Updated at: 11-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Three simple steps will teach you how to properly clean a latex pillow. Keep in mind that latex pillows come in a variety of materials, and cleaning them may necessitate different methods. To ensure that your latex pillows last as long as possible, make sure to follow the instructions in this guide.

The quality of our pillows can make or break our ability to obtain a good night’s rest. However, we must take proper care of them in order for them to endure longer. Furthermore, clean and undamaged pillows are essential for a good night’s sleep.

What Is A Latex Pillow?

Natural or synthetic latex foam is used in the construction of a latex pillow. While the former is made from natural rubber trees, the latter is made from synthetic ones. The bounce and form retention of latex pillows are superior to those of memory foam.

Talalay and Dunlop latexes are also available; Talalay is a light and airy material, while Dunlop is a hefty and dense one. If you want to extend the life of your pillow and keep its shape, you’ll need to know what kind of foam is in it. To ensure a restful night’s sleep, make sure you select a pillow material that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Why Latex?

Stress from today’s fast-paced lifestyle is causing many people to experience sleep disorders like insomnia and other types of sleep disturbances. The type of pillow you use every night is a major factor in the development of sleep disorders. It’s possible to have a lot of pillows, but still experience sleepless nights, back pain, and neck and shoulder pain.

Can You Wash Latex Foam Pillows? | Full Cleaning Guide

Sleeping on pillows that don’t fit to your neck and head can be excruciating, resulting in restless nights due to pain and irritation. To ensure that your neck and head are properly supported while you sleep, you should use pillows that are both sturdy but gentle and fit nicely to your body. Recall that you spend a third of your life sleeping! A good night’s sleep can only be achieved with the purchase of pillows that are tailored to your personal preferences. Cheap, fluffy pillows are a waste of money. Keep in mind that you use them to sleep every night! You owe it to yourself to invest in a high-quality mattress that will endure for years and allow you to wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated. As a result, latex pillows are just what you’re looking for.

When it comes to latex pillows, they are formed from the sap of rubber trees. They’re sturdy and stay put on your head and neck like a glove. People can choose from a variety of stiffness levels sold by manufacturers. Latex pillows give excellent neck and head support, ensuring a restful night’s sleep for their owners.

As far as the author knows, this article is accurate. You should not rely on the information provided here for any kind of professional or personal advice on any kind of business-related, legal-related or technological subject.

How to Wash Latex Foam Pillows

Things You’ll Need

  • 1 quart of tepid water
  • Container of a large size
  • Mild liquid dishwashing detergent: 3 to 4 drops
  • 2 cotton cloths, one white, the other off-white
  • Towels of this size
  • Alcoholic isopropyl alcohol

You should always check the label on your pillow cover to see if there are any washing instructions.

For latex pillows, if you don’t see any cleaning instructions, you may want to contact a cleaning service or dry-cleaner.

General Latex Pillow Washing

Latex pillows can be washed in the following manner without causing any harm:

Spot Cleaning:

How to clean a latex pillow of stains:

  • The best technique to eliminate extra moisture from a freshly stained cushion is to dab it with a clean, white towel. To avoid dye transfer, don’t wear colored clothing. To avoid damaging the latex foam and making the stain go deeper, do not use a strong rubbing motion to remove the stain.
  • Wet a clean white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and apply it to the surface. Use the moist cloth to gently dab away the stain. Don’t allow the stain to spread by rubbing it inwards from the outer edge.
  • You should air-dry your pillow well after removing the stain to ensure that it is safe to use. Keep it out of the dryer.

Explanation:

A light detergent may be necessary for stubborn stains, however isopropyl alcohol is the preferred method in most circumstances.

If you rub too hard, you risk spreading the stain and damaging the latex foam.

Rinsing Latex Pillows:

  • Remove the pillowcase – if feasible, unzip your pillowcase and clean it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • In the sink or bathtub, use cold water to rinse the soiled area of the pillow or the entire pillow. The cushion should not be allowed to soak up too much water by not allowing it to sit in water.
  • For filth and oil to be removed, add a teaspoon of mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) per gallon of water to the huge container.
  • To eliminate the dirt and bacteria from the foam of the pillow, you must submerge it in a detergent solution and then press down on it. Latex foam pillows are vulnerable to tears if they are twisted, wrung, or pushed.
  • Clean your container and replace it with clear water after you’ve rinsed out the detergent. Repeatedly press down on the pillow until all the soap is discharged from the water.
  • It’s best to put the cushion between two towels so it can wick up as much water as possible. In order to get the liquid into the latex foam, repeat this procedure at least 10 times.
  • It’s best to air-dry your latex foam cushion thoroughly before re-applying your pillowcase. Avoid placing the pillow in direct sunlight or in the dryer.

Explanation:

Using a comprehensive cleaning method, dirt and bacteria buried in the latex foam can be completely removed.

The best practice is to deep clean your latex foam pillow only once a year. It would be best if you prevented moisture retention, which can lead to mould, mildew, odour, and material degradation. At the same time, you need to prevent the detergents from detrimentally affecting the foams.

It is recommended that you just deep clean your latex foam cushion once a year as a best practice. Mold, mildew, odour and material degradation can occur if moisture is retained, which can be prevented. However, you must guard against the detergents having an adverse effect on your cleaning foams.

Guide: How to Wash Any Pillow | GhostBed®

What to Avoid When Cleaning Latex Foam

Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to care for your pillow:

  • Don’t put your pillow in the washing machine since it may break or harm the foam.
  • It is best to avoid using baking soda.
  • The latex foam is quite sensitive to sunlight, therefore avoid sun drying it.
  • In order to prevent materials from melting and distorting, avoid using the dryer.
  • Avoid the use of bleach, which can damage the foam by causing it to decompose.
  • Twisting latex foam can cause it to tear, so avoid wringing.
  • Avoid using warm water, since it might encourage the growth of bacteria and deteriorate foam. These issues can be avoided if you use cold water.
  • Avoid the use of moist foam pillows; a pillowcase placed on a damp latex foam pillow can generate mould.

Dry a foam pillow that has been washed in the washing machine with towels and allow it to air dry. To avoid tearing the foam, do not twist it.

Can You Wash Latex Pillows?

Yes! Your pillow will be as good as new if you follow the instructions in this article.

It’s easy to get stains on latex pillows. As a result, using pillowcases (ideally ones with zippers) to shield them from dust and body oil is strongly suggested. Unlike other pillows, these are hypoallergenic and resistant to mildew and dander mites. Every latex pillow you buy comes with a care and maintenance guide attached. It’s advisable to follow these tips while washing a latex pillow.

Keeping Your Pillows Clean

A clean pillow means fewer washings, and a clean pillow means less washings. Here are a few pointers on how to keep your cushion clean.

Use a pillowcase to keep your pillow clean. Using a pillowcase will keep your pillow clean and free of dirt and moisture. Once a week, you should wash your pillowcase to keep it clean and extend the life of your pillow. As long as you don’t sleep on it, you can get away with washing your ornamental pillowcase only every two to four weeks instead of every two to four months.

Avoid eating in bed. If you frequently eat in bed, you’re more than likely to have food splatter all over your pillow. Dust mites, bed bugs, and germs are attracted to crumbs and stains, which can induce allergic reactions and negatively affect your night’s sleep.

Spot cleaning should be done on a regular basis. While it won’t replace a comprehensive cleaning, spot cleaning your pillow means you won’t have to do it as often. When a dark liquid spills on a surface, you can use a spot cleaner to remove the stain before it sets.

Your pillow should be aired out. Allowing your pillow to air out will keep it from developing a musty odor after a period of time.

Keeping down and feather pillows fresh is as simple as fluffing them. To get rid of musty odors, hang your pillow on a clothesline outside once a month.

Setting a memory foam pillow in direct sunshine is a natural deodorizer, thus it will keep the cushion odor-free.

Baking soda can be used to remove odors. Allow the baking soda to remain on the pillow for two hours after sprinkling it on top. Repeat the process on the other side of the cushion by using an upholstery attachment to vacuum up the baking soda.

When To Replace Your Pillow

Pillows have a limited lifespan before they need to be thrown away.

It’s time to toss your pillow if it’s no longer supportive or helping you sleep. If a loose-fill pillow loses its support, you won’t be able to fluff it. Loss of support will cause the memory foam and latex pillows to degrade faster.

Another sign that it’s time for a new pillow is if you notice a moldy odor coming from your pillow as you sleep.

For hygiene reasons, a loose-fill pillow should be changed every six months. Replace the filling every six months and wash the cover weekly for buckwheat and shredded memory foam pillows, which don’t need to be thrown away.

Pillows made of solid memory foam can last between 12 and 36 months. If you follow the care tag’s cleaning directions, you should be able to keep the cushion for a long time. Avoid mold and mildew buildup by drying your memory foam and latex pillows as early as possible.

Latex pillows can last for up to 10 years, however we recommend throwing them every two years for hygiene concerns.

How often should you wash your pillows?

For best results, wash your pillow every time you spot yellow sweat stains on the surface.

Regardless of the type of pillow you use, a deep clean is recommended once every four months with frequent use. Allergy sufferers should wash their pillows more frequently. Once a month is the optimal frequency for washing your pillow’s removable cover.

Can I use a washer and dryer?

However, you should always check the care tag before washing and drying your pillows because some are only suitable for dry cleaning. An agitator can damage a pillow, so it’s best to use a front-load or top-load washer without one. When stacking pillows vertically, however, you can still use this machine. Pillows made of memory foam or latex should never be washed or dried in a washing machine or dryer because the foam will degrade.

  • The best washers on the market
  • The best dryers
  • You can get rid of fruit flies quickly by following these simple steps.

How to wash a polyester, cotton, feather or down pillow

First and foremost, adhere to the instructions on the care tag. In most cases, machine washing and drying may be done with these pillows, and the labeling should indicate which temperature and cycle to use and how to dry them. You can remove any cases or covers from the pillows and wash them in warm water on a moderate cycle with little detergent if no instructions are given. Adding an additional rinse cycle to get rid of any soap residue is another something we recommend.

Always wash two pillows at the same time to balance the load. If you don’t do this, the washer will struggle to spin. It’s also a good idea to check for any tears or broken seams on the pillow. If the case isn’t robust enough, the filling could be released in the cycle and potentially damage your washer.

To evenly distribute the weight, always wash two pillows at the same time. It’ll be difficult to spin if you don’t. Checking the pillow for rips or damaged seams is also a good idea. The filling could be released during the wash cycle if the container is not strong enough. This could lead to damage to your washer.

Always wash two pillows at the same time to evenly distribute the weight. It’ll be difficult to spin if you don’t do this, Another good suggestion is to look over the cushion for any tears or seam failures. During the wash cycle, if the container isn’t strong enough, the filling may be expelled, resulting in harm to your washer.

You can use Shout Laundry Stain Remover Spray to pre-treat a pillow that has a direct stain on it before washing it in the machine.

Best Latex Pillow (2022) - Total Review Guide | Sleepopolis

How to wash a memory foam or latex pillow

In order to avoid damaging the filling, it is impossible to machine wash memory foam or latex pillows. To begin, follow the care tag instructions and remove any covers. In the absence of any other directions, simply run a warm water gentle cycle with detergent and a low heat setting on your washing machine.

Using an upholstery attachment to vacuum both sides of the cushion is the best way to clean the foam. Adding baking soda to the foam before to vacuuming can help remove any scents that may be present.

Using a moist towel and mild dish detergent solution, you may spot clean stained foam and get it looking like new. Do not scrub too vigorously because the foam will tear easily if you do so.

Before putting the case back on, let the cushion to air dry in direct sunlight, if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if You Wash a Latex Foam Pillow in the Machine?

A latex pillow might be damaged when washed in a washing machine. Foam starts to absorb water as the rinse cycle begins, which raises pillow’s weight and causes rotations to rip foam.

Pillows can be difficult to dry as a result of this.

What Should You Do if You Washed Your Latex Foam Pillow in the Machine?

Dry a foam pillow that has been washed in the washing machine with towels and allow it to air dry. To avoid tearing the foam, do not twist it.

You Should Avoid Getting Latex Foam Wet

Latex foam should never be submerged in water. The open-cell structure of natural latex foam, which is incredibly robust, is what gives latex pillows their support. The cell structure of natural latex pillows can be damaged by water, reducing its comfort and support.

Don’t Steam Clean a Latex Foam Pillows

Latex pillows should not be steamed. This has the potential to vulcanize and degrade the foam.

You Can Wash a Latex Pillow

Natural latex pillows can be gently washed as a rule of thumb. You can clean your pillow without damaging the foam by using isopropyl alcohol or a mild detergent. Before putting a pillow cover or case back on your pillow, be sure to dry the latex foam with towels.

How Often You Should Replace Your Latex Pillow

Every two to four years, your latex should be replaced. Even though natural latex pillows are the longest lasting, you should always replace your pillow on a regular basis for hygiene and neck and head support to avoid bacteria and keep your pillow fresh.

How To Get the Smell Out of Latex Pillows

Because latex pillows tend to have a strong odor, it’s better to let them air out during the day. The smell of a natural latex pillow can last for up to a week.

How Long Latex Pillows Last

As long as you take care of it, a natural latex pillow will last a long time. Make sure to replace your pillow every two or four years for hygiene and general comfort reasons with a natural latex pillow!

Is it safe to wash pillows in the washing machine?

Your pillows can be washed in your household washing machine if they are not marked “dry clean only.” With a light detergent and a gentle washing cycle, most pillows may be washed at home.

When should you throw away a pillow?

It’s time to get a new pillow if your current one isn’t supporting you adequately. During sleep, it is important to keep your head aligned with your neck and shoulders. Tension can build up in your neck and shoulders if you sleep on a pillow that causes your head to droop below your shoulders or one that pulls it forward too much.

Can an old pillow make you sick?

You could get sick from sleeping on a pillow that has mold, mildew, or bacteria in it. Sore throats, headaches, and nasal congestion might result from breathing in these irritants every night.

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

At least once every two weeks, you should wash your bed linens. You should wash your sheets at least once a week if you frequently perspire while you sleep. Washing your bed linens on a weekly basis may also help those who suffer from severe allergies.

How often should you change your bed pillows?

Your pillows should be replaced once a year or twice a year. The longevity of a pillow can be increased by washing it, but it may stop supporting you properly after a year or two. Replace your pillow if you find that it is no longer supporting your head or providing enough neck support.

Conclusion

Latex is an alternative to memory foam when it comes to making a pillow that conforms to your body. However, if you want to take advantage of its benefits, you’ll need to know how to properly clean a latex pillow. As a rule of thumb, unless the pillow requires a thorough cleaning, you don’t need to wash it frequently.

Soak the foam in soapy water, wring out the excess, and then repeat the process until all of the suds have been gone. Air out the cushion and let it to dry away from direct heat and sunlight. You don’t need to use a machine or a dryer to clean your latex pillow because they can damage it.

Maintaining adequate cleanliness also means using a pillow cover that can be washed more frequently. And if there are noticeable stains or you need to freshen your pillow, you can blot them with cloth dipped in a mix of dishwashing soap and water. Then, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum the pillow to eliminate the odor and other lingering allergens.

Pillow covers, which can be washed on a regular basis, are also recommended for better sanitation. If your pillow has stains or needs to be refreshed, dab it with a cloth dipped in a solution of dishwashing detergent and water. Sprinkle baking soda and vacuum the pillow to get rid of the odor and any allergens that may be left over after the cleaning process.