Memory foam pillows can indeed be cleaned, but they should not be washed in a washing machine due to the risk of damaging the foam. Instead, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the pillow quickly and easily. Additionally, there are safe methods for stain removal and deep cleaning that can be used on memory foam pillows.
In this article, we will cover three methods for cleaning memory foam pillows, along with the appropriate circumstances and frequency for each type of cleaning. By following these cleaning tips, you can keep your memory foam pillows fresh and in good condition for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Deodorizing and Eliminating Allergens from Memory Foam Pillows
Cleaning memory foam pillows is essential to eliminate odors, allergies, and maintain their loft. While washing can be harmful, using a vacuum with the upholstery attachment is an effective method to remove dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other particles. For a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming to neutralize odors. However, this step is only necessary as needed. Regular vacuuming of memory foam pillows, every 1-3 months, will keep them allergen-free and smelling fresh.
How to Spot-Treat Stains on Memory Foam Pillows
Spot treating, also known as spot cleaning, is a method used to address specific stains in localized areas, as opposed to washing, which involves overall cleaning. You can perform spot treating on an as-needed basis, every 1-3 months as part of regular maintenance or deeper cleaning.
What You’ll Need:
- Stain treatment product and/or liquid laundry detergent
- Light-colored cloth
- Laundry brush (optional)
Step 1:Identify the Stain
Remove pillowcases and protectors, then identify the specific stain that needs to be treated. Common pillow stains include body soils like sweat, saliva, or blood, which are protein-based stains. For these, it’s best to use an enzymatic stain remover. If unsure of the stain’s nature, liquid laundry detergent can serve as an all-purpose stain treatment.
Step 2:Apply Stain Remover
Dampen a light-colored cloth with a small amount of stain remover instead of applying it directly to the pillow. Using a white or light-colored cloth prevents dye transfer. For deep stains, a laundry brush may be necessary.
Step 3:Dab the Stain
Gently dab the stain remover onto the stain using the cloth. Blot the stain until it disappears, reapplying the stain treatment to the cloth as needed. Avoid scrubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers or spread it.
Step 4:Rinse the Stain Remover
Once the stain is removed, rinse the cloth thoroughly and gently dab the treated area with clean water to remove any residue from the stain remover.
Step 5:Dry Completely
Allow the pillow to dry completely before placing a pillowcase on it and returning it to the bed.
How to Deep Clean a Memory Foam Pillow
Before deep cleaning a memory foam pillow, always check the care label for specific instructions. Typically, memory foam pillows need to be hand-washed, as machine washing can damage the foam. However, memory foam often has hypoallergenic properties that help prevent the presence of allergens like mildew and dust mites, so it doesn’t require frequent deep cleaning like other types of pillows. Experts suggest deep cleaning a memory foam pillow every 6-12 months.
What You’ll Need:
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Stain treatment product (optional)
- Clean, dry towels
Step 1:Fill a Large Basin with Water and Detergent
Choose a spacious area like the bathtub, kitchen sink, utility sink, or a large bucket to fully submerge the pillow. Fill the basin with lukewarm water and 1 Tbsp. of detergent. Avoid using excess detergent to make rinsing easier later.
Step 2: Submerge the Pillow
Remove any pillowcases or coverings and apply a stain treatment to the pillow if needed, especially for specific stains like blood. Submerge the pillow in the detergent solution and gently massage it with your hands to allow the detergent to penetrate its fibers.
Step 3: Agitate the Pillow
Lift the pillow out of the basin and squeeze out the soapy water. Then, return it to the basin and massage it again. Repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure thorough cleaning.
Step 4: Rinse the Pillow
Rinse the pillow thoroughly with clean water. If you used the bathtub or sink for washing, rinse it under the faucet. While rinsing, gently squeeze the pillow to remove any remaining soapy water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 5: Dry the Pillow
Press down on the pillow in the basin to remove excess water, then place it on a clean, dry towel. Add another towel on top and press down to squeeze out more water. Lay the pillow flat to air dry, preferably outdoors in the sun if possible. Ensure the pillow is completely dry before putting on the pillowcase or protector and returning it to the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a memory foam pillow to dry?
Memory foam pillows are denser compared to down or down-alternative pillows, so they typically take longer to dry after washing. Allow your memory foam pillow at least four hours to dry completely, although it may take up to 24 hours.
How can I make my memory foam pillow more fluffy?
To increase the fluffiness of your memory foam pillow, you can fluff it by hand, similar to how you would do with a down or down-alternative pillow. Another option is to place your memory foam pillow in the dryer along with a few tennis balls and run a brief tumble cycle to achieve a considerable fluffiness.
How long do memory foam pillows last?
With proper care, a memory foam pillow can last up to three years. After that period, it may start showing signs of aging, becoming less fluffy and supportive overall.
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