If you’re thinking about washing your memory foam pillow, you might be wondering if it can handle a spin in the washing machine. In this blog, we’ll help you understand everything, how you can clean your memory foam pillow without damaging it and how to keep it clean.
We wash our pillow cases quite frequently but we don’t pay much attention to washing the pillow. Memory foam pillows are quite popular these days and millions of people use it for different reasons, be it neck or back pain, comfort, proper support, or all of it. Memory foam pillows are made from a special type of foam that responds to heat and pressure. This makes them very comfortable because they mold to the shape of your head and neck. However, this special foam is different from regular pillows and needs careful handling.
Can You Wash a Memory Foam Pillow in the Machine?
In short: No, you should not put a memory foam pillow in the washing machine. Memory foam pillow can get lumpy if it gets wet and also loses its shape. Memory foam in general is very absorbent. Water can damage the foam’s structure especially if you spin it in the washing machine. Harsh stocks on the pillow can make it less comfortable and less supportive and can lead to tears and other damage.
How to Clean Memory Foam Pillow
Even though you can’t put your memory foam pillow in the washing machine, you can still keep it clean with these simple steps:
1. Spot Clean: If you’ve spilled something on your pillow, the first step you need to take in an instant is remove the pillow case and clean the stain with a clean dry towel or paper tissue. Always use lifting motion while cleaning the stain, don’t just rub the stain left and right. Rubbing it can make the stain spread more, making the situation even worse.
If the stain is already on the memory foam or if there are old stains, you can use a mild detergent and water. Dampen a cloth with the soapy water, gently blot the stain, and then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure not to soak the foam. You can repeat the process until the stain is gone.
2. Freshen Up: There are times when your pillow doesn’t feel fresh, an unpleasant order starts coming from it. The primary reason for it's the buildup of sweat, dust, dust mites, body soils, pet dander, and other small particles. Washing could be one way to clean this pillow but another way is to gently vacuum away the dust, dust mites, pet dander, etc. Or you can use baking soda to remove the odors. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for 15 minutes, so that it can absorb the smell, then shake off the baking soda or vacuum it.
3. Dry Properly: If the pillow gets a little damp when you clean the spot, it is important that you dry the pillow completely before putting it back on your bed. You can use a traditional drying method, put the pillow on a rack so that it is well ventailed to speed up the drying process.
How to Deep Clean Your Memory Foam Pillow
If you are thinking of washing your pillow with water, the best method to wash the memory foam pillow is by hand. Memory foam pillows can be cleaned easily by simply running slightly warm water on it until it’s totally cleaned. However, you should be gentle. Follow these steps to deep clean memory foam pillow:
- Start with removing the pillow cover and slowly submerge the memory foam pillow in water or just allow the water to run from the tap over the pillow. Allow moving it around too much to ensure that all of the inner stuffing is not flushed out.
- Do not put memory foam in the washing machine. The tough agitation of the machine might break the stuffing of the pillow and deteriorate the quality of the pillow.
- Do not use a dryer on a pillow made up of memory foam.
- Avoid drenching the pillow after you have cleaned it. You can gently squeeze the memory foam pillow until the water comes out. The best method of drying the memory foam pillow is by simply hanging it outdoors on a sunny day to dry it quickly.
How to Keep Your Memory Foam Pillow Clean
- Use a Pillowcase: Always use a pillowcase or pillow protector. This helps keep your pillow clean from sweat, dust, and spills. Choose something that is colorful and vibrant, they could be a great addition to your room decor, just in case you like everything aesthetic and beautiful.
- Regular Fluffing: Fluff your pillow regularly to help maintain its shape and support. Make this a habit of doing so when you make your bed in the morning.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: While it's good to air out your pillow, avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can sometimes damage the foam.
By following these steps, you can keep your memory foam pillow clean and comfy without risking any damage. Remember, the key is to be gentle and avoid soaking the pillow in water.
If you have overused your memory foam pillow and it has lost its loft and shape and there is no way of making it any better, it is high time to get a new one. A memory foam pillow could be an effective and affordable option for you. It is proven to help so many people with neck and back pain. Get yourself a new one and take good care of it so that it can last longer.