This post will answer your question, can you wash memory foam pillow? There are vital things you need to know if you want your bedroom pillow to last long and fresh.
So, continue reading and find out what we’ve got for you.
Typically, sleeping makes up one-third of your life. It’s essential in your overall health and sanity. Having a comfortable bed and relaxing space can help improve the quality of your sleep. One of today’s most common solutions for a restful sleep is using memory foam. However, it can become dirty over time, so it’s essential to understand how to keep it clean.
What Happens When You Wash a Memory Foam Pillow?
Some of the most common causes of a dirty pillow include dead skin cells, sweat, and dust mites. Memory foam pillows are not exempted from these elements. The challenge is keeping your memory foam clean and comfy all year round. Now, what happens when you wash it?
Can a memory foam pillow be washed? Cleaning your memory foam pillow involves deep cleaning, such as washing it. However, you should never wash this type of pillow on the washing machine as it may damage the foam. You can wet the foam, put some gentle cleaning solution, then carefully handwash it to remove dirt. Make sure to air dry the foam before using it again to avoid mildew and mold growth.
After washing it, you will notice that it becomes softer and lighter again just like when you first bought it. Also, there’s no more unpleasant smell due to dust mite feces, sweat, and other dirt.
How Do I Get the Sweat Smell Out of My Memory Foam Pillow?
Deodorizing your memory foam pillow is not as difficult as it seems. Just follow the instructions below and get a sweet-smelling pillow afterward:
- Remove the cover and lay it on your bed or any flat surface.
- Put some baking soda on the foam. Feel free to add some essential oils like lavender to make it fresher smelling. Plus, lavender oil makes sleep more comfortable and relaxing.
- Place your pillow outside for up to three hours, so it’s naturally deodorized under the sun. The baking soda will eliminate the sweat smell from the foam.
- Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum off your memory foam pillow so the remaining baking soda will be removed with the hairs, dead skin, dust mites, and other unwanted particles in the foam.
Baking soda is one of the essential household items when it comes to cleaning and deodorizing. It’s important to keep enough supply in your cabinet for future use.
How to Wash Memory Foam Pillow
Tough stains can be difficult to remove, especially for memory foam pillows. However, if you want to get rid of food spills and other liquid stains from your pillow, there’s an effective way to do that. The following are some expert tips on how to wash memory foam pillow:
- Fill your sink or bathtub with cold water. Sprinkle some mild detergent, then submerge your pillow. Gently squeeze the foam so that the soapy water gets in the material and take out the stains. Don’t wring the pillow because it can lead to damage.
- If there’s no more stain in the pillow, drain your tub and refill it with cold water. Submerge your pillow again while squeezing it until there’s no discoloration coming out of the foam. Continue squeezing gently to remove excess water.
- Get a clean towel and put your pillow on it, then roll them up. Gently squeeze to obliterate excess water. If there’s still water, do this step one more time.
- Unroll your memory foam pillow from the towel, put it in another dry towel. Make sure to air dry your pillow before you use it. Usually, drying time may take up to 24 hours. However, if you want a faster drying process, you can use your hairdryer on a cool setting.
You can sprinkle your favorite essential oil to make sure your pillow smells fresh after cleaning it.
How to Dry Memory Foam Pillow
When drying your memory foam pillow, there are some crucial pointers to keep in mind. For instance, you should never put it in the dryer because the heat will melt the foam. Also, never wring your memory foam pillow as it can only damage the material.
The best drying methods for memory foam pillows are air drying, sun drying, and using a hairdryer (set on Cool mode). You can use a clean towel to dry the foam by absorbing excess water. And if it’s the most convenient, you can dry your pillow in front of an electric fan.
How Often Should You Wash Pillows?
Traditional pillows need to be washed every two months to avoid accruing dead skin and dust mites. However, deep cleaning is necessary after you’ve been sick to get rid of bacteria and viruses that may infect others. It’s essential to sprinkle baking soda on the pillows when changing covers to eliminate any foul smell.
Regular vacuuming can also help eliminate dust mites that may be thriving in your memory foam pillows. Although they cannot borough in the material, keeping these pesky bed bugs from biting you while asleep is still essential. Baking soda helps absorb smell while keeping your pillows fresh and comfy. Here are some worthy tips to help you make sure you always get a good night sleep:
- Pillow surfaces must be vacuumed weekly.
- Spot cleaning must be performed monthly.
- Pillowcases must be changed at least once a week.
- Pillow covers and protectors must be washed periodically.
- Cleaning pillows must be done during a sunny day for faster drying.
What to do if you're memory foam pillow smells like mildew?
If your memory foam pillow has a mildew smell, it is likely that the pillow has become contaminated with mold or mildew. This can happen if the pillow has been stored in a damp or humid environment, or if it has become wet and has not been allowed to dry properly.
To remove the mildew smell from your memory foam pillow, you will need to clean the pillow and kill any mold or mildew that may be present. Here are a few steps you can take:
Remove the pillow cover: If your pillow has a removable cover, take it off and set it aside. If the cover is not removable, or if it is also contaminated with mold or mildew, you will need to replace it.
Clean the pillow: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to lightly mist the surface of the pillow. Be sure to cover the entire pillow, including any creases or folds. Let the vinegar solution sit for a few minutes, then use a clean cloth to blot away any excess moisture.
Dry the pillow: Place the pillow in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid using a hair dryer or placing the pillow in direct sunlight, as these can damage the foam.
Sanitize the pillow: Once the pillow is dry, you can use a natural disinfectant, such as tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide, to kill any remaining mold or mildew. Mix a small amount of the disinfectant with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the surface of the pillow. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then blot away any excess moisture.
Replace the pillow cover: Once the pillow is clean and dry, you can replace the pillow cover or use a new one. If you are using a new cover, be sure to wash it before putting it on the pillow to remove any dirt or dust.
Summary
One of today’s most delicate materials used in making pillows is memory foam. Therefore, it’s essential to be careful when cleaning and washing memory foam pillows. Proper care and regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your pillows. You can change your memory foam pillow after 18 to 36 months of use.
A well-maintained bedroom is a key to quality sleep. Follow the tips in washing memory foam pillows provided above to enjoy their benefits. So, are you cleaning your pillows regularly and adequately?
