How to Wash Memory Foam Pillows
When was the last time you washed your pillows? Not your pillowcases or protectors, but real pillows? Yes, with yellow spots .
We recently discussed how to wash traditional pillows and how often (at least every six months), but what about memory foam pillows?
As it turns out, you can’t just put memory foam pillows in the washing machine as if they were traditional down-filled pillows, because agitation in both the washer and dryer can cause the foam to disintegrate, according to an expert on cleaning. Jolie Kerr . However, there are other ways to wash memory foam pillows. Here’s what you need to know.
How to wash memory foam pillows
You have a few different options when it comes to cleaning memory foam pillows, depending on what you’re trying to achieve.
Vacuum the pillows first
Vacuuming your memory foam pillow (ideally with an upholstery attachment) should be the first step, whether you plan on moving to one or both of the steps below. This will help get rid of dead skin flakes and other types of dust and allergens buried in the foam. The Bedpillows.com team recommends vacuuming your memory foam pillow every time you change sheets (assuming you change sheets weekly).
If your pillow starts to smell (which makes sense given the sweat and other secretions you exude every night), Kerr suggests dusting it with baking soda, letting it sit for an hour, then vacuuming it with an upholstery attachment. She notes that pillow deodorization can happen as needed or once every one to three months.
But while useful and necessary, vacuuming doesn’t really mean washing your pillow (it’s coming).
Remove stains
Skip this step if there are no stains on the pillows. For everyone else, use a clean white or off-white cloth and some general purpose stain remover. Apply a small amount of stain remover to the fabric (not directly on the pillow), then blot the stain (but don’t rub). Continue to blot the stain until it is gone, adding stain remover to the fabric as needed.
Then rinse the cloth thoroughly, then dampen the stain with water again to rinse it out. If you’re going to stop there, Kerr stresses the importance of letting the pillow dry completely before putting it back on.
Wash the pillow
When you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to deep clean your memory foam pillow . Here’s what to do:
- Fill a tub or large basin with warm water and add no more than one tablespoon of mild detergent. ( Remember : more detergent doesn’t mean your pillow will be cleaner. It means you’ll have to spend a lot more time rinsing it.)
- Immerse the pillow in the water, massaging it as you move, making sure that the entire pillow is soaked.
- Remove the pillow from the tub and squeeze out the soapy water. Then put it back in the bath, massage a little more and squeeze out the water again. Repeat this process a third time.
- Drain the tub and squeeze the soapy water out of the pillow.
- Fill the tub with clean water. Repeat the dipping, massaging and squeezing process above until the water runs clear and the pillow is rinsed out.
- Drain the bath again. Press a pillow into the tub or basin to remove excess water, leaving it flat.
- Remove the pillow from the tub and place it on a clean, dry towel. Then place a second clean, dry towel on top of the pillow. Press down to squeeze out more water.
- Allow the pillow to air dry, ideally outdoors in direct sunlight (or indoors under a ceiling fan if that’s not possible). Make sure the pillow is completely dry before putting on the pillowcase.
How often should I wash my memory foam pillow?
Memory foam pillows are more resistant to dust and other allergens than traditional pillows, Kerr says, so they don’t need to be washed as often. She recommends doing this every six to twelve months .