorized and freshened using baking soda and a vacuum cleaner.

You can also use a towel to soak up the liquid and a cloth soaked in soapy water to clean up stains and spills. Then, use a second towel to remove any remaining residue and allow the pillow to dry. The label on your memory foam pillow can tell you if it can be washed.

To clean a pillow by hand, immerse it in soapy water and then thoroughly rinse it. To avoid harming your pillow, never wring it out or use any harsh chemicals on it. After that, you may either use the dryer’s heat-free setting or let the cushion air dry outside.